Prose
Haunting Shadows . Top Story - April 2025.
They say forgiveness sets me free, But they forgot to mention the chains it first breaks, Not the ones that held the one who hurt me, But the invisible ones I wrapped around my heart, To protect my heart from changing, from dying, While trying to survive what should have broken me, While trying to stay afloat, in the middle of this storm. It’s over, I tell myself, That his power has withered, That the memories are buried in the dust of time, But when a word, a tone, a silence, Echoes too close to my past, when history almost repeats, I fall into that pit again, Dark, damp, and familiar, The pit he threw me into over and over again. Somehow, I still carry the scent of that place. I thought I was free, I felt I had healed, But my body remembers, Even when my mind fights to forget, The pain resurfaces, I feel so weak, The trauma is still with me, alive and fresh, I relapse, my healing journey is not yet over, Filled with broken signs, and unexpected detours. I lash out sometimes, Not because I hate, But because I’m still bleeding, weeping, The person before me is not him, But my heart confuses the shadows for the source, I mourn, not just for them, for myself, For the softness I’m still trying to reclaim. Forgiveness is not forgetting, It is easier said than done, They wouldn’t understand my struggles. Forgiveness, is not pretending it never happened, It’s standing in the ruins and choosing peace, Not because they deserve it but because I do, Because I want to be whole, to laugh without tears, Love without defense, breathe without fear. I wish the memories could disappear, partial amnesia, Only forgetting the memories of him, And how he broke me into a thousand pieces, Everything about him would become inexistent to me, Not to erase the woman I’ve become, The courage I showed, or the strength I acquired, But to make space for who I am becoming. They say I should move on, They think I don’t try, I don’t want to, But they can only know how hard it is, The courage and strength required to forgive, When they have gone through the same trauma, It’s easy to move on when minor things happen, But in this case, I’m at war every day, Fighting my past, fighting death, trying to truly live.
By Peace Oputa2 years ago in Poets
The poet of rural Bangla
Jasimuddin: The Poet of Rural Bengal Jasimuddin, often referred to as the "Palli Kabi" or the “Folk Poet,” was one of the most cherished literary figures in Bengali literature. His works are celebrated for their deep portrayal of rural Bengal—its beauty, simplicity, sorrows, and joys. Through his poetry and prose, Jasimuddin immortalized the soul of the Bengali village and became a voice for the common people. Early Life and Education Jasimuddin was born on January 1, 1903, in the village of Tambulkhana in Faridpur district, Bangladesh. He grew up in a rural environment that deeply influenced his later works. His early life was surrounded by the sounds, sights, and struggles of village life, which he observed closely and eventually wove into his poetry. He studied at the University of Calcutta, where he completed his Master’s in Bengali literature. It was during his student years that he started writing poetry that captured the attention of the literary world. Literary Contributions Jasimuddin’s first major poem, "Kabar" (The Grave), earned wide acclaim. It was published in 1919 while he was still a student, and it moved readers with its heartfelt depiction of rural customs and family bonds. The poem tells the story of a grandfather narrating his life and the death of his loved ones while sitting beside their graves. It was so touching and unique in its language and theme that even Rabindranath Tagore praised it highly. His best-known work is "Nakshi Kanthar Math" (The Field of the Embroidered Quilt), a narrative poem that tells a tragic love story. It beautifully illustrates the folk culture, emotional depth, and spiritual strength of rural people. The poem is woven with local dialects and imagery that transport the reader to the heart of rural Bengal. "Nakshi Kanthar Math" has been translated into several languages and is considered a classic of Bengali literature. Other significant works include "Sojan Badiar Ghat", "Rakhali", "Dhumketu", and "Balu Char". His stories and poems often revolve around village life, peasant struggles, love, and separation. Language and Style What makes Jasimuddin’s writing unique is his use of simple, folk-based language. He often used regional dialects and rustic phrases, bringing authenticity to his characters and settings. His poems read like songs, and many have been adapted into music. His style is deeply lyrical, filled with emotional resonance and cultural richness. He is also credited for collecting and preserving hundreds of folk songs, including Bhatiali, Baul, and Murshidi. These songs are integral parts of Bengali heritage, and his efforts helped preserve them for future generations. Cultural Impact Jasimuddin played a vital role in bringing rural life to the forefront of Bengali literature. Before him, most literature focused on urban life or abstract philosophical ideas. He gave importance to the village people, their language, their struggles, and their happiness. He was also a teacher, folklorist, and radio personality. His work in collecting folklore and rural songs contributed significantly to the cultural history of Bangladesh. In recognition of his literary contributions, he received numerous awards, including the President’s Award for Pride of Performance (Pakistan), the D.Litt. degree from Rabindra Bharati University (India), and posthumously the Independence Day Award (Bangladesh). Legacy Jasimuddin passed away on March 13, 1976, but his legacy continues to live on. His works are part of school and university curriculums across Bangladesh, and his poems are still recited with great emotion. His portrayal of rural Bengal remains unmatched, and his name is forever associated with the beauty and soul of the countryside. In an age of fast urbanization, Jasimuddin reminds us of the roots of Bengali culture—its people, its rivers, its fields, and its emotions. His writings are not just literature; they are a bridge between modern readers and the eternal simplicity of village life.
By Nabir Mondol2 years ago in Poets
