Love in the time of plague: Boudhayan Mukherjee

Last time it was a strange light, last time it was a strange smell

The winter took away my father, the winter was very cold.

Anything may happen this time, anything may happen at this moment.

My eyes may stop seeing you, my eyes may need new light.

I may lose my job, I may lose my grade and bread.

Last time I was very brave, last time I went hitch--hiking

This year I have changed, this year I am strange.

My girl doesn't love me well, she doesn't meet me often.

The winter took away her brother, the winter killed her strength.

I can hear her mother crying,, I can feel  them softly dying.

Yet life flows on, for we shall all be re-born

A fresh mass of flesh, a fresh bud of desire.

***

Bio: Boudhayan Mukherjee, a bilingual poet, author and translator started as student editor and literary secretary of Tagore's Visva Bharati University. Has been published extensively in journals and newspapers since the mid seventies. First book of verse 'Black Milk' followed by five poetry anthologies, a collection of short-stories and books of translations, Has represented Sahitya Akademi, the prime literary institution of India, at various poetry readings and taught Creative Writing in English Indira Gandhi National Open University. A founder member and poetry co-coordinator of Srijan, one of the most renowned literary platforms of Kolkata. Editor of several literary magazines, he has been recently awarded the Swaymagata Literary Prize [2021]. 

---

Setu, February 2023