Remembering Faiz – who passed away in Lahore on 20 November, 1984 – on his death anniversary, I could not think of a better title than the one borrowed from his famous verse: ye daag daag ujala ye shabgazeeda sahar; woh intezaar tha jiska ye woh sahar to nahin. This couplet is from his famous poem, Subh-e-Azadi, written on the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. It becomes even more relevant in the present tumultuous political happenings unfolding in our country which is bent on strangulating the voices of reason.
I find my previously published poetic response to one of the greatest twentieth century poet befitting in all humility. This of course was inspired by his famous poem, hum dekhenge, which is a spring of optimism yet to unfurl its petals. But let poetry lovers enjoy the essence of my tribute.
lazim to nahin tha dekhenge; ham Faiz sahar ki jalwagari/tum ja bhi chukay maikhanay sai; baqi hai tumhari tishna labi/han dekhye kab hoti hai sahar; kab ja kai thamay ashufta sari/woh sung uthaye phirtay hain; kartay hain yahan jo charagari/ her dar pe gaye us dar kai siwa; qismat may likhi thi dar badari.
Haroon Rashid Siddiqi
Milton – Canada
