Επιμέλεια: Εύα Πετροπούλου Λιανού
One Day You Were Lost From Poetry by – Ri Hossain
One day you were lost from poetry
I searched all day Once in the rain,
Once in a revolutionary procession
I searched the upstream of the Burflower-tree
The parakeet had flown there too
I searched for you in the fish market
The smell of raw fish still lingers on me
I searched every alley of the black neighborhood
I looked sharply into the murky waters of the Buriganga
Up the 32-story staircase to the office rooftop
On a night of shortness of breath, in the scent of bakul flowers
In Madhumati Cinema Hall, on the 8no. Jatrabari local bus
In the car’s rearview mirror
Leaving the city for the village; in Madina’s courtyard
At the bank of the Padma in Bara Noapara-
I searched for you once, again and again…
In such countless times
You were nowhere to be found- nowhere.
One day you were lost from poetry
That day the world became poetry-less
No poem was written…..
That day… no poet could write a poem.
© Ri Hossain
This poetry written before year 2000 Scent by Ri Hossain
A scent follows me like a shadow,
Wherever I go, wherever I open my heart,
Wherever my eyes drift,
Wherever I sell myself to greed or envy!
When I am hungry, the fragrance becomes intense,
When I sit to write poetry, the scent gets scattered,
When I sin, the scent becomes suffocating,
And when I love, the fragrance becomes gentle and neat.
When you come, the scent disappears,
When you come, the fragrance feels like your own aroma…
© Ri Hossain
*** This poetry written before year 2014
Ever-flowing by Ri Hossain
You know, of course…
One day even communism will become old,
The color of the rose will change, it will become purple,
Inequality will be sold in the guise of equality.
You know,
One day the eternal will also come to an end,
The mountain of principles will collapse.
Yet, you do not know,
We are living in a past.
One day you will find love, yet,
You know, of course; you do not know,
This love of mine for you,
Like time itself; Ever-flowing
And it has no Universe.
You do not know,
This is an infinite present.
© Ri Hossain
*** This poetry written before year 2008
Biography of Ri Hossain
Ri Hossain is a prominent and passionate voice in Bengali poetry, recognized as a rebellious and resilient figure in the literary landscape. His poetry reflects personal experiences, societal conflicts, and deep social injustices, making him a significant commentator on contemporary issues.
**Early Life and Writing Beginnings**
Born on August 19, in 1981 (though some debate exists regarding the exact year), in New Senpur, Rangpur District, Ri Hossain grew up in a complex social environment marked by injustice and inequality. His father’s ancestral home is in the village of Mosadgaon, Louhajong, Munshiganj. These early experiences of oppression and marginalization profoundly influenced his poetic voice.
Hossain began his literary journey in 1993 with the publication of his first poem, “Ei Borshay,” in a local newspaper called *Juger Alo*. Over the years, he established himself within the literary community, addressing themes of social inequality, the suffering of the oppressed, and the tyranny of authoritarian regimes.
**Protest and Rebellion in Poetry**
Ri Hossain’s poetry serves as a potent form of resistance. His work, particularly during the protests against quotas and inequality in July-August 2024, resonated deeply with the movements of the time. His poetry collection, *Kobitar Abhyutthan Chai* (I Demand a Uprising of Poetry), played a crucial role in the activism of 2024, especially the poem “Bidrohe” (In Rebellion), which inspired many and highlighted the plight of martyr Abu Sayeed.
He actively participated in these movements, often preparing for protests with meticulous care, sharing important information with his wife in case of his demise. His poems, such as “Amake Shoke Dhoreche” (Grief Has Taken Hold of Me), “Bivartan” (Evolution), and “Jhapata Batasher Gaan” (The Song of the Blustering Wind), capture the themes of grief, struggle, and the desire for change, portraying vivid imagery of both natural and social revolutions.
**Literature and Life Philosophy**
Ri Hossain views his writing as vital as air, intended not just for personal enjoyment but to raise societal awareness. In 2014, due to his rebellious writings, he faced pressure from the National Security Intelligence (NSI) and had to submit a written apology. Despite such challenges, he remained undeterred, continuing to explore deep themes of death, grief, and the essence of life in his essays and poems.
In June 2024, two of his poems, “Kapurusher Ma” (Mother of the Coward) and “Durbritto” (Ruffian), drew threats due to their anti-India sentiments. Nevertheless, he persisted in his literary pursuits, emphasizing that his life, like his writings, is intertwined with political and social contexts.
**Conclusion**
Ri Hossain is a poet of struggle, whose work awakens the human spirit and exposes societal inconsistencies, injustices, and disparities. His life exemplifies a commitment to society and a courageous stance against oppression. Through his poetry, themes of grief, protest, love, and deep social responsibility resonate powerfully, making him an essential voice in contemporary Bengali literature.
