Feroz Shah – A Distinctive Voice in Contemporary Bengali Poetry
Feroz Shah is an emerging and dedicated poet from Bangladesh whose work is recognized for its brevity, symbolism, and depth of meaning. Rather than following the traditional narrative style of poetry, he has developed a unique poetic voice characterized by concise language and powerful imagery. His poems often contain layers of interpretation, inviting readers to discover profound meanings hidden within a few carefully chosen words.
Born on July 1, 1987, in Subarnachar, Noakhali, Bangladesh, Feroz Shah is the second son of Nurul Haque and Fatema Khatun. Alongside his literary pursuits, he serves as a teacher, a profession that has enriched his understanding of society, humanity, and the complexities of everyday life.
Over the years, Feroz Shah has established himself as an important contemporary Bengali poet. His published poetry collections include:
- Ujane Sonali Maach (Golden Fish Against the Stream) – 2017
- Blackboard e Nungach (A Salt Tree on the Blackboard) – 2020
- Manush Nijey Ekti Biyoug Cinho (Man Himself Is a Negative Sign) – 2021 (India), 2023 (Bangladesh)
- Amar Chayer Upore Jirocche Ekta Kukur (A Dog Is Resting in My Shadow) – 2024
His poetry has attracted the attention of critics and poetry lovers in both Bangladesh and India. Through his innovative use of symbols and minimalist expression, he continues to contribute a fresh tone and style to modern Bengali literature.
Read 10 Short Poems by Feroz Shah
Readers who appreciate symbolic, thought-provoking, and contemporary poetry will enjoy exploring the works of Feroz Shah. His short poems demonstrate how a few words can create powerful emotional and philosophical resonance.
Read 10 selected short poems by Feroz Shah and experience the unique voice of one of Bangladesh’s most promising contemporary poets.
His poetry reminds us that great literature does not depend on length; sometimes a handful of words can illuminate an entire universe of meaning.
1.
Dog
A dog slips out
of my body
lapping up
the dripping foam of steaming rice
then rests on my shadow.
2
Love
White chalk
kisses the blackboard
and writes its own death note .
3
Soul
The red door
burns
becoming smoke
slowly
it seeps into the white door
4
Onion
The onion wears
its first sari in colour
shedding the second
the eyes burn like fire
layer by layer
unwrapped in sequence
it dissolves into the line of longitude.
5
Man
Man himself
a minus sign
like train carriages
coupled together
disappearing from the station.
6
Migrants
By the river
a deodar tree watches
the river’s shadow slips into its body
keeps it hidden for days
One night
it walks to a distant village
and comes closer to the mother tree
it releases the whole river
7
Conflict
The safety pin
On the dressing table
faces the blouse hanging on the clothes rack
and tears off all rival buttons.
Fire
After
burning the wood
the fire also dies.
9
Slaughter
Inside a wall clock
three dwell
serial unions
make the hour hand pregnant
after delivery
four emerge from the circular home
they tear apart
and consume the burnt flesh of the sun.
10
Pleasure tree
Inside
a paisa
stands a pleasure tree
each time
it changes hands
a flower blooms
spreading white fragrance.
