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

Ashk-i nadāmat / Tears of Repentance

From the garment’s hem, and from the heart the dust of discord?

If these tears came forth, the soul would quickly find luster;

This person who is encircled by his hatreds,

This man who is ensnared in his passions—

Victim of politics of his own making—

Would elevate himself to the position of love and become God.

.

16 September 1965

From: Pairāhan-i sharar (Garment of Fire), 1965. p. 63

             

From the garment’s hem, and from the heart the dust of discord?

If these tears came forth, the soul would quickly find luster;

This person who is encircled by his hatreds,

This man who is ensnared in his passions—

Victim of politics of his own making—

Would elevate himself to the position of love and become God.

.

16 September 1965

From: Pairāhan-i sharar (Garment of Fire), 1965. p. 63