Noha – نوحہ

I want to write an elegy

For windows, for winds, for voices

Windows that do not open

Winds that do not blow

Voices that are frozen in throats

I want to write an elegy

For prayers, for sighs

Prayers that have lost all effect

Sighs that are lost in space

I want to write an elegy

For Gods

Who have forgotten the art of even protecting themselves

Who are forever receding further from the earth

Who are losing the capacity to hear any voice

I must write an elegy …

Translated by Nauman Naqvi