It is a translation from another language (not my poem) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My wish comes out on my lips as a prayer O Lord, let my life be like a lamp Let the darkness in this world disappear and by my shining let every place be lit up Let me be the cause of beauty to my country Just as a flower is the beauty of the Gardens My life be like a moth, O God and I love the light of knowledge My job be to protect the poor To love the lamentable, the weak O God, save me from evil and let me tread on the path that is right5 responses total.
quote the source, then? I'm curious..
This is from an Urdu (a language spoken in India and Pakistan) poem by Iqbaal. This poet wrote a lot of great poetry, which included quite a few for children. Although this poem was written for children, I think it should be inspiring for anyone!
Aaaaw..I have recently discovred this Iqbaal poet from an new/but old friend.... :) I do like what I have read of it...and as is the case w/ Arabic...nothing is as good when in translation!!!
specially, when the translator knows little of Urdu (his mother toungue!) and English both. I came to know of this poet from a friend who keeps the same first name as the poet, but writes with an 'E'. This guy isn't a poet himself but I think he was one of the more cheerful person I have met. Suddenly he has become sad, I don't know why and he won't tell me!
This (in translation, at least) reminds me a lot of (translations of) biblical poetry; Psalms, Isaiah, etc. The paired phrases, the rhythmic patterns.... I love that form. Maybe it's just a reflection of my childhood or something, but I really think that this form of poetry is really effective.
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