Sufi And Modern Poetry

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai

Shah Jo Risalo

Shah Abdul Latif was a sufi saint and a very famous poet of Sind. His poetry is based on different Melodies and Legends of Pakistan . They all teach a lesson of Unity & oneness.
Some translated lines from his Book.

Sohni

I knew not that the jar was faked

its colours were the same

My heart beyond control, I thrust

myself on jar unbaked;

The thing on which my life I staked

in midstream landed me.

By help of which the longing eyes

did see Beloved’s face;

The jar, how could I sacrifice

as dear as life to me?

My heart exhausted is and weak,

no strength my limbs have now;

"O Sahar, thou dost know all this,

help me, cast thy tow

I am so ignorant, and thou

my love so great thour art.

The jar, the means to reach, did break,

alas, the maiden drowned,

But only then she heard the sound

of Sahar’s voice draw nigh.

The means on which she had relied,

did thrust her in the flood;

And only after she had died

she heard the herdsman’s call.

"The jar is broken! Let it go

obstructive screen it was mere

My real being is singing still

soul-music still is here

And still I seek my Sahar dear,

Though without ‘action` now

My hear, you keep on swimming

the jar let break and go…..

My eyes, I train them every day

more of control to know;

The Herdsmen led me, and did show

to me friend, the ‘straight` path.

Suggest no rafts to those who love

nor ask boat-men around;

Sohni that is for Sahar bound

enquiring doth not need.