NO TRACE OF BLOOD ,Faiz Ahmad Faiz

Nowhere, there is any trace of blood

Neither on the hands and nails of the slayers,
nor any sign on the sleeve.
No redness on the dagger's edge,
nor any colour on the spear's head.
No stains on the earth’s breast,
nor any smear on the ceiling.
Nowhere, there is any trace of blood

It was
Not spent in the service of kings,
to gain some bounty;
Nor offered in a religious rite,
to obtain absolution;
Nor spilled on the battlefield
to attain fame – as inscription on a banner.

It cried for attention –
that unprotected, helpless blood.
Yet, none had the time or the will –
to listen to that blood.
No accuser nor any witness –
just a ´clean sheet`
That blood from the figures of clay –
the Earth consumed it

O' TRUE GOD,Faiz Ahmad Faiz

O' true God! You had decreed:
"My Man! You are the king of the world,
My bounties are now your riches,
You are my deputy and viceroy."

After sending me away on this pretence,
Have you ever asked:
"How have you endured life, my Man?"
Have you ever enquired, O' My Lord!
How this world has treated your viceroy?

On the one hand there is intimidation by the police,
On the other there is persecution by the stewards.
This skeleton of mine carries a heart which trembles,
The way a sparrow flutters when caught in a trap.

What a king you have made? O' My Lord!
A chain of sufferings, not a moment's peace for him.
I do not wish any kingship, O' My Creator!
A bit of dignity shall suffice for me.
These palaces and mansions are not my choice,
A corner in life's fabric is all that I ask.

If you listen to me, then I will listen to you,
I swear in your name: "I shall never go astray."
But if this demand of mine is not met by you,
Then I must also search, and find a new God.