Επιμέλεια: Εύα Πετροπούλου Λιανού
Translated by Alam Mahbub
“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through… but one thing is certain: when you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in.”
— Haruki Murakami
One day, everything will fall into place—
a single colored bird will perch on this weary veranda,
its silence echoing louder than any song.
Fourteen thousand souls from fourteen lineages
will gather to see this speechless miracle take form.
The world’s unwanted sorrows
will pack their grief and vanish elsewhere.
In the hollow of a weightless chest,
you alone will dwell—
a joy untouched, immortal in its numbness.
Rain will fall on the fields of the heart,
a cold sensation kissing every scar.
The lifeless me, and my suspended dreams,
will rise to seek a world hued with wonder.
A life that longed only for love
will, at last, bloom into tenderness.
Crowds will tumble in reverence
to witness the motionless shape,
its stillness cradled in devotion.
Even if not for a life— let it be for a lifeless form.
Ariful Islam: Poet, Literary Critic, and Editor
Ariful Islam is a poet and literary critic, best known in the literary sphere for his role as an editor. He was born on April 15, 1982, and currently resides in Islampur Sadar, Jamalpur district. He is the fourth among five children of Md. Habibur Rahman and Fatema Begum.
He lives with his wife, Sapia Rikta, son Rudra Islam, and daughter Ritu Islam in a close-knit family. A successful entrepreneur by profession, he is the Executive Director of Rudra Computer & Stationery House, and also serves as the publisher and editor of Ritu Prokashak.
In addition to contributing to various national and international newspapers as a journalist, Ariful has been the long-time editor and publisher of the online daily Sahitya Barta. He is also the editor of the widely discussed cross-border little magazine Rachoyita, which connects literary voices from both Bengals.
He is the founding director of several notable institutions in Islampur, including Brahmaputra Cultural Academy, WIT School (for underprivileged children), and the Rachoyita Literary Council.
Published Works (7 books):
Kalo Mukhosh (Poetry, 2009)
Shat Taarar Moyukh (Poetry, 2010)
Bangla Sahitye Bankobodol (Essays, 2012)
Opekkhar Shesh Prohor (Novel, 2011)
Gumer Chitay Swadhinata (Poetry, 2017)
Rudra O Onnanyo Kobita (Poetry, 2022)
Prithibir Prothom Dorja (Poetry, 2024)
His work reflects a deep commitment to literature, culture, and community engagement, making him a unique and respected figure in the contemporary Bengali literary landscape.
