All The People

All the people got united in a second, 
They anointed their sinews, ribs and muscles
With a new-born pledge. 
The history of the land pulsates on the horizon 
                                of time.
Ekushey February is a fearless Journey
On the road of consciousness, 
Ekushey February is a united being 
                   of a million men.
Ekushey February is written with the sleepless terror
Of the conscience-stricken egoist, 
Who starts at the sound of falling leaves. 
Ekushey February is the tearing explosion 
Of rage, of hatred, 
With her black flags, posters and blood-red
            scribblings of tears.
She is much changed now, alas!
The unseen magic hands of treachery
Stifles her; the black vampire of prudence
            spreads its wings; 
A shrouded giant stalks the stage of sorrow
            every year!
(His name is foresight)
A great popular upsurge 
A strong faith in life
Is now nothing but a corpse of vows.
Ekushey February is a mere silent memory 
        of the past,
A mis-spent tear of people's pride, 
A pale history of an atrophied urge. 

Translated by K. Ashraf Hossain