Oh would it today, that memory fails,

remembrances waft from distant sails.

Candles of desire, snuffed , taint.

enravish the cities of yon acquaint.

obtains naught, that moment mars;

sores, flowers or the distant stars.

Account oh not! yon fleeting seasons.

Of days; lived, suffered, past reasons.

Howsoever spent these listless days.

Blame ye why, the lifeless sways.

Now no welling moan, if ever was.

Forget, not bemoan the fated cause.

So often desires, withered wishes,

diminish not the distance, swishes.

Sometimes those that move on,

inspire not the heart, are better gone

Adapted rendering: **

saadat tahir

Islamabd

(Oct 15, 2009)

** Originally in Urdu"¦

by Ahmad Faraz

A noted, very well known, contemporary and acclaimed poet"¦