Tehni Pe Kisi Shajar Ki Tanha
Bulbul Tha Koi Udas Baitha
Shajar = Tree; Tanha = Alone, Lonesome; Bulbul = a small songbird, most close to a nightingale; Udas = sad
A small song bird was sitting atop a lonely tree branch
Kehta Tha Ke Raat Ser Pe Aaiye
Urnay Chugnay Mein Din Guzara
Urnay = To fly; Chugnay = what birds do to eat with their beaks
He was crying to himself that the night is now upon me. I spent the entire day flying from here to there, searching for food
Pohenchun Kis Tarah AashiyaN Tak
Her Cheez Pe Cha Gya Andhera
AashiyaN = Home; Andhera = Darkness
How is it that I will reach my home now that the day is over and it is so dark
Sun Kar Bulbul Ki Aah-O-Zari
Jugnu Koi Pas Hi Se Bola
Aah-o-Zari = Crying, lamenting; Jugnu = Firefly, lightening bug
A firefly, who was near the small bird, heard his cries and thus spoke
Hazir Hun Madad Ko Jaan O Dil Se
Keera Hun Agarcha Mein Zara Sa
Hazir = Present; Keera = insect; Agarchay = Even though, However
I am present for you my friend, even though I am but a small insect
Kya Gham Hai Jo Raat Hai Andheri
Main Rah Mein Roshni KarooN Ga
Gham = Worry, Concern (in this context); Roshni = Light
Why are you concerned that the night is at its darkest hour and nothing is to be seen. I am here to light the path for you to your home
Allah Ne Di Hai Mujh Ko Mashal
Chamka Ke Mujhay Diya Banaya
Mashal = Torch; Diya = Lamp
God has given me a torch. He has lit me and made me into a shining lamp
Hain Log Wohi Jahan Mein Ache
Aate Hain Jo Kaam Dusron Ke
Those people are good in this world who help others in their hour of need
Tashrih or Explanation:
Allamah has composed this beautiful poem for children inspired by William Cowper’s: “The Nightingale and Glow-worm.” The message that Allamah wants to convey is simple: we must help each other in this world. And it doesn’t matter whether we are big or small. Even a little glow-worm can help save a life.
We are introduced to a nightingale who left his home and has spent the entire day searching for food. He was so engrossed in his search that he did not even notice that he strayed far away from home. Now he cannot find his way back in the pitch darkness of the night.
While he is crying to himself about his predicament, there is a firefly near by who hears his lamentations. The firefly offers to help the nightingale by saying that God has given him a light that he can use for the benefit of his friend. He can fly ahead to light the path for the nightingale to find his home.
The poem ends with an age-old beautiful message that we should live harmoniously in this world by helping each other out. In all ages, we will always be in need of this message.
Rhyme:
Sitting atop a lonely branch
A nightingale was saddened thus
The night is now upon me with darkness abound
The day been spent, eating what little food I found
How to find my way to distant home
with nothing visible, no light that is shone
Listening to the heartening cry
A firefly spoke from nearby
I am at your disposal to end
Though a small insect, I am your friend
Why lament if the night is upon us
Light the way, I shall, to make it luminous
God has given me a torch to shine
Lit me from within, a lamp to …
Blessed are the people in this world
Who help others in need