The Best of Mahjoor

Selections from Mahjoor's Kashmiri Poems

Aazaadi........
FREEDOM

Let us all offer thanksgiving,

For Freedom has come to us;

It's after ages that she has beamed

Her radiance on us.

 

In western climes Freedom comes

With a shower of light and grace,

But dry, sterile thunder is all

She has for our own soil.

 

Poverty and starvation,

Repression and lawlessness, - 

It's with these happy blessings

That she has come to us.

 

Freedom, being of heavenly birth,

Can't move from door to door;

You'll find her camping in the homes

Of a chosen few alone.

 

She says she will not tolerate

Any wealth in private hands;

That's why they are wringing capital

Out of the hands of everyone. 

 

There's mourning in every house

But in sequestered bowers

Our rulers, like bridegrooms,

Are in Alliance win Freedom.

 

Nabir Sheikh knows what Freedom means,

For his wife was whisked away.

He went on complaining until

She bore Freedom in a new home !

 

They searched her armpits seven times

To see if she was hiding rice;

In a basket covered with a shawl

The peasant's wife brought Freedom home.

 

There's restlessness in every heart,

But no one dare speak out - 

Afraid that with their free expression

Freedom may be annoyed.