Perched on the branch of a tree
Was a nightingale sad and lonely
"The night has drawn near", He was thinking
"I passed the day in flying around and feeding
How can I reach up to the nest
Darkness has enveloped everything"?
Hearing the nightingale wailing thus
A glow-worm lurking nearby spoke thus
"With my heart and soul ready to help I am
Though only an insignificant insect I am
Never mind if the night is dark
I shall shed light if the way is dark
God has bestowed a torch on me
He has given a shining lamp to me
The good in the world only those are
Ready to be useful to others who are
Notes
Explanatory Notes
1. William Cowper (1731-1800)- He was an English poet and letter writer. Quiet, reflective verse and hymns were his speciality. These attributes brought a new spirit into English poetry.
Leave a guest comment (subject to review)
Comments
-
Iqbal's writings were in Urdu, a lyrical language and their elegance is lost in the process of translation into English. Many Indian writers of yore emphasised the universal truths like humanity and goodness through their pithy writings. Vemana (a Telugu poet), Bhartruhari (a Sanskrit scholar) and Kabir are some names that come to my mind. An interesting titbit: Though Iqbal later veered towards separate homeland for Muslims, his initial writings were full of patriotism and love towards Hindustan (India). His soul-stirring patriotic song, sare jahan se achha is sung on all the important occasions and is still very popular among Indians.
krishna -
I have to agree with leggomyeggo as far as the rhyming. It's a bit repetitive and in one part completely lost, but yes translations don't always do pieces justice. The point of the poem was quite good though.
-
I thought this peom, to be honest, was inhibitted completely by a utter lack of flow. Repeating the same word and calling that a rhyme scheme is off. That utter simplicity affirms the sheer simplicity fo this poem. It is bordering on puerile. Then again, it is a translation, and subject to the interpretor's will. I did not like this poem.
-
simple N sweet
"God has bestowed a torch on me
He has given a shining lamp to me
The good in the world only those are
Ready to be useful to others who are"
This traditional rhyme composed by the great scholar Allama Iqbal is a message of love n humanity for all___ very simple but very meaningful N sweet. Wonderful
Adding your comment:
