Sahir Ludhianvi (1921-1980). translated from the Hindi-Urdu by Alverston & Associates.

Sahir Ludhianvi (1921-1980). translated from the Hindi-Urdu by Alverston & Associates.

Sahir Ludhianvi (1921-1980). page 215

There remain many courageous souls out there!

What is to become of us if my friends are unable to speak?

Witnesses are countless still in the absence of these friends.

There remain many courageous souls out there!

There are countless forthright souls amongst us!

I recognize that trepidation and revulsion are not mine alone.

These passageways into irresponsible anger and untimely madness do not end at us.

Yes, there are many more slit sentiments than there is benevolence

Yes, there are many more split settlements than there is principality

If you find yourself intact, there will be no shortage of pelting stones of rebuke from your neighbors

If you find yourself unscathed, there will be no shortage of scathing arrowheads for your demise

Whilst the gang of city arbitrators suffer not even the deserved infamy for their obscenities

Hence, the people are protesting tyranny collectively

Delivering their message, a befitting start to an end, “Still the lords of oppression go unaccounted!”

Sahir Ludhianvi (1921-1980). translated from the Hindi-Urdu by Alverston & Associates.