The Tall But Hollow Institutions

Mottakeenur Rehman

1

Under the shadow of formal and traditional institutions,
I am unable to conform to the highest formality,
That which my parents once sought for me.

2

On my first day at Dhuhi Novodaya Jatiya Vidyalaya,
As my educational life began,
Our headmistress, Anupama Rajbanshi, tenderly asked me, "What will you be... you be?"
I replied, "Whatever will be... will be, even I don't know what life truly entails!"

3

I spent the majority of my time burying my nose in the books of the prescribed syllabus.
Today, on 25.02.18, when I suddenly faced expulsion,
I came to know of my father's perspective.
My father, roughly and sorrowfully, told me,
"You did well with your choice of English major in your undergraduate degree,
But you repeatedly fail to overcome the hurdles of pursuing a master's degree.
What do you want to be... to be?"
I replied, "Without a doubt, I will prioritize poetry over the bureaucratic traditional institutions."
Father said to me, "You won't achieve anything with poetry,
You can't even sustain a livelihood solely through poetry."
I politely responded, "If sorrows were to be completely erased, I would not have written the soul of poetry!
Yes, admittedly, nothing substantial can be achieved through poetry!
But solely because of the nourishing dream and literary meditation,
Without obtaining a parrot-like certificate of learning,
Through the melody of poetry,
I will surely conquer and enchant the hearts of millions in the end."

4

Now, I'm uncertain about what I possess.
I experience extreme pain when rising from a lying position.
Since the days of expulsion,
I haven't slept for two days.
I keep the window open,
As poetry is always welcome in my solitude,
It alleviates it to some extent and often invites the freedom of dignity,
Or the enchanting beauty of the poinciana's landscape!

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Comments +

Comments5

  • Lorna

    You have played the orchestra of our hearts Mottakeenur.......

    • Mottakeenur Rehman

      Then I am succeed.........Pleased you realise my spirit...!!

      • Lorna

        Yes! A lovely start to my day.......

      • Michael Edwards

        I read this through twice such is the strength of it - a powerful write of your difficult journey and it strikes home with me - may your chosen journey continue.

      • FineB

        Hello
        Mottakeenur,

        Long time no speak. A wonderful poem. Thought provoking, interesting and a brilliant good write!

        Well Done!

        Keep writing
        Fine B

      • Saima

        A really powerful poem! Nice write 🙂

      • Neville

        an interesting, presumably autobiographical tale told well.. your words captivated me throughout the journey of your learning and love for poetry.... thank you... Neville

        • Mottakeenur Rehman

          Thank a lot...for take a look.....Brother I always appreciate your comment and it gives me the immense power...💖🖋👏🙏

          • Neville

            you are most welcome.. Neville



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