Be content with thine own lot, and do not always envy the fortune of others!
Shouldst thou secure both these things, may happiness and affluence be thine!
The links of existence are bound together by a single flimsy thread alone:
Leave the world’s sorrows: why mourn for others? Weep for thy thyself!
Whether thine own kith and kin, or strangers, draw thy pen thro’ all:
It is the age of iniquity and depravity; so be not vain of brother, or of son.
In whatever direction I wend my way, I perceive such acts from them-
The attainment of their wishes is on to-day, and gone is all concern for to-morrow.
Behold! what blasting wind is it, that hath blown over all the world?
The heart waxeth not kind to any one; and the whole world is deceitful grown!
I was saying that the hamlet is peopled, but, lo! when I came near unto it,
Mere rubbish is lying about-it was an utterly desolate and deserted abode.
In whatever direction thou goest, pass them by with “God preserve us!”
They have a hundred evils in their hearts, a hundred-bead rosary round their necks.
Much traffic hath been effected, and a hundred demands with avidity made;
But the time of evening prayer is come, therefore now let this mart be closed.
Thou art always saying, O Khushal! “Upon the world I will turn my back;”
But as yet, indeed, this world is still standing face to face with thee.
(Khoshal Khan Khattak)
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Based on Topics: World Poems, Time Poems, Fate & Destiny Poems, Sons Poems, Prayers Poems, Age Poems, Brothers PoemsBased on Keywords: attainment, waxeth, effected, depravity, avidity, about-it