Autumn In Life
A man I see, with clothes tattered
Empty stomach, wanting eyes, grey hair scattered
Wealth he seeks not, nor desires any comfort
What he aspires, is his death, to avert.
Stood he, in the midst of my way
Giving his words of a heavenly pray
Slowly, trembling, hi heavy hands rose
With no choice but this way to pose.
'Sir'' humbly he said, 'This wrinkled face
Has once been the sign of baronial grace
And prosperity gladly dwelled at my palace
My neck unbowed standing on fame's terrace.
These were the hands of pride and ego
That let the mercy and pity by me go,
And doped my conscience for an unfair time
That saw humanity bleed, scream in painful rhyme.
Then the wheel of fortune at once turned
And bereaved me of what I had earned;
Wealth I lost, wandered for my own people
Slowly descended my life and became dull.
This day, I am standing before you, my lord,
Mourning my fate, joining time's broken cord.
Now, I sublimate my soul by saying so fair
From zenith, no human for nadir should uncare.
Hasnain Aaqib
A sad poem about a fact of life - the poor will always be with us - we have to be kind and give what e can. I invite you to read my poem Alone on the Streets which is similar.
This is so beautiful. So much feeling. That last line - from zenith to nadir - sums it up perfectly. We are all deserving of at least the basic necessities of life. Those of us who are blessed with abundance have a duty to care for those less fortunate. I believe this is an unwritten decree. You express yourself beautifully, and your philosophy is also mine.
I really feel that my fellow poets and critics should comment on my poems, in whatever taste their comments are, they will be welcome. hasnain aaqib
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
It presents very vivid and realistic characterization, We can see such figures around us especially the addicts and paupers or anyone who is spending a remorseful life. There's a character Of Shakespeare, King Lear: But I am bound upon a wheel of fire, / That mine own tears do scald like molten lead. This is extreme agony that you have depicted well in your verse in symbol of autumn season.