If he be scent ~ Parvin Shakir

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If he be scent,
let him not touch me,

and pass,

until he be part of my existence.

The flower half-opened its lips,

[So] all stealth of colour may not be

blamed upon the butterfly.

He favours faithfulness out of fear,

That,

losing me,

this girl shall die

of pain.

I shall cleanse his lashes with my shawl

[So] the dust of this day's journey,

may not enter tomorrow's!

Through whom shall I send him today's prayer?

Ambassador, air, star -

None visits his abode!

Parveen Shakir

[This is english translation of Parvin Shakir's poem: Khushbu hai vo to]