The Last Letter Many years ago. A man chose a certain path; He struggled with light and dark; Sometimes he stood steadfast like a rock, Sometimes he was uprooted like a tree in a storm, But he kept on going. If, after travelling like this for so long, The traveller realizes that it is not the right path, Then what does he do? If he goes any further, He makes darkness his fate; If he turns back, he loses The remaining half of the treasure of breaths. I need your prayers. If you find the time, Pray for me. Just Keep On Living Like This Just keep on living like this; Say nothing. When you get up in the morning, Take a head count of the family, Slouch in a chair and read the paper. There was a famine there And a war raged somewhere else, Be thankful that you are safe. Switch on the radio and listen to the new pop songs. When you leave the house, Paste a smile on your face, Pack hand-shakes in your hands, Keep a few meaningless phrases on your lips, Be passed through different hands like a coin, And say nothing. A white collar, Social respect, A few drinks every day— What else do you need? Annual of Urdu Studies, #6 72