Landmine
.
Some persons just by staying alive cause us discomfort. Such a man does not harm us, does not threaten us, shows us no hidden knife, does not snatch the gold-locket off a wife’s neck. He just keeps living. Year after year, through winter-summer-rain, he survives people’s apathy, pelting of brickbats and hot water. We think—it would be better if he died! May we not have to see his face again after tomorrow! But alas! The next day, too, we see him at the bend of the road, by the side of the Shiva temple, close to the railway-platform—just by staying alive, like a sleeping landmine, causing us discomfort!
.
by Angshuman Kar
from Nasho Square Feeter Jadukar
publisher: Saptarshi Prakashan, Kolkata, 2006
.