Page 61 - 28FEB2019E

Literature

the wine- glass of happiness sparkles Or as Faiz Ahmad Faiz says in his poem to open
When the sky dances joyously and the Bol (Speak) the links of the chains are coming
earth sings songs of delight Speak, for your lips are still free undone
Surely, that morning will dawn speak, for your tongue is still yours speak, for the little time you have is
someday. your body, though frail is still yours enough
speak, for life is still yours
Also, Sahir’s this particular verse- look, in the blacksmith’s workshop Faiz does not leave at that but furthers;
If there is a reason for my angry songs, the flames are hot, the steel is red with more absolutely emotion laden
it is this the mouths of the locks are beginning lines -
That when I see the hungry farmers So what if my pen has been snatched
The poor, the oppressed, the destitute, away from me / I have dipped my fingers
the helpless in the blood of my heart
My heart cannot participate in During of the dark So what if my mouth has been sealed; I
assemblies of pleasure phases in the have turned
Even if I wish, I cannot write dreamy Every link of my chain into a speaking
songs of love.> recent history of tongue.
♦ ♦ ♦ the country, it’s the ♦ ♦ ♦
Interestingly, poet after poet of that rebel poets and Today, as I’m awaiting to hear the verse
bygone era urged and pleaded and of the poets of the day that could relay
cajoled and persuaded the masses to writers who led the restlessness that’s brewing by the day,
speak up, to speak out, to lash out, to protest meets and leaving you with these lines of Ahmed
just about unleash not just words but Rahi, from this volume-
heady sentiments relaying that ongo- marches. Where is Our lives were spent in despair; hope
ing pain and hurt and sorrow. that gentry who had begun to stir in our hearts
These lines of Sahir Ludhianvi We thought our destiny would change,
Before your body and tongue die should lead the but alas, we were deceived.>
Speak, for truth still lives masses today?
Speak up, say that which you must. letters@tehelka.com

Tehelka / 28 february 2019 61 www.Tehelka.com