ISLAM MOLLA
THE CREATOR WILL NOT BE THERE
BUT THE CREATION WILL BE FOREVER!
(a translation for children of a song by Tagore)
(translated for the 2010 Camden Green Fair
reading)
first draft 03.06.2010
When the sign of any footprint
Won't be on the bank of the River
Don't try to find me there.
You look upon the Sky at the Stars
I will be there in between them.
If you look at the Storm
In your eyes it destroys everything.
I will be there in the form of destruction.
You will not see me,
But I will be there
As the Stars
Twinking from above the sky
And watching upon you.
How Not to Cook:
Cooking for One
(a recipe submitted for the Cumberland Market Picnic
Community Festival Cookbook created by Wellcome artist Lucy May Schofield.
Sadly, Islam's recipe was not included in the Cook Book - and even more sadly,
when he workshopped the poem, the only editorial comment Purple Poet Ferdous
Rahman offered was, 'Where's the cumin?' Click here to
see other recipes and poems, www.purplepoets.com/cook.html)
ISLAM MOLLA
How Not to Cook Chicken:
Cooking for One
13.05.2010
Sometimes
I cook chicken but
it is not very tasty
I cut it into pieces
or get the butcher to cut it
and then put oil
onion, ginger, chilies
garlic is a must
all those good things put together
The only thing is:
I take it out and it is dismal
I am hopeless
I cook only for survival:
boiled egg.
boiled rice.
boiled egg.
ISLAM MOLLA
How Not to Cook Chicken:
Cooking for One
first draft 08.05.2010
I cook only for survival:
boiled egg
boiled rice
Sometime
I cook chicken but
it is not very tasty
I cut it into pieces
or get the butcher to cut it
and then put oil
onion, ginger, chilies
garlic is a must
all those good things put together
The only thing is:
I take it out and it is dismal.
I am hopeless.
The Bridge-Maker
for William Radice
By Serajul Islam Molla
First Draft 24.09.2009
You are the bridge
bringing East and West together
translating Tagore for the World.
You are the Bengali bridge-maker,
Transporting The Golden Boat,
The Postman, Half an Acre of Land.
Sonar Tari. Gitanjali. Dui Bigha Jami.
You are Simplicity, Gentleness, Generosity.
In your quiet, English way
You are a Lion of a Man.
And you are my inspiration. When I say
I am old, I haven’t done things
I wanted to do. You say:
You only live once
If you want to do something
You will do it.
Start today.
FATHER'S WORRY
FIRST DRAFT by Islam Molla
26.02.2009
My daughter went to Bangladesh yesterday
Seeing her off, I came home
Opened the television and found
Fifteen Police shot dead by the Army
No transport on the road.
Last night I tried to phone all night
But no line! Communications cut off!
This morning I talked to my son and daughter
And I got back my breath.
God knows what is going to happen
To the newly elected government.
My daughter tells me
Firing and Cross-firing is still going on
At the Army barracks and Police headquarters
Last night I could not sleep. Today
I tell my daughter, my son,
Come Home.
Come Home!
MY NEW YEAR
by Islam Molla
(draft two)
05.02.2009
As a child
New Year was always sad
Like the black cloud from the sky
Growing up without my mother
And without my father.
The more I was deprived
The more I was not wanted
The more I wanted
To prove my worth.
All those things
Brought me here.
And for me now,
New Year is nothing
But Life’s Tragedies
Darkening my life.
I am always lonely in my own thoughts.
But when I close my eyes
I see more bright colours.
PLAYING CARROM
by Islam Molla
15.01.2009
'an ordinary middle class game
of Indian sub-continent'
First time I played Carrom
My sister hit me on the head
Because I could not pocket the counter
At the first flick.
It is quite a relaxing and competitive game
The winners are rewarded with money or a trophy
I was rewarded
With a hit on my head.
I still play Carrom
But not with my sister.
My Favourite Book
by Islam Molla
20.11.2008
(first draft)
How to Win Friends
And Influence People
teaches me how I can achieve
The very best from life.
Dale Carnegie shows me
I can exert my influence on others
By listening to everyone’s
points-of-view.
Every year I used to give my class a copy
and I would say:
follow this book if you can.
It is a treasure for me.
My first copy cost me only half a crown.
When I retired in 1993,
It cost eight pounds fifty
For each book I gave to the children
31 copies for the children
13 for the teachers - and for me
Such a sense of joy
And giving.
The Existence of Love
by Islam Molla
26.06.2010
Love has no language.
Who says this is a liar.
Call him. I want to see his face.
I want to tell him:
Love makes you great,
Magnanimous and honest.
Without it, you are nobody!
Without Love, Life is barren
And useless, good for nothing.
Without Love the word 'Life'
Has no meaning.
Because of the existence of love
The world is still wonderful.
The Existence of Love
By Islam Molla
20.02.2007
(first draft)
Love has no language.
Who says this is a liar.
Call him.
I want to see his face.
I shall ask an explanation of him.
If he fails to make me satisfied
I shall slap him.
Love makes you great,
Magnanimous and honest.
Without it, you are nobody!
Because of the existence of love
The world is still wonderful.
Without Love, Life is barren
And useless, good for nothing.
Without Love
The word 'Life'
has no meaning.
Islam Molla first performed both his Bengali poem
and his English translation with the Purple Poets
at the H-pod Cumberland Market Square on
International Language Day February 22,
2007.
He also read both for the Mayor of Camden,
Dawn Somper, at the Hill-View Age Concern
International Day Celebrations, Eversholt Street,
London, October 22, 2007.
He read his second draft of the poem at the launch
of the Purple Poets' Book Exchange Box in the
Members' Room, Camden Town Hall on 19.01.2009
and again at the launch of the Purple Poets' Book
Exhange Box on 17.01.2009 at the Camden Town Hall
Staff Cafeteria.
DIWALI LIGHTS
written by Isalm Molla
08.11.2007
I am holding my God in my hand.
I can feel His Warmth
In my body and soul,
God is Light to me.
God is everything
From Cradle
To Grave.
We dedicate this performance
to our dear friend and Purple Poet Kathy Randle,
who died November 7th, 2007.
Her flame of inspiration
still burns bright.
from DIWALI
LIGHTS: A POEM PERFORMANCE
performed for Councillor Nural Islam,
The Worshipful Mayor Of Camden,
West Euston Time Bank Eid and Diwali
Celebration at the H-Pod, Cumberland Market
at 2:30 p.m. on 30.10.2008
This poem is part of a poem-sequence,
performed by Islam Molla with the other
Purple Poets, at the Diwali Celebrations
of the West Euston Third Age Project and
Time Bank on 09.11.2007 at the Dick Collins
Hall and also performed for the Mayor of
Camden, Nural Islam, on 30.11.2009 as
part of the West Euston Time Bank Eid
and Diwali celebrations at the H-Pod,
Cumberland Market.
The Bengali Womens' Music Group
Health Community Spring Fair
Cumberland Market, March 15th 2008
In Praise Of The Bengali Womens' Music Group
Written by S.I. Molla
01.03.2008
dedicated to: Rathna Begum, Sayeeda Begum,
Nehara Begum, Shahana Begum,Rina Begum, Maya Khatun
Rukban Rouf and their beloved teacher Iffatara Khanum
I watched the Bengali Music Group
Dancing with the baton
Of Urmi's mother, Iffat.
They took me back to Bangladesh
Which I have never been.
Through their musical power, they
Made me cry and I could see
My dear dead mother alive
In my inwards eye -
I wished I could be with my mother!
But alas! It will never be possible
----- I ask why, why, why?
I could see a real glimpse of hope
Through the music
Oh My Dear Mother -
You are no more dead to me.
I can see your face in every face
Of these beautiful and talented ladies!
-----You are immortal, mother!
"In Praise of the Bengali Womens' Music Group"
By S.I. Molla was performed with the Purple Poets
immediately after the Bengali Womens' Group performed
at the Health Community Project Spring Fair 15.03.2008.
Written at the West Euston Time Bank 13.03.2008
First Draft: ARTISTS AGAINST
RACISM
TWO WORDS
by Islam Molla
20.07.2007
Two words have never changed.
Slavery and Prostitution will never stop.
They will appear every time in different forms
Leaders, politicians, try to stop
But every attempt goes flop!
Come on Bush, Blair, Mugabe
When will you end up suggesting
To stop the Abolition of slavery?
Islam Molla wrote this in a workshop with the Purple Poets
exploring the themes of Racism, to celebrate the 200th year
anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery in 2007.
Saint George,
2007
12.04.2007
What a warrior.
Killed the Dragon
To Save Our Queen
From the Clutches of the
Monster Dragon.
Well done George!
You could be an Englishman.
Islam Molla wrote this poem to celebrate Saint George's Day
2007.
SERAJUL ISLAM MOLLA
Our Bengali New Year
first draft 20.03.2008
Any New Year is important
To any nation in different ways.
But the significance and importance
Are the same in different perspectives!
The main principle of Bengali New Year
is to pay off your debts
because God will not forgive,
if you do not do so!
Bengali New Year is a great celebration
With family, friends, relations,
even all the people
in your street and locality!
Ordinary food
cooked in a special way
and only the ladies
cook.
The whole motto is:
to Eat, Drink, and Be Merry,
because you may not be alive for
The next year!
THE WOMAN
by Islam Molla
08.03.2007
Yes, God created Woman,
But She is the creator of human beings.
Keeping in her womb for nine months
---- suffering, spending sleepless nights
for the well-being of the baby
she carries ---
She is the wife, mother first --
She is the politician, poet, heroine
Warrior like Bodecia ---
Without the help of The Woman
No body can live.
Islam Molla first performed this poem with the Purple Poets
at the West Euston Time Bank's International
Womens Day Dance, Dick Collins Hall, March 10th 2007
CHRISTMAS
(a poem fragment)
by Islam Molla
30.11.2006
I always wait eagerly for Christmas
Food, flowers and decorating Christmas tree
Imagining my mum bringing all I need.
Serajul Islam Molla is a founding member of the Purple Poets.
THE CAPTAIN
by Islam Molla
20.07.2006
I remember my school days
Days of war-torn Bays in the countryside
We heard the Military Parade
-- Left, Right, Left -
We felt every step
Pounding in the heart.
Who goes there, shouted the Guard
I said Captain of Local School, Sir
Captain, ye, there is only one Captain here
We can't have two captains.
But I am the Captain of the School.
Here comes the real Captain and
Asked my name - Islam is my name I said
Islam that's the Religion not a name
I can ask the Head Teacher
To come and give evidence.
He does not need evidence any more
Come in and have tea and cakes with me.
The other children flew away
To school to report the incident
Came along the head and other teachers.
From that day we were friends
To the Army Barrack.
Islam Molla first performed this poem with the Purple Poets
at the Cumberland Market Festival, Cumberland Market,
at 2 p.m. on the Main Stage on July 29, 2006.
POSTCARD FOR THE CAPITAL AGE FESTIVAL
2007
Khalid
by Serajul Islam Molla
June 2006
Naming a new born baby
Khalid Islam Molla
Dangerous name for the present
Situation of terrorism, but honestly
Khalid is not a terrorist
It means The Commander.
Words for Water
by Islam Molla
04.06.2006
Some Words for Water:
Jawl
Bari
Aab
Shalil
Jharna
Neerr
Paani
Hori
These are all words for water
But we must always remember
The word for Water
Is Life.
Islam Molla first performed this poem with the Purple Poets
at the
Camden Green Fair , Regent's Park, London,
England 04.06.2006
MOTHER
by Islam Molla
23.03.2006
Mother's Day makes me cry
Because I lost my mother
When I was three
Still I believe, I will meet her in Heaven
If there is any!
I tried to find my mother's image
When I saw my friends's mother
But it only made me ask
why my mother is not HERE!
Why -- why?
On the Day of special memory
I went to an open field to cry
Leaving everybody behind
Our servant found me crying!
And brought me back to the real world.
Islam Molla wrote this as part of a workshop
with the Purple Poets exploring the theme 'Mother.'
To The Third Age Project
by Islam Molla
autumn 2005
Oh, Third Age Project
You have given me the respect
When I arrive at your door
I start to feel better more and more
The smiling faces of the people
Make me more and more humble
The Peace and serenity inside
Increases my thought and insight.
The greetings from volunteers and staff
And there is no sign of bluff
When I look up and see the Angels
My inward eye opens up with heavenly smells
Oh my dear Third Age Project
I cannot but live with more prospect
I wish your day by day prosperity
With full meaning of heavenly peace and serenity.
Islam Molla first performed this poem with the Purple Poets
at The 2005 National Poetry Day Celebration,
The Poetry Café, London, England 06.10.2005
LOVE (2006)
by Islam Molla
20.01.2006
I went to Holland in spring
To bring flowers bound up with string
To give to My Love
Because she was my dove,
But she said 'You stupid. Forget the flowers. Bring me the ring!'
Islam Molla performed this poem with the Purple Poets at the H-Pod
Third Age Project and Time Bank Eid Party October 25th 2007.
LOVE
by Islam Molla
2004
To make you happy
My love
I shall bring seven colours
From the rainbow - paint you in seven colours
Seek out the pearls from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean,
I will go to Heaven
To Bring the Elixir for your eternal life
But what I want only is your LOVE for me.
Or for the second thought
I shall love you without asking any return from you.
My satisfaction is only
To love you, love you,
Love you, you, you, you
Where are you my LOVE?
Where are you?
Show your beautiful face to me my love!
[S.I. Molla's poem reprinted from
London Time: Poetry from London's Time Banks
published by nef (the new economics foundation: London 2004)]
DIWALI LIGHTS
by the Purple Poets
08.11.2007
30.10.2008
(KIM, LIGHTING
DIWALI PURPLE TEA-LIGHT)
One tiny light lights other lights
Like stars, rejoicing
We share India's joy.
(EPPIE, LIGHTING
DIWALI PURPLE TEA-LIGHT)
DIWALI LIGHTS
Star lights, star bright!
How I wish I could reach them out!
Like this candlelight
That I could touch
And feel the warmth
Of the flame in my hands
And the feeling of joy
In our hearts!
(SHELAGH, LIGHTING
DIWALI PURPLE TEA-LIGHT):
DIWALI
Candlelight, starlight
Like the first dawn
The beginning
Everything new, fresh, bright
(NAHAR LIGHTING
DIWALI PURPLE TEA-LIGHT):
DIWALI LIGHT
Oh, God, give me enough light:
I want to see happy people with a lot of laughter.
I want to see all people as brother and sister.
Give me heartful of love like the great waterfall,
Create in my heart, a loving Taj Mahal.
(ISLAM LIGHTING
DIWALI PURPLE TEA LIGHT):
DIWALI LIGHTS
I am holding my God in my hand.
I can feel His Warmth
In my body and soul,
God is Light to me.
God is everything
From Cradle
We dedicate this performance
to our dear friend and Purple Poet Kathy Randle,
who died November 7th, 2007.
Her flame of inspiration
still burns bright.
from DIWALI LIGHTS: A POEM
PERFORMANCE
performed for Councillor Nural Islam, The Worshipful Mayor Of Camden,
West Euston Time Bank Eid and Diwali Celebration
at the H-Pod, Cumberland Market at 2:30 p.m. on 30.10.2008
This poem is part of a poem-sequence, composed and performed
by Kim Morrissey, Eppie Caredda, Shelagh Beale, and Islam Molla
at the Diwali Celebrations and T.A.P. Tenth Anniversary Tea-Dance
of the West Euston Third Age Project on 09.11.2007
at the Dick Collins Hall. It was also performed
by Kim Morrissey, Eppie Caredda, Ferdous Rahman
(reading for Shelagh Beale), and Islam Molla
for the Worshipful Mayor of Camden,
Nural Islam, on 30.11.2009 as part of the
West Euston Time Bank Eid and Diwali
celebrations at the H-Pod, Cumberland Market.
(In 2008, as Shelagh had to leave the celebrations early,
she opened the celebration with her poem
'How To Read a Poem' Shelagh's Diwali poem
was read by Ferdous Rahman.)
more
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