Kishwar Naheed THREE POEMS Translated by C. M. Nairn THE END OF EXPLOITATION These hands, now covered with veins that tell of autumn's approach, they used to throb with heat like the fish in a fisherman's net. These hands never rose to supplicate; they never begged, were never shamed. They showed desires the path to take, then ambushed them. Their every knuckle's been crushed by work, and every nail mirrors ugliness. These hands foreshadow my beautiful days that now begin. CONFESSION Scared birds, hiding in corners, why do you fear so our trembling hands? You lost your freedom innocently; you were caught in a net you never saw. But we've ourselves cut our tongues, and now, cloaked in public approval, prostrate ourselves, sing hymns of joy. Scared birds, hiding in corners, you came to glean, to earn your 'daily bread.' This wish to earn one's 'daily bread' 75