“Poetry and life are two different outpouring of the same thing; life as we usually conceive it contains what we normally accept as reality, but the spectacle of this incoherent and disorderly life can satisfy neither the poet'’s talent nor the reader’'s imagination ... poetry does not contain a complete reconstruction of what we call reality; we have entered a new world.”— Jibanananda Das
SHAMSUR RAHMAN
Shamsur Rahman was a Bangladeshi poet, columnist and journalist. Rahman, who emerged in the latter half of the 20th century, wrote more than sixty books of poetry and is considered a key figure in Bengali literature. He was regarded the unofficial poet laureate of Bangladesh. Major themes in his poetry and writings include liberal humanism, human relations, romanticised rebellion of youth, the emergence of and consequent events in Bangladesh, and opposition to religious fundamentalism. Awards Adamjee Award (1962) Bangla Academy Award (1969) Ekushey Padak (1977) Swadhinata Dibosh Award (1991) Mitshubishi Award of Japan (1992) Ananda Puroshker from India (1994). TLM South Asian Literature Award for the Masters, 2006. Poetry Prothom Gan Ditio Mrittur Age (1960) Roudro Korotite (1963) Biddhosto Nilima (1967) Niralokay Dibboroth (1968) Neej Bashbhumay (1970) Bondi Shibir Theke (1972) Dusshomoyer Mukhomukhi (1973) Firiay Nao Ghatok Kata (1974) Adigonto Nogno Pododhoni (1974) Ak Dhoroner Ohongkar (1975) Ami Onahari (1976) Bangladesh Shopno Dakhay (1977) Protidin Ghorhin Ghore (1978) Ekaruser Akash (1982) Udbhot Uter Pithe Cholche Shodesh (1983) Nayoker Chaya (1983) Amar Kono Tara Nei (1984) Je Ondho Shundori Kade (1984) Astray Amar Bishshash Nei (1985) Homerer Shopnomoy Hat (1985) Shironam Mone Pore Na (1985) Icchay Hoy Ektu Darai (1985) Dhulay Goray Shirostran (1985) Deshodrohi Hote Icchay Kore (1986) Tableay Applegulo Heshe Othay (1986) Obirol Jolahromi (1986) Amra Kojon Shongi (1986) Jhorna Amar Angulay (1987) Shopnera Dukray Othay Barbar (1987) Khub Beshi Valo Thakte Nei (1987) Moncher Majhkhanay (1988) Buk Tar Bangladesher Hridoy (1988) Matal Hrittik Hridoy Amar Prithibir Alo (1989) Shay Ak Porobashay(1990) Grihojudder Agae(1990) Khondito Gourob(1992) Dhongsher Kinare Bashay(1992) Akash Ashbe Neme(1994) Uzar Baganay(1995) Asho Kokil Asho Shornochapa Manob Hridoy Naibeddo Shajai Hemonto Shondhay Kichukal(1997) Chayagoner Shonge Kichukkhon Meghlokay Monoz(1998) Shoundorjo Amar Ghore(1998) Ruper Probale Dogdho Shondha(1998) Tukro Kichu Shonglaper Shako(1998) Shopno O Dushshopnay Bachay Achi(1999) Nokkhotro Bajate Bajate(2000) Shuni Hridoyer Dhoni(2000) Hridopodmay Jotsna Dolay(2001) Bhognostupay Golaper Hashi(2002) Bhangachora Chand Mukh Kalo Kore Dhukchay(2003) Ak Phota kemon Onol(1986) Horiner Har(1993) Gontobbo Nai Ba Thakuk(2004) Krishnopokkhay Purnimar Dikay(2004) Gorostanay Kokiler Korun Aaobhan(2005) Andhokar Theke Aloy(2006) Na Bastob Na Dushshopno(2006) Short Stories Shamsur Rahmaner Golpo Novels Octopas(1983) Adbhut Adhar Ak(1985) Niyoto Montaz(1985) Elo Je Abelzxzxay(1994) Children's Literature Alating Belating(1974) Dhan Bhanle Kuro Debo(1977) Golap Phote Khukir Hatay(1977) Rongdhonur Shako(1994) Lal Fulkir Chora(1995) Noyonar Jonno(1997) Amer Kuri Jamer Kuri(2004) Noyonar Jonno(2005) Autobiography Kaaler Dhuloy Lekha Smritir Shohor Collected Columns Akanto Bhabna Poems in Translation Robert Froster Kobita(1966) Robert Froster Nirbachito Kobita(1968) Khawaja Farider Kobita(1968) Drama in Translation William Shakespeare's Hamlet Uzein O'Neeler Markomilions
All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant, Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms. Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwillingly to school. And then the lover, Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier, Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard, Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice, In fair round belly with good capon lined, With eyes severe and beard of formal cut, Full of wise saws and modern instances; And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts Into the lean and slippered pantaloon, With spectacles on nose and pouch on side; His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice, Turning again toward childish treble, pipes And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all, That ends this strange eventful history, Is second childishness and mere oblivion, Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.