The silence of tyranny’s quarter should, after all, become a little animated.     

O oppressed ones, say something! Let there be some lament!

Speak! The noise of Doomsday should start.

If you’ve decided to die, then what fear of the murderer’s power?

.

At least let him know not to tie your hands and feet.

Let there be a festival of dance in the place of execution.

Let the clutches of the hunger be stained with blood;

Let the executioner’s hem be witness to murder;

.

Let there be some basis when we demand blood-money.

If not the body, let the tongue—let something—be free.

Curse, lament; brawl and cry out!

Pain shrieks: O ruined heart, let there be something!

.

Speak up! At least let the tumult of Doomsday start!

Speak up! Let there be some foundation for the Day of Justice.

.

  

.

From: Zindān̲ nāmah (Prison Narrative). Dihlī: Kabīr Buk Ḍipo. 1955. pp. 135-36

Bunyād kuch to ho is quoted in full in Urdu Poetry, 1935-1970