SHIBLEE SHAHED

In an obscure restaurant in an anonymous suburb

During my midday meal,

A cloaked stranger will suddenly arrive and say,

“My name is Death. I have come to take you with me.”

I will call the waiter again, urging him to hurry,

Then turn to the stranger and say—

“Why the rush? Have a seat.

I just read an Irish joke. Let me tell you.”

I will tell him the joke.

Hearing it, he will burst into laughter.

And he will keep on laughing.

I will pay the bill and leave.

Even from outside, his laughter will be heard.

Then suddenly—

As if severed from the midday bustle—

The sound will vanish.

I will see three feline figures surrounding me

Chasing me into the day’s farthest abyss

Running, and running—

At the crossroads, I will find André Breton

Now, a police inspector,

Bent over tying his shoelaces.

Gasping for breath, I will utter—

“Mr. Breton,

I have killed Death with my joke.

Arrest me.”

Dr Shiblee Shahed i s a public health specialist, essayist, poet, and translator. His debut poetry collection was published in 2013 by Shuddhashar Publications. His poems and articles have appeared in numerous national and international outlets. He is a regular contributor to The Daily Star , The Business Standard , and The Daily Observer .