In my trawl through blogs of interest, I came across Mariam Jaan who has written an impressive collection of poems on Pashtoon/Afghan related issues. She captures the pride and the passion of what it is to be Pashtoon, looking at difficult contemporary issues and past nostalgia. I detect a printed anthology about to happen soon, InshAllah.
I have a couple of favourites, so I'd like to share a moment of her brilliance. The message of course, is central to the art.
"A Pashtun" by Mariam Jaan
I have a couple of favourites, so I'd like to share a moment of her brilliance. The message of course, is central to the art.
"A Pashtun" by Mariam Jaan
When a Westerner thinks of a Pashtun, a terrorist is all they see
They have no idea of how romantic and chivalrous he can be
If you were to search all the world you will never be able to find
A man whose guests are treated so honorably and so kind
A Pashtun is a warrior, a poet, a lover, a politician all rolled into one
They have such soft hearts despite carrying around a loaded gun
No one loves to see the beauty in life more than Pashtun males do
For the sake of love there is no torment he won't gladly suffer through
He is proud of his history and remembers every hero's name
And he would rather sacrifice his life than live a life of shame
Whether gazing at his beloved, a beautiful flower or a starry night
His honor is on his mind and for that he's always ready to fight
They have no idea of how romantic and chivalrous he can be
If you were to search all the world you will never be able to find
A man whose guests are treated so honorably and so kind
A Pashtun is a warrior, a poet, a lover, a politician all rolled into one
They have such soft hearts despite carrying around a loaded gun
No one loves to see the beauty in life more than Pashtun males do
For the sake of love there is no torment he won't gladly suffer through
He is proud of his history and remembers every hero's name
And he would rather sacrifice his life than live a life of shame
Whether gazing at his beloved, a beautiful flower or a starry night
His honor is on his mind and for that he's always ready to fight
Indeed, a very true depiction of a Pashtun:)
ReplyDeleteDera Manana Farid Gul,
ReplyDeleteThis is the story that is not being told. We can be proud of our traditions, without descending into the madness that surrounds us.
Da Khudai Pa Amaan.