Of humanity, Keshav and anonymity
An ordinary man has reinforced our belief in humanity. First the story and then a poem: Surat: A man, who tried to prevent three…
Shehr-i-Qatl ke log (People of this Murderous City) a poem
Reposting this 2007 poem: Alam kay iss jazeeray mein Jahan sab per ujar gaye Aur saari musafitan be-nishaan ho gayee Teri tasveer neechay gulab…
People of this Murderous City
The other day, I translated my poem in Urdu written after the events of 27 December, 2007. It has been published by this blog.…
Chiragh-e-Dair (Light of the World) – Ghalib on Benaras
Mirza Ghalib spent a month in Benaras during his struggles for the restoration of pension. The city left a lasting impact on him. I…
Tortured land
When I breathe, I feel guilty Guilty because she can breathe no more When I think, I feel guilty Guilty because she can think…
Mazhub – a voice for peaceful South Asia
In 2006, I read this brilliant poem by Brijinder”Sagar (found here on Adnan’s brilliant site). I had kept it with me for an adequate…
Noor Jehan Singing
This soulful poem by Faiz was rendered by Madame Noor Jehan in her early, melodious years. Manto has also mentioned this rendition in his…
O Beloved, Be Like That to Me
The flames that dance with love – O Beloved, be like that to me. The burning heat within the fire – O Beloved, be…
The secret of life, in brief – Sindhi poems
Selected verse of poems by Tanveer Abbasi, a Sindhi poet of great poet translated by Dr Farrukh Malik- Blowing wind has crossed the iron…
A World with No Boundaries
With every breath the sound of love surrounds us, and we are bound for the depths of space, without distraction. We’ve been in orbit…
The Veil – Attar
By Farid al-Din ‘Attar (1142-1220) 1 We are the Magians of old, Islam is not the faith we hold; In irreligion is our fame,…
Makhdoom a people’s poet – a poem
Found this poem and its translation by Makhdoom Mohiuddin Our city is strange – it whispers in the nights when you walk on roads…
Waves of anger and fear…
W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939,” is on my mind.. September 1, 1939 W. H. Auden [1907 – 1973] I sit in one of the…
Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai
If you are seeking Allah If you are seeking Allah, Then keep clear of religious formalities. Those who have seen Allah Are away from…
On the eve of Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary
Centuries ago, Guru Nanak composed these lines: Within every body Is the Lord hidden; Within every body Is His light. Searching his body, his…
Yeh jungle hamare basaey huyae hain
Woh Gor-i-Ghariban par Aur hanse kar bole Yeh jungle hamare basaey huyae hain (Walking past the graveyard of paupers His Majesty conferred / This…
Missing Things
by Vernon Scannell I’m very old and breathless, tired and lame, and soon I’ll be no more to anyone than the slowly fading trochee…
Of Autumn and Roses
I sent this poem to Fahmida Riaz a few days ago to comfort her. Little did I know that there would be another death…
Ominous shadows
Raunaqe bazaar-o- mehfil kam nahin hai aj bhee Saneha is sheher mein koi magar honay ko hai Read here >>…
The almost forgotten radical message of Iqbal
Yesterday was the Iqbal day- year after year it has become just another empty ritual. High sounding speeches and statements, visits to Iqbal’s tomb…