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

Saudāgar / Merchant 

Dawn is about to break;

As soon as it’s day, I’ll go out again

On alien streets;

I’ll stare at each and every face with the bowl of my anger;

I will go to offices, factories, schools,

And try to sell myself.

.

O my love,

Love me once again;

When I return this evening

After selling my heart’s pure blood

And bringing a few pieces of sliver in my knapsack;

If you too do not recognize me,

Then where shall I go—?

To whom shall I go and tell who I was?—

To whom shall I go and tell who I am?—

.

        1959

.

From: Nayā ʻahdnāmah (New Testament). ʻAlīgaṛh: ʻAlīgaṛh Buk Hāʼūs, 1965, 1963. pp. 114 – 15

             

Dawn is about to break;

As soon as it’s day, I’ll go out again

On alien streets;

I’ll stare at each and every face with the bowl of my anger;

I will go to offices, factories, schools,

And try to sell myself.

.

O my love,

Love me once again;

When I return this evening

After selling my heart’s pure blood

And bringing a few pieces of sliver in my knapsack;

If you too do not recognize me,

Then where shall I go—?

To whom shall I go and tell who I was?—

To whom shall I go and tell who I am?—

.

        1959

.

From: Nayā ʻahdnāmah (New Testament). ʻAlīgaṛh: ʻAlīgaṛh Buk Hāʼūs, 1965, 1963. pp. 114 – 15