Saturday, October 24, 2009

The poem addressed to the Sufi poet Waris Shah, author of the tragic saga of Heer and Ranjah, the Punjabi national epic:

Ajj Aakhan Waris Shah Nuu, Kiton Qabraan Wichon Bol,
Tey Ajj Kitaab-e-Ishq Da Koi Agla Warka Phol
Ikk Royi Sii Dhi Punjab Di, Tu Likh Likh Maarey Vain,
Ajj Lakhaan Dhiyan Rondiyan, Tenu Waris Shah Nuu Kain
Utth Dard Mandaan Diya Dardiya, Utth Tak Apna Punjab
Ajj Bailey Lashaan Bichiyan Tey Lahoo Di Bhari Chenab

Today, I call Waris Shah, "Speak from your grave"
And turn, today, the book of love’s next affectionate page
Once, a daughter of Punjab cried and you wrote a wailing saga
Today, a million daughters, cry to you, Waris Shah
Rise! O’ narrator of the grieving; rise! look at your Punjab
Today, fields are lined with corpses, and blood fills the Chenab

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