Charbagh Village Poem by Sadiqullah Khan

On my left and being overlooked by mountains,
This village has the reputation of harboring
Prettiest faces on earth. There is a majestic slanting fort;
I have heard from a military man that it contains,
Springs of sweet water. The wall of Asoka on the top
Of hills protects it or some other habitations.

Down runs the caves and tunnels, one made in 1928,
The other a year after. In the nearby Shalman hills.
Rising to great heights and falling to great depths,
The air is as if a door from the seventh heaven
Has opened. The sunshine of the noon slip
By the stones like mirrors masoned by the creation itsef,

Fluttering birds rise and fall from the stranded
Clouds in blue sky. For the moon waiting
In the bottom of the hills to rise on rugged peaks.
What sight it makes when rains pour in.
From Torkham and gazing into the valley:
Be it high or low it breathes peace and anguish
There is a long line of tear's flow, dividing Shamshad.

Torkham
August 26,2011