These alleys, these auction houses of attraction! 

These plundered caravans of life; 

Where? Where are the guardians of honour? 

Where are the eulogists of Asian piety?

.

These twisted lanes, these dreamless bazaars, 

These unknown wanderers, these jingling coins;

This haggling over bargains of chastity! 

Where are the eulogists of Asian piety?

.

These half-lit streets filled with dirt and stench;

These crushed buds, faded, half-opened!

These sales of false delight;

Where are the eulogists of Asian piety?

.

Those ankle bells jingle in bright rooms; 

This tabla and drum thrum and drone; 

These coughs creep through cheerless chambers; 

Where are the eulogists of Asian piety?

.

This resounding laughter on the roads; 

These throngs from everywhere at the windows; 

These voices absorbed in the veils; 

Where are the eulogists of Asian piety?

.

These flower garlands, these sprinklings of coins; 

These bold glances, these saucy words; 

These flaccid bodies; these consumptive faces; 

Where are the eulogists of Asian piety?

.

Hungry stares at the beauties; 

A hand reaching to cup the breast;

Eager steps on the staircase;

Where are the eulogists of Asian piety?

.

Young and old come here;

Healthy son, father;

And she, a sister, mother, wife.

Where are the eulogists of Asian piety?

.

These daughters of Eve wish for help;

Fellow creatures of Yashodha, daughters of Radha;

These followers of the Prophet, daughters of Zulaikha; 

Where are the eulogists of Asian piety?

.

~~~

.

Invite the country’s leaders here;

Show them these alleys, these streets and lanes.

Bring also the eulogists of Asian piety.

Where are the eulogists of Asian piety?

.

              With M. H. K Qureshi

.

From: Talk̲h̲iyān̲ (Bitternesses). Dihlī: Panjābī Pustak Bhanḍār, 1963. pp. 74 – 75

Cakle is quoted in full in Urdu Poetry, 1935-1970