SINGH, Kushwant

…..
Once through this ruined city did I pass

I espied a lonely bird on a bough and asked

‘What knowest thou of this wilderness?’

It replied: 'I can sum it up in two words:

‘Alas, Alas!

…..


…..
Not forever does the bulbul sing

In balmy shades of bowers,

Not forever lasts the spring

Nor ever blossom the flowers.

Not forever reigneth joy,

Sets the sun on days of bliss,

Friendships not forever last,

They know not life, who know not this.

(Train to Pakistan)

…..


So many gods, so many creeds,

so many paths that wind and wind,

when just the art of being kind

Is all that the sad world needs.