An Ode to Allama Iqbal
ٹہنی پہ کسی شجر کی تنہا
(Tehni pe kisi shajar ki tanha)
کہتا تھا کہ رات سر پہ آئی
(Kehta tha ke raat sar pe aayi)
پہنچوں کس طرح آشیاں تک
(Pehanchon kis tarah aashiyan tak)
سن کر بلبل کی آہ و زاری
(Sun kar bulbul ki aah o zaari)
جگنو کوئی پاس ہی سے بولا
(Jignu koi paas hi se bola)
حاضر ہوں مدد کو جان و دل سے
(Hazir hoon madad ko jaan o dil se)
کیڑا ہوں اگرچہ میں ذرا سا
(Keeda hoon agarche main zara sa)
کیا غم ہے جو رات ہے اندھیری
(Kya gham hai jo raat hai andheri)
میں راہ میں روشنی کروں گا
(Main raah mein roshni karunga)
Translation:
On a branch, a tree all alone,
A sad bird, just sitting on its own.
Talking 'bout the night, quiet and still,
Flying and singing, time to fulfill.
How do I get to the cozy nest?
Darkness everywhere, a tough quest.
Hearing the nightingale's sadness,
A firefly spoke with earnest gladness.
I'm small but ready to be your guide."
"Nightingale's sadness, a firefly replied.
I'm here to help, with heart and soul,
A tiny creature, with a big goal.
Though I'm a worm, my help's sincere."
Together, we'll make it through the dark sphere.
What's the sorrow in the night so deep?"
I'll light up the path, no need to weep.
I'll light up the path, no need to weep.
For those who help others, goodness does seep.
