The bird's complaint

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«minâ’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 Notes1. K«minâ: 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.