The Everlasting Market I Poem By Shay
Shay Agarwal paints a vivid portrait of Kolkata’s iconic New Market, charting its evolution from the historic Hogg Market to a bustling modern-day landmark. Through sensory details of clattering shutters and vibrant stalls, the poem captures a ‘beating heart’ that embraces the future while remaining deeply rooted in its timeless, storied soul.
The Everlasting Market
New Market stood young and bright,
Its red walls fresh in morning light.
Horse carts waited at the gate,
Silent under the early sun.
Known as the Hogg Market then,
All could be found under one roof,
Not a mall around.
Buyers came from near and far.
Now the aisles buzz with movement,
Voices rising in sharp bursts.
Screaming calls fill the air,
Echoing across every stall.
Vegetables bloom in bright colours,
Greens and oranges shining boldly.
People move through the aisles,
Filling every corner.
Shutters lift in metal clatter,
Breaking the morning silence.
New Market stands steady and strong,
A beating heart in the city.
One day lights may glow brighter,
Shining on the new floors.
Digital signs may guide footsteps,
Leading visitors through modern paths.
Yet the old soul will remain,
Quiet but firmly rooted.
New Market will keep its story,
Even as tomorrow reshapes it.
FAQ’s The Everlasting Market
What is the poem “The Everlasting Market” about?
The poem reflects the journey of a historic market from its early days to modern times, highlighting how it evolves while preserving its essence.
What is “New Market” in the poem?
New Market is a famous traditional marketplace in Kolkata, known for its heritage, variety of goods, and vibrant atmosphere.
Why is it called “Hogg Market”?
The market was originally named after Sir Stuart Hogg, a British official, reflecting its colonial origins.
What contrast does the poet show in the poem?
The poet contrasts the calm, quiet past of the market with its lively, noisy present filled with movement and energy.
What do “voices rising” and “screaming calls” symbolize?
They represent the bustling life of the market, showing how vendors actively engage with customers in a vibrant environment.
What role does imagery play in the poem?
The poem uses vivid imagery like “bright colours” and “metal clatter” to help readers visualize the sights and sounds of the market.
What does the line “a beating heart in the city” mean?
It suggests that the market is central to the city’s life, full of energy and constant activity.
How does the poem address modernization?
It hints at future changes like digital signs and new structures, showing how the market may evolve with time.
What is the central message of the poem?
The poem emphasizes that while places may change physically, their history and spirit remain intact.
Why is the market described as “everlasting”?
Because despite time, modernization, and change, its identity and cultural significance continue to endure.
Where can I buy books?
You can buy the books at Bookosmia website and Amazon.in
A heartwarming wildlife story for kids aged 4+ about kindness, courage, and living in harmony with nature. Step into the vibrant landscapes of Africa in Akinyi and the Elephants, a beautifully illustrated picture book that introduces young readers to an important real-world challenge, how humans and animals can peacefully coexist. When elephants begin trampling her family’s crops, young Akinyi faces a difficult problem. Her family’s livelihood is at risk—but she has one powerful belief: The elephants must not be harmed. With empathy, curiosity, and determination, Akinyi sets out to find a solution that protects both her family and the animals she loves. Perfect for children ages 4+, this gentle and engaging story encourages young minds to think beyond quick reactions and explore thoughtful, compassionate solutions. Through Akinyi’s journey, children learn about kindness, environmental awareness, and the importance of respecting wildlife. Why this book stands out: A meaningful introduction to wildlife conservation for young children Encourages empathy, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence A culturally rich African setting that broadens young perspectives Beautiful, engaging illustrations that bring the story to life Perfect for: 
Kids ages 4–8 who love animal stories Parents teaching empathy and kindness Early learners exploring nature and the environment Bedtime reading and classroom discussions Created by a globally experienced team, including an author with a background in energy and environment and a UN volunteer in Tanzania, and an illustrator who has worked with UNICEF and leading publishers, this book combines storytelling with real-world relevance. Published by Bookosmia, this book is more than just a story, it’s a gentle lesson in compassion, coexistence, and caring for our planet.
***
This article is published by Bookosmia, India’s #1 publisher for and by young people. Bookosmia publishes stories, books, podcasts, events, TED-Ed talks, workshops, bedtime stories and more related to kids and young adults.
Photo Credit – AI generated images from Chat GPT and Magic Media from Canva .
Want to publish your articles, reviews, stories, audio stories, bedtime stories and poems ?
Did you know that children can submit audio stories to be turned into Bedtime Stories and published on Bedtime Stories – A Podcast by Bookosmia?
Write to us at sara@bookosmia.com or submit your article at the link below
- bustling market poem, city life poem, contemporary poetry, creative writing, cultural heritage poem, descriptive poem, Emotional Poetry, English poetry, everlasting market poem, heritage poetry, history and modernity poem, hogg market poem, indian culture poetry, indian market poetry, kolkata market poetry, legacy poem, marketplace poem, new market kolkata poem, nostalgic poem, past and present poem, poem about change, poetic storytelling, reflective poem, sensory imagery poem, soulful poetry, timeless places poem, traditional market poem, urban poetry, vibrant market scene, visual imagery poem
