Remembering Ahmad Faraz: Do not murder the voices


To pay tribute to his memory, here I am sharing my translation of one of my favourite Faraz poems, “Mat Qatl Karo Aavaazon Ko” (do not murder the voices), which it seems was written for our own violent and intolerant times, especially in Pakistan and India

I first translated and shared it by way of an angry response to the brutal murder of the famous qawwal, Amjad Sabri on June 22, 2016, but feel that it is relevant in today’s times too

You keep sinking the spears of your faiths Into every heart We are people of love Why do you wave your daggers? Let the songs flow in this city Let us too remain in this settlement We are the protectors of flowers We are the keepers of (their) fragrance Whose blood have you come to drink? We are the teachers of love What will you ever see again in this city When the word will die here When the melody will be severed upon the sword When the verse will migrate When the tune and the instruments will be murdered When there will be a famine of voices When the cities will become ruins Upon whom will you cast the stone? When you will see your face in the mirror You will be afraid



Date:15-Jan-2018 Reference:View Original Link