Red Plastic Dust
My childhood began
with a metal spring
curled on the carpet.
I opened it.
A hand closed my mouth.
The light went out.
I stood
on a narrow shelf,
facing the wall,
learning fear
as a location—
in muscle,
in breath.
Even now, decades later,
when I wake in the dark,
my body still asks:
Is there ground beneath me?
My uncle brought me a gift.
1976.
I was five.
She was beautiful—
the doll with painted eyes,
dark braids,
and nails—
bright red,
glossy, perfect.
I held her like treasure.
“Bad girls wear nail polish.
Take it off.”
Water. Soap.
My small fingernails
scratching at the color.
“Use the scissors.”
Clip. Clip. Clip.
Ten tiny nails
falling to the floor—
red plastic dust.
They raised us
to fear soft things.
Color.
Touch.
Wanting.
I learned early:
desire is something
you bury.
But the body keeps records.
Even now,
when something good arrives—
a hand extended,
a voice that says stay—
something in me
still reaches
for the scissors.
On the floor,
a red dust
only I can see.
Such a nuisance—the little girl in nothing at all!
Even the intersection is unhinged, rushing with red eyes,
opening green eyes only to go blind.
No, not these.
Do not waste a thought on such things.
A man of your worth doesn’t bother with them;
please, do not ruin your evening.
Ask yourself instead: why is there no Starbucks here?
Is the coffee cloyingly sweet?
Thinkers like you crave a bitter brew.
Ponder your new lover’s swelling breasts instead—
the finest creation of beauty in the world is a woman’s breast.
Your fountain pen, engraved with the Madonna,
sheds its clothes as it writes—
compare the two pairs of breasts, while within your skull
a war breaks out between rival miracles.
Do not dare think of the beauty of the vagina,
it is like a black hole,
where your entire being collapses into nothingness.
Do not spoil the evening;
let each sip of coffee
yield another intoxicating draft.
May your evening be blessed. Let her arrive,
let her warmth outmatch the coffee’s steam.
Sit face to face and begin to write—
let the lover’s body strip down like the fountain pen.
Do not spoil the evening.
Drag the poem deep into the night—
let the ink of the fountain pen
flood the undiscovered vagina.
Ri Hossain is a prominent voice in Bengali poetry, recognized as a rebellious and resilient figure in the contemporary literary landscape. Born on August 19, 1981, in Rangpur, Bangladesh, with ancestral roots in Munshiganj, he began his literary journey in 1993. His poetry deeply reflects personal experiences, societal conflicts, urban alienation, and a steadfast commitment to free expression. Author of several works, including the poetry collection Kobitar Abhyutthan Chai (2024), his writing bridges social consciousness with profound psychological and intimate introspection.
The vibes and atmosphere? I can. Summer sun. White clouds. Me and you and
The wild birds that flew, some poems
And they were written in a blank paper
Book,- yes with a pen and some
Quick easy fun drawings of flowers
And people, of mountains
And even of you
Screenshot
Terra Cotta Days
A plant container is everything, no?
Different sizes and their matted finish
Not glossy, perfect for the weather and the soil and the root systems. Nice. I like it.
Gardeners everywhere have these, and
The bases; the stands. It’s like writing or photography in that you can put any flowers you want inside them – you are a creator or at least a guide, a curator of the artistic and creative spirit a medium for something good
The Tree of Life
On a wall. Metal. Big. Symbolic of hope and organic cycle and beingness of existence. Love. Like. Look. The world outside the yard is quite quick and full of ambition, the worldly type. But the poets and artists understand the Magic of the gardens and the quiet meditative qualities of the yards in summer yes, the verdant and colourful gardens warm…
As the poet followed the dove with a forgotten smile.
Line by line a poem weaved on the way.
A hopeful light, a bridge over where night lay.
The dove descended on to a hanging block.
Pointed its beak towards the rubbles below.
The poet gazed, seeing a crumpled up book,
Took out a pen, the poet treasured through high and low.
Sat down on the stones, the marks of the violence.
weaved the poem of peace in scared silence.
The poet slowly tied the poem on the dove.
And watched it carried the poem of peace and love.
Loveless Humanity
Widowed ‘Humanity’ walked on the road.
Witnessing people breezed right pass through.
Unseen, Unheard, Unfelt, Unmoved.
She was bewildered, Had she became a ghost?
‘Empathy’ and ‘Sympathy’ joined later on,
Still no one noticed their pearly glow.
The world carried on, soulessly happy,
Chasing the mist of greed and money,
‘Kindness’ laid on the road, long gone.
Her stench drew no trails of tears.
‘Honesty’ bled, her dress was stained.
‘Empathy’ and ‘Sympathy’ lost it and fell.
‘Humanity’ unwillingly moved on the road.
Another pearl dress splayed on the floor.
People stood around, singing “Peace lives on”.
While ‘Peace’ laid there distorted and crushed.
At last ‘Humanity’ stumbled and dropped.
Only the nature witnessed this mournful crime.
People walked by laughing hallow croaks.
As six corpses decayed, Unseen, Unmoved.
Wishes of the Children
A child watching other children play,
Laughing, running, in a joyous day.
The child looks at his hands in dismay,
Carrying bags of trash every day.
He looks at the clothes of the others.
Bright colours fashioned with animals.
While his shows, his bones through tatters,
Worn and torn, never whole only holes.
He gazes at the parents watching their kids,
Twinkles in their eyes, glowing golden skins.
He wonders where his own, on or under the grass?
Yet he smiles instead, A hope is all he needs.
The playing kids saw him with all the bags,
Wondering of his strange bags and clothes.
Yet ‘come, let’s play’ waves the angelic kids,
Their hearts so pure, Yet the boy hesitates.
One mother got up, coming towards his way,
He prepares to run, but her smile stops his day.
‘Hey, wanna join them?’ She asks lovingly,
The boy slowly nods, Wondering is it a dream or reality?
In life, every child deserves a peaceful life.
It shouldn’t be a dream or a case in the courts.
Only love and care, every child wishes in life.
And nothing should ever, deny that from their lives.
Kushi Nanayakkara is a Sri Lankan born poetess who brings nature, human experiences, and creativity together through poetry. She studied Graphic Design/Information Technology before finding her way into poetry in 2020.
Her work often revolves around themes such as nature, art, life, love, mind, death, philosophy, and social themes such as justice and humanity. Her poetry was featured in literature websites in USA and India and newspapers in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Her poetry was also published in poetry anthologies and magazines in India, Iraq, USA and the Philippines. Her sincere wish is to inspire hearts to stay creatively conscious and continue refining her craft.
MD. Shinha Sarder is a young Bangladeshi entrepreneur, researcher, journalist, writer and musical artist who has developed an interest in technology, digital media, creative work and entrepreneurship from an early age. His activities reflect the growing role of young people in Bangladesh’s digital economy and creative industries.
Born on November 5, 2004, MD. Shinha Sarder grew up in Khulna, Bangladesh. He pursued his early education at Khulna Zilla School and later studied science at Ahsanullah College, Khulna. He is currently associated with the field of Computer Science and Engineering, where his academic interests connect with his broader involvement in technology and digital innovation.
As an entrepreneur, Shinha Sarder has focused on technology-oriented initiatives and digital platforms. He is associated with IT Tech BD and Biostar, where he has worked on developing ideas related to technology, online services and digital communication. His entrepreneurial activities demonstrate his interest in transforming technical knowledge into practical projects.
Research is another important part of his professional interests. His background in computer science has encouraged him to explore topics involving information technology, software, digital platforms and emerging technologies. Through research and independent learning, he seeks to expand his knowledge and contribute ideas to the rapidly changing technological environment.
MD. Shinha Sarder has also shown an interest in journalism and digital reporting. His work in online media involves writing and presenting information about technology, entrepreneurship, current affairs and people working in different creative and professional fields. Digital journalism provides him with an opportunity to combine communication skills with his interest in technology.
Alongside technology and journalism, music represents another significant area of his creative activities. As a musical artist, he has explored music production and digital music publishing. His involvement in music reflects his desire to maintain a balance between technical education and artistic expression. In an era when independent musicians can reach audiences through digital platforms, Shinha Sarder has used online media as an important part of his creative journey.
Writing is also connected to his professional identity. He has worked on books and educational content covering subjects such as computers, information technology, social media and personal experiences. His writing interests range from educational materials to creative and digital content, demonstrating his broader interest in sharing knowledge with readers.
One of the notable aspects of Shinha Sarder’s journey is the combination of several fields. Entrepreneurship, computer science, research, journalism, writing and music are often treated as separate professional areas, but he has attempted to bring these interests together through digital platforms. This multidisciplinary approach reflects the changing career opportunities available to young people in the modern digital environment.
For young entrepreneurs and students, his journey illustrates the importance of continuous learning and experimentation. Technology is developing rapidly, and individuals increasingly need to combine technical knowledge with communication, creativity and business skills. Shinha Sarder’s activities across different areas demonstrate an effort to develop these capabilities simultaneously.
His story is also connected to the broader transformation taking place in Bangladesh. The growth of internet access, social media, digital businesses, online journalism and independent content creation has created new opportunities for young professionals. Entrepreneurs and creators can now build audiences, launch projects and distribute creative work without depending entirely on traditional institutions.
Looking ahead, MD. Shinha Sarder aims to continue developing his work in technology, entrepreneurship, research, journalism, writing and music. His multidisciplinary interests have positioned him as an emerging young figure seeking to build a career around both innovation and creativity.
The journey of MD. Shinha Sarder demonstrates how education, technology and creativity can come together to create new professional possibilities. His experience highlights the potential of young Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and creators who are using digital platforms to explore ideas, develop projects and communicate with audiences locally and internationally.
