Bucolic Bengal: Poems On Rural Life 

These poems are based on the rural life of West Bengal. It’s a collaborative work, featuring images by award-winning photographer Plabon Das: 

I 

Crossovers recoup the breach
and water evokes 
figures of fellowship.   

II 

Clay or cut — 
frolics do not cease 
over trifles. Riverside 
hosts the young as 
clouds burst into drizzles.  
 

III

Kash reveals autumn. 
Fisher plies shallop to 
pluck the floating plenty.
 

IV

Fancies fathom no ceiling. 
Can iris assess the zenith?
Kites are born of chimeras. 

V

Travelers garner around the Baul. 
What does he chant?
Melody unfurls…

Govinda manifests across 
the bank of Ajay.  

VI

Argil raises the hovel.
Bamboo and retted jute stem 
mould to model.

Owl assures daughter
acts like the goddess.   

VII

Her gaze is fixed. 
Mien limns the reality. 
 

(By Kiriti Sengupta)