On Ekushey Book Fair

And even though the title sounds offbeat,
It still looks to be a superhit.
Has this writer brought out a book before?
Don't remember seeing one;
Though it's possible I am the only one in the dark,
About what other literature buffs already know.

I say, where have you been all this time?

Like the tia bird flushed out of a forest
Your book too at last has seen the light of the day--
Look how long it has been since we last met
And now today on this field at the book fair.

Held it in his hands and turned it over and over
Licked a forefinger
Leafed through the pages, caressing it withglances...

Quite bold; courageous, I have to admit;
Clasped it close to his breast in a tender embrace
As if to breathe in its fragrance
And drew in a lungful of crisp, fresh air.
Then, suddenly, with an abstract, remote air
Slammed the book down, and without a word
Strode off God knows where

Perplexing me that day, today, and ever....