an unkind poem

A Poem by Arvind Joshi

We will meet again
In circumstances, less intimate.

In the house of a friend's friend, perhaps in 
An alien city, both just passing.

When introduced, extend your hand and smile.

Say, good, the children are good, when I ask 
After them, say 'good.'

And I will say, I am a hack, I walk 
With the help of a stick now, when you ask 
After my book and my back.

I’ll be polite to your companion.
And you should say something nice, maybe 
About how well I once used to write.

I won’t mention the letters that never 
Arrived, and you don't tell me that - it 
All turned out just right,

That 'I told you.' 

If you choose that side of conformance, and 
Meet me, love, this side,
At least make it a compelling performance.

A Poem by Arvind Joshi, Translated by Luna Rushdi

চতুষ্কোণ উপন্যাস থেকে রাজকুমারের মনে মনে ভাবনার একটা অংশ