This poem was translated by Professor Carlo Coppola as part of the MULOSIGE Translations project. You can explore our collection of Urdu Poetry here.

Professor Carlo Coppola, Oakland University

Dast-i faryād / Hand of Complaint

The battlefield lies under the shade of swords;

The challenge of the warriors shakes the heart;

Not a single enemy of life should escape.

.

Those who come bearing arms are all enemies;

He who gives them arms must also be an enemy.

.

But the Day of Judgement is due any day now;

Then the hem of how many people’s garment will be grasped by the hand of complaint?

.

 15 September 1965

From:  Pairāhan-i sharar (Garment of Fire), 1965. p. 62

             

The battlefield lies under the shade of swords;

The challenge of the warriors shakes the heart;

Not a single enemy of life should escape.

.

Those who come bearing arms are all enemies;

He who gives them arms must also be an enemy.

.

But the Day of Judgement is due any day now;

Then the hem of how many people’s garment will be grasped by the hand of complaint?

.

 15 September 1965

From:  Pairāhan-i sharar (Garment of Fire), 1965. p. 62