"When will winter come, Suparna" – Poet Bhaskar Chakraborty

When will winter come, Suparna I will sleep for three months—every evening

Someone jokingly injects a frog’s blood into my body—  

I sit still, in the dark.  

Somewhere, blue lanterns rise into the sky,  

All night, fireworks burst,  

Shouts and laughter—then suddenly,  

Like a magic trick, all candles go out at once—  

On festival days,  

The wind tries to touch the sound of the flute.  

And then I hear nothing—  

Whenever I see water, I feel like jumping in.  

I imagine—inside the water—submerged,  

Raising my face just to breathe.  

I don’t like it, Suparna,  

I am not like a human, nor light, nor a dream—  

My feet are growing wider, slowly—  

Whenever I hear the sound of horse hooves,  

My heart trembles, my breath quickens,  

Every day, I push the clock hands forward with my fingers—  

I don’t like it—  

When will winter come, Suparna? I will sleep for three months.  

One early morning, I woke up and saw  

Clouds leaning near my window—  

Everything was dark,  

Even my own fingernails were barely visible.  

That day,  

I thought of you and suddenly began to cry—  

I lit a matchstick against my hair,  

The smell of burning hair put me back to sleep.  

Now, I am not like a human—  

Walking down the street,  

Suddenly, I feel like leaping—toward love, toward a long three months—  

And I no longer like sitting with my head bowed.  

Now, when I hear the sound of human footsteps,  

I breathe frantically,  

Wherever I come from, I start running in that same direction—  

Why this running away?  

I don’t like it.  

When will winter come, Suparna? I will sleep for three months.

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Bio:

Bhaskar Chakraborty: A Distinguished Voice in Modern Bengali Poetry

Bhaskar Chakraborty remains one of the most celebrated poets in modern Bengali literature, known for his poignant, introspective, and thought-provoking poetry. His works, rich in emotional depth and intellectual resonance, continue to captivate readers across generations. Chakraborty’s poetry offers a unique blend of urban melancholy, existential reflection, and deep human emotions, making him a significant literary figure in contemporary Bengali poetry.

Early Life and Education

Bhaskar Chakraborty was born in 1945 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Growing up in the culturally vibrant city, he was influenced by the literary and artistic heritage of Bengal. His early years were marked by a deep fascination with poetry and literature, which later defined his career. Chakraborty completed his education in Kolkata, where he honed his literary skills and developed a keen sense of observation that would later shape his poetic expressions.

Themes and Style in His Poetry

Bhaskar Chakraborty’s poetry is characterized by a unique blend of modernist despair and lyrical beauty. Some of the key themes in his works include:

• Urban Alienation: Many of his poems reflect the loneliness and detachment that accompany city life. His words vividly portray the struggles of individuals lost in the chaos of urban existence.

• Existential Angst: He often explored deep philosophical questions about life, death, and the meaning of existence.

• Love and Longing: His poems frequently depicted unfulfilled desires and the pain of separation, adding an emotional depth to his work.

• Melancholy and Nostalgia: A sense of nostalgia permeates much of his poetry, as he reminisces about past experiences and lost moments.

His writing style was simple yet deeply profound. Unlike some of his contemporaries who employed complex imagery and intricate metaphors, Chakraborty’s poetry stood out for its clarity, directness, and emotional sincerity. His verses, often free-flowing and unstructured, had an organic rhythm that made them deeply relatable.

Influence and Recognition

Despite maintaining a relatively low profile compared to some of his contemporaries, Bhaskar Chakraborty was widely respected in literary circles. His poetry has been included in several anthologies of modern Bengali literature, and his influence can be seen in the works of younger poets who admire his minimalist yet impactful style.

Chakraborty’s contribution to Bengali poetry has been acknowledged through various awards and critical acclaim. His books continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and poetry lovers alike. His ability to capture the intricacies of human emotions in simple yet powerful words has ensured his place among the literary greats of Bengal.

Personal Life and Legacy

Bhaskar Chakraborty led a life dedicated to literature and artistic expression. While he may not have sought the limelight, his poetry spoke volumes, touching the hearts of readers across generations. He passed away in 2005, but his legacy lives on through his timeless poetry.

His works remain relevant in contemporary times, as they address universal themes that transcend generations. His ability to articulate the nuances of human emotions with such depth and simplicity has ensured that his poetry continues to be cherished by readers old and new.

Impact on Bengali Literature

Bhaskar Chakraborty’s poetry has had a lasting impact on modern Bengali literature. His unique voice, characterized by raw emotion and intellectual depth, has inspired many poets and literary enthusiasts. His works are frequently included in literary discussions, and his influence can be seen in the evolution of modern Bengali poetry.

His contribution to Bengali literature is particularly significant in the way he redefined modernist poetry. Unlike traditional Bengali poets who focused on romanticism and classical themes, Chakraborty introduced a more introspective and contemporary perspective, making poetry more reflective of the modern human condition.

Conclusion

Bhaskar Chakraborty was a poet of rare brilliance whose works continue to captivate and inspire readers. His poetry, marked by emotional depth, intellectual insight, and lyrical simplicity, remains a testament to his literary genius. His influence on Bengali poetry is profound, and his works continue to be relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of literature.

Whether through his contemplative verses on urban life or his deeply personal reflections on love and existence, Bhaskar Chakraborty’s poetry remains a cherished treasure in Bengali literature. His legacy endures, ensuring that his words continue to resonate with those who seek meaning in the beauty of poetry.

*** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhaskar_Chakraborty & Chatgpt.com