Faiz Ahmed Faiz with Translation by Shadab Zeest Hashmi
Speak out
for your lips are not slaves
Speak out
for your tongue is yours yet
And body strong yet
Speak out
Your life
is still yours
At the blacksmith’s
How swift the flame
how red the iron
Locks are slackening their jaws
Fetters are dropping to the ground
Speak out
This meager time is enough
Before death snatches your body
your tongue
Speak
For truth is alive yet
Speak
Speak your heart out!
FAIZ AHMED FAIZ
Faiz Ahmed Faiz was one of the greatest of Pakistani poets in the 20th century. He spent his life as a writer working for the good of Pakistan and its people, often being so critical of the prevailing governments that he was imprisoned for many years.
Shadab Zeest Hashmi’s poetry has appeared in various publications including Poetry International, Hubbub, New Millenuem Writings, Nimrod and The Bitter Oleander. Her work has also been published online in The Courtland Review as well as other places. She is the author of the newly released book of poems The Baker of Tarifa.
