Shah Latif `s Poetry (Translated In Verse By: Elsa Kazi) Dahar-XXIII (Desert)

1
Relate to us some tale, O thorn;tale of this lake relate;Of moonlit-nights that did adornthe place, and how you fared.
2
Be calm, and tell us what you knowof keepers of this lake.Today in wretched plight and woedifficult days you pass.
3
Did realy all thy friends depart?thy loving associates?-With crimson fruit thou laden artthat fall all over thee.-
4
If for the masters of this lake,you would such sorrow feel,How could you lovely blossoms makeand such a wealth of friut?
5
The lake is dry, and brushwood growsabout the dusty banks;And human being rarely showshis face about the place.
II
6
When waters ran abundantlybig fish, you wouldn't return;Today, tomorrow you will bein net of fishing-folk.
7
O fish, you grew so over-fat,Butting against all that you met;Expanse of water now hath set-Dried is what once you saw.-
8
"Into my heart their hook they thrust-the very flesh they cleft,They did not kill right-out, but leftperpetual sorrow's line."
9
As great as is 'Thy' name, so greatthe mercy I implore-Without pillars without supports,thou my refuge e'er more-When Thou knowst everything beforeah me...why should I ask?
10
Beloved, do not slacken thouThy ties with humble me;One so contemptible has gotno other hold but thee...Only thy sweet name, verilyI know and remember.
III
11
Few nights of earth...o'er which your headyou lost Oh simpleton...Oh many more will come, when deadyou quite alone will lie.-
12
Sleeper arise! akin to sinIs such a none can winBy sleeping recklessly.-
IV
13
In the mountain there is chatter-cranes are wanting to go out;They discussed last night the matter and this morning they are gone.
14
Have you then forgotten quiteand their talk you never heardWhen preparing, they last nightHad decided to depart.-
15
Oh my crane, your flock has gone-it departed yesterday-Ah, without loved-one, alonewhat will you in mountains do.
16
They in conveys travel ever,their connections never cut-Not like man their kinship sever,Oh, behold the loving birds.
17
O man, at dawn what glitters brighttake not for drops of dew.But seeing sorrowing ones, the nightBurst into thousand tears.
18
Trouble will come to those, who doIn 'face' and 'from' delight-Fools laugh and laugh, forgetting quitethe task that they came for.
19
Degenerates enamoured wereOf forth,...milk tasted not,They lost 'Direction' through world's shareand empty-handed went.
20
Today a bridegroom gay and strong-tomorrow lies in grave;Building a fort of sand...how longwill you be builing still.

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