The Path of Memory -by Faiz Ahmad Faiz. Translation by Rehan Qayoom

If the path of memory on which you’ve been walking  

For an age at the same pace comes to an end  

Walk on a few steps further till you reach  

The crossroads of the wastes of negligence  

Beyond which there is neither an I nor you  

And the field of vision holds its breath for who knows when  

You might retreat, transcend, or turn around to look  

  

Though the eyes know this is all a lie  

If ever again we do see eye to eye  

Some other path will branch out from that point on  

And hand in hand we will begin the journey  

In the shadows of your tresses to the movement of your arms  

  

The other thing is also sorcery for the heart knows  

There is no turning no desert no spell  

Veiled in which my months can pass  

If the path of life runs with your thoughts - All is well  

If you do not turn round to look it doesn’t matter

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Rehan Qayoom is a poet of English and Urdu, editor, translator and archivist, educated at Birkbeck College, University of London. He has featured in numerous literary publications and performed his work internationally.  He has published 2 books of poetry and several works of prose.

www.rehanqayoom.weebly.com