Black Market

Sabujbaran Basu (translated by Khademul Islam)
Within our city borders
smuggling is called 'black’
in the eyes of the law a grave offence

Yet in this city when my lover
fooling all playing hide 'n seek
comes to meet me
from her eyes

Drip
tears like golden biscuits....tempting
I note, she too wears a black sari

So, your Honour,
in this city am I
thief or lover?

Khademul Islam is literary editor, The Daily Star.