There are many unfair and unjust things about COVID that have settled into unfortunate shadows on the world. One of which are all of the excellent authors whose works perhaps did not get as much attention or momentum behind them as I feel they ought have for the quality of their poetry.
Adeeba Shahid Talukder’s Shahr-e-jaanaan: The City of the Beloved out of Tupelo Press is one such collection.
Talukder’s poetry is rare, blending grief with yearning and expansiveness in a way that heralds respect and approachability.
If you enjoyed this poem, consider checking out Talukder’s work here, or by requesting it from your local library.
"Mansur" by Adeeba Shahid Talukder