THE BIRD'S COMPLAINT
(For Children)

Introduction

Though outwardly this poem is a sorrowful description of a poor bird's feelings in captivity, and its pining for freedom, it is really meant to convey to the children the evils of political slavery and the blessings of political independence. Though it was very appropriate for the political conditions of the Indian sub-continent at the beginning of the present century, when it was written, it still retains its appeal as a message for attaining real independence as distinct from political independence, which is what we are struggling for at present in the Muslim world, including Pakistan.

Translation
I am constantly reminded of the bygone times
Those garden's springs, those chorus of chimes

Gone are the freedoms of our own nests
Where we could come and go at our own pleasure

My heart aches the moment I think
Of the buds' smile at the dew's tears

That beautiful figure, that K�min�’s ¹ form
Which source of happiness in my nest did form

I do not hear those lovely sounds in my cage now
May it happen that my freedom be in my own hands now!

How unfortunate I am, tantalized for my abode I am
My companions are in the home-land, in the prison I am

Spring has arrived, the flower buds are laughing
On my misfortune in this dark house I am wailing

O God, To whom should I relate my tale of woe?
I fear lest I die in this cage with this woe!

Since separation from the garden the condition of my heart is such
My heart is waxing the grief, my grief is waxing the heart ²

O Listeners, considering this music do not be happy
This call is the wailing of my wounded heart

O the one who confined me make me free
A silent prisoner I am, earn my blessings free

Explanatory Notes
1. K�min�: It is a small tropical flowering tree with beautiful slender shape and white fragrant flowers. It is commonly grown in the gardens of the India-Pakistan- Bangladesh region.
2. This expression in Urdu denotes extreme anguish.