Notes of FA / FSC Part 1st

Notes of English FA/FSC Part 1st

EXPLANATION WITH REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT

SEPTEMBER, THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

 STANZA 1.

 Lines (1-6)

 My child and I hold hands on the way to school,

 And when I leave him at the first-grade door

 He cries a little but is brave; he does

 Let go. My selfish tears remind me how

 I cried before that door a life ago.

 I may have had a hard time letting go.

سکول جاتے ہوے میں اور میرا بیٹا ہاتھوں میں ہاتھ ڈالتے ہیں

  اور جب میں اسے پہلی جماعت کے دروازے پر چھوڑتا ہوں۔

 تو وہ تھوڑاساچیخ نکالتا ہے لیکن ہے بہادر وہ ضرور

  مجھے جانے دیتا ہے ، میرے خودغرض آنسو مجھے یاد دلاتے ہیں کہ کیسے

  بہت عرصہ پہلے میں ایک دروازے کے سا منے چلایا تھا

 ہوسکتا ہے میرے لئے والد کا ہاتھ چھوڑ نا بہت مشکل تھا۔

 REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT:

 These lines have been taken from the poem "September, the First Day of School" composed by an American poet named Howard Nemerov. In this poem he describes his father feelings towards his son when he is taking to school for the first time. It reminds him of first day at school. He is worried about his son, leaving him alone at the school gate. But at the same time, he consoles himself by the hope that his teachers will treat him like kind parents.

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poet tells us about his own feelings and the feelings of his son when he takes him to school for the first time. He says that he feels very anxious when he goes hand in hand with his son and leaves him alone at the gate of the junior class. The child cries a little but is bold enough to let go his hand. Hearing his son's cries, the father begins to shed tears. The cries of his son remind him of the day when he was first left alone by his father at the school gate. He says that he was not as bold as his son was. He, therefore, wept bitterly at the moment of separation from his father. That moment of separation was a very tough and hard time for him.

 STANZA 2.

 Lines (7-13)

 Each fall the children must endure together

 What every child also endures alone:

 Learning the alphabet, the integers,

 Three dozen bits and pieces of a stuff

 So arbitrary, so peremptory

 That worlds invisible and visible

 Bow down before it

 ہرمشکل بچے اکھٹا برداشت کرتے ہیں

  جسے ہر پراکیلا ہی برداشت کرتا ہے۔

 حروفے تہجی اور گنتی سیکھتے ہیں،

  درجنوں چیزیں اور موادسیکھتے ہیں

 بہت آمرانہ اورتحکمانہ

 دنیاں میں دکھائی دینے والا اور نہ دکھائی دینے والا

 بچہ ان کے سامنے جھکتا ہے۔

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poet says that the children have to bear at school any kind of failure and face other difficult situations both collectively and individually. They have to learn at school alphabets as well as numbers. They learn a lot of difficult stuff from their commanding and authoritative teachers. They are compelled to learn all that they are taught whether imaginary or real.

 STANZA 3.

 Lines (14-19)

 As in Joseph's dream

 The sheaves bowed down and then the stars bowed down

 Before the dreaming of a little boy.

 That dream got him such hatred of his brothers

 As cost the greater part of life to mend.

 And yet great kindness came of it in the end.

 کے خواب میں جیسا کہ یوسف

 گندم کے گھٹے جھکے اور پھر ستارے جھک گئے

  ایک چھوٹے لڑکے کے خواب کے آگے۔

 اس خواب کی بدولت اس کے بھائیوں کی ایسی نفرت پیدا ہوئی

  جس کے اصلاح کے لئے ان کی زندگی کا بڑا حصہ لگ گیا،

  اور تا ہم اس کا اختتام بھلائی پر ہوا۔

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poet wants to say that a child suffers a lot at school but later on he enjoys the fruit of his sufferings. In order to make the idea clear, he refers to the story of Prophet Joseph's am. When Prophet Joseph told his brothers about his dream that a lot of bundles of bundles of corn and stars bowed before him, they began to hate him. They tortured him for the greater part of his life. But in the long run he was rewarded by God for his patience and he the kindness and love of his brothers as well as of his countryman.

 STANZA 4.

 Lines (20-27)

 My child has disappeared

 Behind the schoolroom door. And should I live

 To see his coming forth, a life away,

  I know my hope, but do not know its form

 Nor hope to know it. May the fathers he finds

 Among his teachers have a care of him

 More than his father could. How that will look

 I do not know, I do not need to know.

 میرا بیٹا غائب ہو چکا ہے

  سکول کے دروازے کے پیچھے ۔ اور کیا میں موجود رہوں

  اسے بابرکات ہوا، ایک کی مدت،

 میں اپنی امید جانتا ہوں لیکن اس کی صورت نہیں جانتا

 اپنے والد سے بھی زیادہ۔ یہ کیسا نظر آیگا

 مجھے نہیں معلوم، مجھے جانے کی ضرورت بھی نہیں۔

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poet says that his son has taken leave of him. He has entered the school and has disappeared from his eyes behind the schoolroom door. The poet at this stage begins to think about the future of his son. He begins to think as to what will become of his son after years of getting education. He hopes that he will become a great man but is not sure as to what he will become. He again thinks that it is also possible that the teachers at school will show him more love and take greater care of him than he can. Then he says that he can neither guess what will happen in this regard nor does he care.

 STANZA 5.

 Lines (28-29)

 Even our tears belong to ritual.

 But may great kindness come of it in the end.

 حتی کہ ہمارے آنسوری ہوتے ہیں

 لیکن ہوسکتا ہے اس کا اختتام بھلائی پر ہو۔

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poet says that the tears which people shed aremostly artificial and ceremonious. To shed tears at the time of trouble or separation from dear ones has become a common practice. But the poet is hopeful that later on these tears will prove fruitful. They will bring joys and kindness as it happened in the case of Prophet Joseph.

TEARS OF NATURE

 (Graeme King)

 STANZA 1.

 Lines (1-3)

 I think I just heard Mother Nature cry,

 Or was it one more broken, falling tree?

 You'd think we'd learn as time goes speeding by.

  میرا خیال ہے میں نے ابھی فطرت کوروتے ہوئے سنا،

  یا یہ کہ ایک اور ٹوٹنے اور کر نے والی درخت کی آوازتھی؟

  تمہارے خیال میں ہم تیزی سے گزرتے ہوئے وقت کے ساتھ ساتھ سیکھ جائیں گے۔

 REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT:

 These lines have been taken from the poem "Tears of Nature composed by Graeme King. In this poem the poet expresses grief over the indifferent and cruel attitude of man towards nature and environment. Nature performs the role of a benefactor and sustainer for man. It fulfils all the needs of man whether physical or spiritual. But being selfish and ignorant, man is busy in destroying the objects of nature such as ozone layer, atmosphere and sea etc. instead of protecting them.

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poet says that nature, like a kind mother, gives expression to deep sorrow and is greatly shocked when someone cuts down even a tree but man like an ignorant child pays no heed to its cries. The poet further says that man will at last realize his folly but by then he will not be able to make amends for his cruel and foolish attitude.

 STANZA 2.

 Lines (4-6)

 They tell us there's a big hole in the sky,

 We won't believe in something we can't see,

 I think I just heard Mother Nature cry.

 وہ ہمیں بتاتے ہیں کہ آسمان میں ایک بڑا سوراخ ہے

 ہم اس کی چیزوں پر یقین نہیں رکھتے جسے ہم دیکھ نہیں سکتے

  میرا خیال ہے میں نے ابھی فطرت کو روتے ہوئے نا۔

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poet tells the readers that a big hole has of reportedly occurred in the ozone layer due to excessive pollution of atmosphere at the hands of man. Nature laments its harmful effects on the health of man but man is indifferent to it because of his lack of knowledge.

 STANZA 3.

 Lines (7-9)

 Coal-fired chimneys reaching up so high,

  Even though the solar power's free,

 You'd think we'd learn as time goes speeding by.

 کوئلہ جلانے والی اونچی چمنیاں

  اگر چہ شمسی توانائی مفت ہے

 تمہارے خیال میں ہم تیزی سے گزرتے ہوئے وقت کے ساتھ ساتھ سیکھہ جائیں گے۔

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poet says that nature provides to man a lot of energy in the form of solar energy but he does not make a useful use of it during his daily life. Instead, he burns coals for energy purposes and sends poisonous gases into the atmosphere through chimney tops etc. which destroys the ozone layer. Man thinks that he will make use of solar energy in the future but by then he will have destroyed the objects of nature that care for him like a kind mother.

 STANZA 4.

 Lines (10-12)

 We develop rocket ships that fly,

  But still can't stop pollution of the sea,

 I think I just heard Mother Nature cry.

 ہم خلائی راکٹ تیار کرتے ہیں جوڑتے ہیں،

  لیکن پھربھی سمندر کی آلودگی نہیں روک سکتے ،

 میرا خیال ہے میں نے ابھی فطرت کو روتے ہوئے سنا۔

 Explanation

 In these lines the poet says that man has made tremendous In the progress in the fields of science and technology. He sends rockets from ships to the moon and other planets, but has completely failed in protecting the objects of nature from destruction and pollution. The poet says that nature laments the destruction of the objects of the nature but man does not pay any heed to its cries.

 STANZA 5.

 Lines (13-15)

 Headlines: One more species set to die,

 Keep it quiet... use diplomacy,

 You'd think we'd learn as time goes speeding by.

 شہ سرخی: جانوروں کی ایک اور نسل ختم ہونے والی ہے

 اسے ظا ہر نہ کرو۔۔ حکمت عملی سے کام لو

 تمہارے خیال میں ہم تیزی سے گزرتے ہوئے وقت کے ساتھ ساتھ سیکھ جائیں گے۔

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poet says that people read in newspapers about the disappearance of an animal species from the surface of the earth but they are never concerned about it. Instead of taking steps for the survival of such species, they prefer to remain silent and inactive. They adopt a cunning attitude about the destruction of such species by saying that they would learn about it in future.

 STANZA 6.

 Lines (16-19)

 Worry on the future? Pass it by!

 How can preservation start with me?

  I think I just heard Mother Nature cry..

  You'd think we'd learn as time goes speeding by.

 مستقبل کے بارے میں فکر مند ہونا ؟ اسے جانے دیں!

  (اس کا) تحفظ مجھ سے کیسے شروع ہوسکتا ہے؟

 میرا خیال ہے میں نے ابھی فطرت کو روتے ہوئے سنا۔

 تمہارے خیال میں ہم تیزی سے گزرتے ہوئے وقت کے ساتھ ساتھ سیکھ جائیں

 گے۔

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poet describes the selfish nature of the people He says that everyone in the society tries to shun the responsibility of protecting the objects of nature from destruction. They say that they need not bother about the future of the world as they will not be in the world when man will suffer from the results of atmospheric pollution caused by man himself. The poet says that nature, like a kind mother, warns man in a loud voice against the evil effects of his cruel attitude on his health but man passes the responsibility to the future generation

  

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FLOWER

 (Cheryl L. Costello-Forshey)

 REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT:

 These lines have been taken from the poem, "The Most Beautiful Flower" composed by Cheryl L. Costello-Forshey. In this poem the poetess says that man's life is what his thoughts make it. Happiness is not a matter of externals but depends upon one's way of thinking. The poetess was taught this lesson by a blind boy who presented to her a flower with a smile when she was sitting in a dejected mood under a willow tree. The boy was happy in spite of being blind while me poetess was sorrowful in spite of all the comforts of life at her disposal.

 STANZA 1.

 Lines (1-8)

 The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read,

 Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree;

 Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown,

 For the world was intent on dragging me down.

 And if that weren't enough to ruin my day,

 A young boy out of breath approached me, all tired from play.

 He stood right before me with his head tilted down

 And said with great excitement, "Look what I found!"

 پارک میں بینچ خالی تھا جب میں پڑھنے واسطے بیٹھی۔

 ایک پرانے بید کے درخت کے لمبے پھیلی ہوئی شاخوں کے نیچے

  زندگی سے بے زار اور ناخوش ہونے کی وجوہات کے ساتھ

  کیونکہ دنیا بھے برباد کرنے پرلگی ہوئی تھی۔

  اور اگر یہ سب کچھ میری زندگی کو برباد کرنے کے لئے کافی نہیں تھا۔

 کھیل کود سے تھا ہو اور سانس پھولی ہوئی ایک نوجوان لڑکا میرے پاس پہنچا۔

  وہ سر جھکائے بالکل میرے سامنے کھڑ اور اور بہت پر جوش انداز میں کہنے لگا" دیکھو میں کیا لایا ہوں"!

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poetess says that once she sat on a vacant bench under an old

 under an old willow tree. The tree was old, covering a large area by its sprawling branches. She was angry with the world thinking that it was bent upon humiliating and destroying her. While she was absorbed in thinking a Thinking about the cold behavior of the people towards her, a boy suddenly appeared before her in a tired condition. He stood before her with bowed head and asked her in a happy mood to look at the thing he had found.

 STANZA 2.

 Lines (9-16)

 In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight,

 With its petals all worn --- not enough rain, or too little light.

 Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play,

 I faked a smile and then shifted away,

 But instead of retreating he sat next to my side

 And placed the flower to his nose and declared with overacted surprise,

 "It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful, too.

 That's why I picked it; here, it's for you."

 اس کے ہاتھ میں پھول تھا اور کتنا افسوس ناک منظر تھا۔

  جس کی تمام پتیاں بارش اور کم روشنی کی بدولت مرجھائی ہوئی تھیں ۔

  میں چاہتی تھی کہ وہ مرجھائے ہوئے پھول کے ساتھ کھیلنے کو جائے۔

  مصنوی ہنسی کے ساتھ میں اس سے دور رہٹی

 ان لیکن پیچھے ہٹنے کی بجائے وہ میرے قریب بیٹھا

 اور پھول کو سونگھا اور انتہائی حیرت سے کہنے لگا ،

 یقینن اس کی خوشبو پیاری ہے اور خوبصورت بھی ہے

 یہی وجہ ہے کہ میں نے اسے اٹھایا، یہ آپ کے لئے ہے

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poetess tells the readers that the excited boy stood before her with a flower in his hand. The scene was a miserable one. The petals of the flower were neither fresh nor colorful because they had neither been nourished by rain nor colored by light. She turned her face away from him with a forced smile with the intention to get him out of her sight with his flower. The poetess says that instead of moving away, the boy sat near her on the bench. He put the flower to his nose and told her with excitement and surprise that he picked the flower because it was sweet-smelling and beautiful.

 STANZA 3. Lines (17-124)

 The weed before me was dying or dead.

 vibrant colours: orange, yellow or red.

 Knew I must take it, or he might never leave.

 cached for the flower, and replied, "Just what I need."

 So I reached to But instead of He held it mid-al

 stead of placing the flower in my hand,

 He heid it mid-air without reason or plan.

 It was then that I noticed for the first time

 That weed-toting boy could not see: he was blind.

 میرے سامنے والا پھول مرجھایاہواتھا۔

  اس میں کوئی روشن رنگ تھا۔ نارنجی ، زرد یا سرخ۔

  لیکن میں جانتی تھی کہ مجھے اسے ضرور لینا ہوگا ورنہ وہ کبھی نہیں جائے گا۔

  پر میں نے پھول کی طرف ہاتھ بڑھایا اور کہنے لگی وہی جو میں چاہتی تھی۔

  لیکن پھول میرے ہاتھ پر رکھنے کی بجائے

 اس نے بغیر کی وجہ یا منصوبے کے اسے ہوا میں پکڑا۔

  تب میں نے پہلی دفہ دیکھا کے پھول لانے والالڑکا دیکھ نہیں سکتا تھا، وہ اندها تها۔

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poetess says that the flower the boy held heid before her eyes was dead or about to die. It was not a fresh flower sparkling with orange, yellow or red colours. As the boy was adamant and insisted on her taking the flower, she extended her hand to get the flower saying that she was in need of such a beautiful flower. The poetess further says that when she extended her hand to take the flower, the boy held it in the air instead of putting it in her hand without an apparent reason. She was shocked to know that the flower carrying boy was blind and could not see anything.

 STANZA 4. Lines (25-32)

 I heard my voice quiver; tears shone in the sun

 As I thanked him for picking the very best one.

  "You're welcome," he smiled, and then ran off to play,

 Unaware of the impact he'd had on my day.

 I sat there and wondered how he managed to see

 A self-pitying woman beneath an old willow tree.

 How did he know of my self-indulged plight?

  Perhaps from his heart, he'd been blessed with true sight.

 میں نے اپنی لرزتی ہوئی آواز سنی ، آنسو سورج کی روئی میں چمکنے لگے

 جب میں نے بہترین پھول چھننے پر اس کا شکریہ ادا کیا۔

 مسکراتے ہوئے اس نے کہا۔ " خوش آمدید اور پھر وہ کھیلنے کے لئے دوڑا

 اس سے بے خبر کہ اس نے میری زندگی پر کیا اثر کیا۔

 میں وہاں بھی ہوئی سوچنے لگی کہ وہ دیکھنے میں کیسے کامیاب ہوا

  ایک پرانے بید کے درخت کے نیچے اپنی د کھڑا رونے والی عورت کو۔

 اسے میری خود پرستانه حالت کا کیسے معلوم ہوا؟

 شاید وہ دل بصیرت کی دولت سے مالا مال تھا۔

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poetess says that she was filled with deep grief and sorrow when she came to know that the boy offering him a flower was blind. Tears appeared in her eyes. She thanked the boy telling him that the flower he offered her was the best one she had even seen. The boy ran away with a smile on his face to play. He was unaware of the fact that his attitude had brought about a great change in her life. The poetess further says that after the boy left she began to think in surprise as to how the boy came to know a miserable and pleasure-seeking lady under a willow tree and her in spite of his blindness. She says that she realized that the boy had been blessed by God with true sight while she was deprived of it due to her own negative thinking.

 STANZA 5, Lines (33-40)

 Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see

 The problem was not with the world; the problem was me.

 And for all of those times I myself had been blind,

 I vowed to see the beauty in life, and appreciate every second that's mine.

 And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose,

 And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose,

 And smiled as I watched that young boy, another weed in his hand,

 About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man.

 ایک اندھے بچے کی آنکھوں کی بدولت آخر کار میں دیکھ سکتی تھی۔

  مسلہ دنیاں کا نہیں تھا، مسلہ میراتھا۔

 یہ سارا وقت میں خوراندھی تھی،

  میں نے زندگی کی خوبصورتی اور اپنے ہر لمحے کی قدردانی کرنے کی قسم کھائی۔

 اور پھر میں نے مرجھائے ہوئے پھول کو سونگھا۔

 اور ایک خوبصورت گلاب کے پھول کی خوشبو میں سانس لی۔

 اور میں اس نوجوان لڑکے کو دیکھتے ہوئے مسکرائی جس کے ہاتھ میں دوسرا پھول تھا۔

  جو کہ ایک نہ جانے والے بوڑھے آدی کی زندگی تبدیل کرنے والا تھا۔

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poetess tells the readers that after coming in contact with the blind boy, she realized that she herself, instead of the world, was responsible for her miserable condition. She concluded that she had been like a blind person throughout her life. She decided that she would enjoy the beauty of the world and appreciate every moment of her life. The poetess further says that the event changed her way of thinking so much so that she forgot about her worries and held the dying flower to her nose enjoying its fragrance like a fresh one. She says that she smiled with joy when she saw the boy carrying another whit hared flower towards an old man who was also sorrow stricken like her. She became happy because she knew the the boy will also change the life of one like her.

BE THE BEST OF WHATEVER YOU ARE

(Douglas Molloch)

 STANZA 1. Lines (1-4)

 If you can't be a pine on top of the hill,

 Be a scrub in the valley_ but be

 The best little scrub at the side of the rill

 Explanation

 اگرتم پہاڑ کی چوٹی پر صنوبر کا درخت نہیں بن سکتا،

  تو وادی میں ایک چھوٹا سا پودا بن جاؤ لیکن بنو

  ندی کے کنارے بہترین چھوٹا پودا۔

  اگرتم درخت نہیں بن سکتے تو جھاڑی بن جاو۔

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poet tells the readers that if a person cannot be a tall pine tree growing on the top of a hill, he should play the role of a scrub, growing in a valley on the bank of a stream providing comfort to the creatures of God. He further says that if a person cannot be a tree, he should try to be a bush at least. In short, man should be the best of whatever he is.

 STANZA 2. Lines (5-8).

 If you can't be a bush, be a bit of grass,

 And some highway to happier make.

 you can't be a muskie, then just be a bass,

 But the liveliest bass in the lake.

 اگرتم جھاڑی نہیں بن سکتے تو گھاس کا ایک تنکابن بن جاؤ

 اور کسی شاہراہ پرخوش کرو۔

 ا گرم تم سکی (بھی) نہیں بن سکتے تو باس (عام کانٹے دار مچھلی ) بن جاو

  لیکن جھیل کی زنده باس بنو۔

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poet tells the readers that a person should make a useful use of the qualities that God has granted him. If man cannot be a bush, he should work like blades of grass that beautify a highway and refreshes the tired travelers. The poet further says that if a person cannot be a Muskie spreading sweet smell around him, he should try to become a charming bass of the lake, spreading beauty around him. The poet wants to convey the message to the world that a person should be the best of whatever he is.

 STANZA 3. Lines (9-12)

 We can't all be captains, we've got to have crew,

 There's something for all of us here.

 There's big work to do and there's lesser work too,

 And the task we must do is near.

 ہم سب کپتان نہیں بن سکتے ھمیں جہاز کا عملہ بننا پائے،

 ہم سبکے لیے یہاں کچھ نہ کچھ ہے۔

 کرنے کے لئے بڑا کام بھی اور چھوٹا بھی،

 اور جو کام میں کرنا ہے وہ قریب ہے

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poet says that man must be contented with what his experience, his environment and heredity has made him. If a person cannot be a captain, he should become a member of the crew but the best one committed to his job. There are innumerable jobs to be performed by men. Someone have to shoulder great responsibilities while others have to perform jobs of lesser importance. The poet says that the best people in the world are those who work to the best of their abilities. Everybody can find the work according to his capacities if he tries to do so.

 STANZA 4. Lines (13-16).

 If you can't be a highway, then just be a trail,

 If you can't be the sun, be a star.

 Isn't by size that you win or you fail.

 Be the best of whatever you are.

 اگرتم شاہرانہیں بن سکتے تو پگڈنڈی بن جاؤ۔

  اگرتم سورج نہیں بن سکتے تو ستارہ بنو۔

  تمہاری ہار یا جیت جسامت پر نہیں

  بہترین بنوتم جوکچھ بھی ہو۔

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poet wants to say that if a person cannot perform the function of a highway, he should serve humanity like a small path providing comfort to the people. In the same manner, if someone is unable to spread light and energy like the sun, he should act like a star that shines and beautifies the universe. It is not the size, but the performance of a person, which determines someone's victory or loss. One should do the best in whatever field of life one may be

WHEN I AM AN OLD LADY

(Joanne Balley Baxter)

 REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT:

 These lines have been taken from the poem "When I'm an Old Lady" composed by Joanne Bailey Baxter. In this poem the poetess recalls to her mind the mischievous acts of her children. She says that on becoming old, she will make her children excited by those activities with which they used to excite her. At the same time she will make them upset by indulging herself in mischievous acts like inping on furniture, spilling milk on the table, playing in the mud the whold day long etc.

 STANZA 1. Lines (1-5)

 When I'm an old lady, I'll live with each kid,

  And bring so much happiness, just as they did.

  I want to pay back all the joy they've provided.

 Returning each deed! Oh, they'll be so excited!

  (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

 جب میں بوڑھی ہو جاؤں گی تو ہر بچے کے ساتھ رہوں گی،

  اوراتنی خوشیاں لاؤں گی جو وہ لاتے ہیں ۔

  میں وہ تمام خوشیاں لوٹانا چاہتی ہوں جو انہوں نے دی ہیں

 ہر چیز لوٹانا ! اوہ ، وہ بہت زیادہ پر جوش ہوں گے

  جب میں بوڑھی ہو جاؤں گی تو بچوں کے ساتھ رہوں گی)

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poetess says that she will live with her i when she is old. She will try to provide them joys and happiness they used to do when they were children and she was young She says that she will make them happy by giving them love and affection. She wants to make them excited by her childish activities when she grows old.

 STANZA 2. Lines (6-10)

 I'll write on the walls with reds, whites and blues,

 And I'll bounce on the furniture wearing my shoes.

 I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out.

 I'll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they'll shout!

  (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

 میں دیواروں پر سرخ، سفیر اور نیلے رنگوں میں لکھوں گی۔

  اور جوتے پہنے فرنیچر پر کھیل کود کروں گی ۔

  میں ڈبوں سے پیوں کی اور پھران کو وہیں چھوڑ دوں گی ۔

  میں پورے باتھ روم میں گندگی پھیلا دوں گی اور وہ کیسے چلائیں گے ۔

 جب میں بوڑھی ہو جاؤں گی تو بچوں کے ساتھ رہوں گی

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poetess says that she will annoy her grown up kids when she will live among them in old age by mischievous deeds and childish pranks. She explains that she will make them shout at her by writing on the walls with different colours like red, white and blue. She says that she will jump on the furniture with shoes on. She will drink from cardboard box and leave it out. She will increase their anger by making a mess in the bathroom.

 STANZA 3. Lines (11-15)

 When they're on the phone and just out of reach,

  I'll get into things like sugar and bleach.

  Oh, they'll snap their fingers and then shake their head,

  And when that is done, I'll hide under the bed!

  (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

 جب وہ فون کررہے ہوں گے اور سے باہر ہو۔

 میں چینی اور رنگ اڑانے والے مسالوں سے کھیلوں گی۔

  اوہ، وہ اپنی انگلیوں کو چٹخائیں گے اور اپنے سر ہلائیں گے۔

  اور یہ سب کچھ کرنے کے بعد میں چار پائی کے نیچے چھپ جاؤں گی!

  جب میں بوڑھی ہو جاؤں گی تو بچوں کے ساتھ رہوں گی

  EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poetess says that she will enjoy annoying her grown up children when she will live with them with naughty behavior like a child. She will put them in great trouble by playing with sugar and bleach. She says that she will do so particularly when they are away and busy on phone. On such an occasion they will helplessly snap their fingers and shake heads at her but will not be able to punish her. She says that after making them angry with her different mischievous deeds, she will hide under the bed.

 STANZA 4. Lines (16-20)

 When they cook dinner and call me to eat,

  I'll not eat my green beans or salad or meat,

  I'll gag on my okra, spill milk on the table,

  And when they get angry, I'll run, if I'm able!

  (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

 جب وہ کھانا چاہیں گے اور مجھے کھانے پر بلائیں گے،

  میں سبز پھلیاں، سلاداور گوشت نہیں کھاؤں کی،

 میں بانڈی منہ میں ٹھونسوں گی ، میز پردودھ گراؤں گی؟

  اور جب ان کو غصہ آئے گا میں بھاگ جاؤں گی اگر میں اس قابل ہوئی؟

 جب میں بوڑھی ہو جاؤں گی تو بچوں کے ساتھ رہوں گی

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poetess tells in an interesting way that she will tease her grown up kids in ways in which they used to annoy her when they were kids and she was their young mother. She says that she will refuse to eat those dishes that they will offer to her like beans, salad or meat. Instead of eating those dishes, she will mischievously stuff into her mouth lady's fingers to make them angry and tense. She says that she will also spill milk on the table and run away if possible when they will get angry and try to punish her.

 STANZA 5. Lines (21-25)

 I'll sit close to the TV; through the channels I'll click,

  I'll cross both eyes just to see if they stick

 I'll take off my socks and throw one away,

 And play in the mud till the end of the day!

  (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

 میں ٹی وی کے قریب بیٹھ کر چینل بدلوں گی،

 میں پر دیکھنے کے لئے دونوں آنکھوں کو جماؤں گی کہ وہ پھنسے تو نہیں ۔

  میں اپنے جراب اتار کر پھینک دوں گی

 اور دن کے اختتام تک مٹی سے کھیلوں گی

 جب میں بوڑھی ہو جاوں گی تو بچوں کے ساتھ رہوں گی)

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poetess mentions some mischievous acts that she will perform for the embarrassment of her grown up kids when she will be an old lady. She says that she will make her kids uneasy by sitting close to TV and keep on changing channels on it. She will also squint her eyes to see whether the channels stick or not just for annoying her kids. She says that she will play childish pranks like taking off her socks and throwing them away. She will play in the mud all day long to pay her grown up kids in the same coin in which they had paid her when she was their mother.

 STANZA 6. Lines (26-30)

 And later in bed, I'll lay back and sigh,

 I'll thank God in prayer and then close my eyes.

 My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping,

 And say with a groan, "She's so sweet when she's sleeping!"

 (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

 اور دیر تک بستر پر لیٹ کر سکھ کا سانس لوں گی،

 دعا کرتے ہوئے الٹرتعالی کا شکریہ ادا کروں گی اور پھر آنکھیں بند کر لوں گی۔

  میرے بچے آہستہ آہستہ چلتے ہوئے اور چہرے پر مسکراہٹ کے ساتھ دیکھیں گے۔

  اور خوشی کا اظہار کرتے ہوئے کہیں گے سوتے ہوئے یہ بہت پیاری لگتی ہے

 جب میں بوڑھی ہو جاؤں گی تو بچوں کے ساتھ رہوں گی)

 EXPLANATION:

 In these lines the poetess tells the readers that after passing the entire day in childish pranks, she will go at last to bed and lie on it breathing out long and deep sounds of relief. She says that she will thank Almighty Allah in prayers, close her eyes and go to sleep. She further says that on seeing her fast asleep, her children will move about soundlessly so that not to disturb her. They will say happily and with a smile on their faces that she looks very sweet while asleep. It was just the same when she was young and used to look at her children with a smile when they were fast asleep.

  

Paraphrase

SEPTEMBER, THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

 STANZA 1. Lines (1-6)

 My child and I hold hands on the way to school,

  And when I leave him at the first-grade door

 He cries a little but is brave; he does Let go.

 My selfish tears remind me how I cried before that door a life ago.

  I may have had a hard time letting go.

 PARAPHRASE:

 I feel very anxious when I go hand in hand with my son and leave him alone at the gate of the junior class. The child cries a little but is bold enough to let go my hand. Hearing his cries, I begin to shed tears. The cries of my son remind me of the day when I was first left alone by my father at the school gate. I, therefore, wept at the moment of separation from my father. That moment of separation was a very tough and hard time for me.

 STANZA 2. Lines (7-13)

 Each fall the children must endure together

 What every child also endures alone:

 Learning the alphabet, the integers,

 Three dozen bits and pieces of a stuff

 So arbitrary, so peremptory

 That worlds invisible and visible

  Bow down before it.

  PARAPHRASE:

 The children have to bear at school any kind of failure and face other difficult situations both collectively and individually. They have to learn at school alphabets as well as numbers. They learn a lot of difficult stuff from their commanding and authoritative teachers. They are compelled to learn all that they are taught whether imaginary or real.

 STANZA 3. Lines (14-19)

 As in Joseph's dream

 The sheaves bowed down and then the stars bowed down.

 Before the dreaming of a little boy.

 That dream got him such hatred of his brothers.

 As cost the greater part of life to mend,

  And yet great kindness came of it in the end.

 PARAPHRASE:

 When Prophet Joseph told his brothers about his dream that a lot of bundles of corn and stars bowed before him, they began to hate him. They tortured him for the greater part of his life. But in the long run he was rewarded by God for his patience.

 STANZA 4. Lines (20-29)

 My child has disappeared

 Behind the schoolroom door. And should I live

 To see his coming forth, a life away,

 I know my hope, but do not know its form

 Nor hope to know it. May the fathers he finds

 Among his teachers have a care of him

 More than his father could. How that will look

  I do not know, I do not need to know.

  Even our tears belong to ritual.

  But may great kindness come of it in the end.

 PARAPHRASE:

 My son has entered the school and has disappeared behind the schoolroom door. Should I wait for his return?. I hope that he will become a great man but am not sure what he will become. I hope that the teachers at school will show him more love and take greater care of him than me. I can neither guess what will happen in this regard nor do I care. Our tears are mostly artificial and ceremonious. But later on these tears may prove fruitful.

TEARS OF NATURE

 STANZA Lines (1-3)

 I think I just heard Mother Nature cry,

  Or was it one more broken, falling tree?

  You'd think we'd learn as time goes speeding by.

 PARAPHRASE:

 I think I just heard the Mother Nature weeping over the love of a tree. The tree had been broken or cut down tree had been broken or cut down by someone. You think that we, human beings, will learn the in nature very soon.

 Stanza 2 lines(4-6)

 They tell us there's a big hole in the sky,

  won't believe in something we can't see,

 I think I just heard Mother Nature cry.

 PARAPHRASE:

 They say that a big hole has occurred in the ozone layer. Nature laments over its harmful effects but we do not believe in things which we cannot see with our own eyes.

 STANZA 3 Lines (7-9)

 Coal-fired chimneys reaching up so high,

  Even though the solar power's free,

  You'd think we'd learn as time goes speeding by.

 PARAPHRASE:

 We do not make a useful use of solar energy because it is available to us free of cost. We destroy the ozone layer by sending poisonous gases into the atmosphere through high chimney tops. You think that human beings would realize their. indifference to nature very soon.

  STANZA 4 Lines (10-12)

 We develop rocket ships that fly,

 But still can't stop pollution of the sea,

 I think I just heard Mother Nature cry.

 PARAPHRASE:

 We have sent rockets from ships to the moon but have completely failed in protecting the water pollution. Mother Nature laments the destruction of the objects of nature but man does not pay any attention to its cries.

 STANZA 5 Lines (13-15)

 Headlines: One more species set to die,

  Keep it quiet... use diplomacy,

  You'd think we'd learn as time goes speeding by.

  PARAPHRASE:

 We read in newspapers about the disappearance of an animal species from the surface of the earth but we remain silent and inactive. Instead, we adopt a cunning attitude about it by saying that we would learn about it in future.

 Paraphrase

 STANZA 6 Lines (16-19)

 Worry on the future? Pass it by!

  How can preservation start with me?

 I think I just heard Mother Nature cry.

  You'd think we'd learn as time goes speeding by.

 PARAPHRASE:

 Why should I be worried about the future of the work Leave it. Why should its preservation start from me? I hav heard Mother Nature weeping. You think that we, huma beings, will learn the importance of future very soon.

  

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FLOWER

 STANZA 1 Lines (1-8)

 The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read,

 Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree;

  Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown,

  For the world was intent on dragging me down.

  And if that weren't enough to ruin my day,

  A young boy out of breath approached me, all tired from play.

  He stood right before me with his head tilted down

  And said with great excitement, "Look what I found!"

 PARAPHRASE:

 I sat on a vacant bench under an old willow tree. The tree had covered a large area by its sprawling branches. I was angry with the world as it intended to degrade and destroy me. All of a sudden, a boy appeared before me in a tired condition. He stood before me with bowed head. He said to me in a happy mood, "Look what I have brought".

 STANZA 2 Lines (9-16)

  In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight,

  With its petals all worn --- not enough rain, or too little light

  Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play.

  I faked a smile and then shifted away.

 But instead of retreating he sat next to my side

  And placed the flower to his nose and declared with overacted surprise,

 "It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful, too.

  That's why I picked it; here, it's for you."

 Paraphrase

 The boy had a flower in his hand. This was miserable scene. The petals of the flower were withered because they did not get sufficient rain and light. I turned my face away from forced smile. But instead of moving away, the boy sat near me on the bench. He put the flower to his nose and told me with surprise that I picked the flower because it was sweet- smelling and beautiful.

 STANZA 3 Lines (17-24)

 The weed before me was dying or dead.

 Not vibrant colours: orange, yellow or red.

 But i new I must take it, or he might never leave.

 So I reached for the flower, and replied, "Just what I need."

  but instead of placing the flower in my hand

 He held it mid-air without reason or plan.

 it was then that I noticed for the first time.

 That weed-toting boy could not see: he was blind.

 PARAPHRASE:

 The flower which the boy held before my eyes was dead or about to die. It was not a fresh flower sparkling with orange, yellow or red colours. I knew that the boy would not leave without giving me the flower. So, I extended my hand to get the flower saying that it was the flower she just wanted. But instead of putting it in my hand, he held it in the air. I saw for the first time that the flower carrying boy could not see anything because he was blind.

 STANZA 4 Lines (25-32)

  I heard my voice quiver; tears shone in the sun

  As I thanked him for picking the very best one.

  "You're welcome," he smiled, and then ran off to play,

  Unaware of the impact he'd had on my day.

  I sat there and wondered how he managed to see

  A self-pitying woman beneath an old willow tree.

  How did he know of my self-indulged plight?

 Perhaps from his heart. he'd been blessed with true sight:

 PARAPHRASE:

 My voice began to quiver. Tears appeared in my eyes. I thanked to boy telling him that the flower he offered me was one. He welcomed me and ran away with a smile on his face to play. He did not know that his attitude had brought about a change in my life. I sat there and began to think as how the blind boy came to know about a miserable and pleasure-seeking lady under an old willow tree. I thought that the blind boy had been blessed by God with true sight.

 STANZA 5 Lines (33-40)

 Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see

  The problem was not with the world; the problem was me.

  And for all of those times I myself had been blind,

  I vowed to see the beauty in life, and appreciate every second that's mine.

  And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose,

  And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose,

  And smiled as I watched that young boy, another weed in his hand,

  About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man.

 PARAPHRASE:

 At last I came in contact with the blind boy. I began to see all those things which the blind boy could see. I realized that I myself was responsible for my miserable condition. I had been like a blind person throughout my life. I decided that I would enjoy the beauty of the world and appreciate every moment of my life. I held the dying flower to my nose and enjoyed its fragrance like a fresh one. Then I saw the boy carrying another flower towards an old man. I smiled because I knew that the boy will change his life too.

BE THE BEST OF WHATEVER YOU ARE

 STANZA Lines (1-4)

 If you can't be a pine on top of the hill,

  Be a scrub in the valley _ but be

  The best little scrub at the side of the rill.

  Be a bush if you can't be a tree.

  PARAPHRASE:

 If you cannot be a tall pine tree growing on the top of a bill try to be the best scrub, growing in a valley on the bank of stream. It you cannot be a tree, try to be a bush.

 If you can't be a bi

 If you can't be a mi

 STANZA 2 Lines (5-8)

 can't be a bush, be a bit of grass,

  and some highway to happier make.

 If you can't be a muskie, then just be a bass,

  But the liveliest bass in the lake.

  PARAPHRASE:

 If you cannot become a bush, try to become blades of rass that beautify a highway and refresh the travellers. If you cannot be a muskie, try to be a bass. But you should try your best to be a charming bass in the lake.

  STANZA 3 Lines (9-12)

  We can't all be captains, we've got to have crew,

  There's something for all of us here.

  There's big work to do and there's lesser work too,

  And the task we must do is near.

  PARAPHRASE:

 As all of us cannot become captains of ships, so we should try to become members of the crew. There are innumerable jobs for us. Great jobs as well as jobs of lesser importance are there for us to be done. Work is always available to us provided that we try to find it.

  STANZA 4 Lines (13-16)

  If you can't be a highway, then just be a trail,

  If you can't be the sun, be a star.

  It isn't by size that you win or you fail.

  Be the best of whatever you are.

  PARAPHRASE:

 If you cannot perform the function of a highway, you should serve humanity like a small path. If you cannot spread light like the sun, you should act like a star. The size does not make you win or lose. You should do the best in whatever field of life you may be.

  

WHEN I'M AN OLD LADY

  STANZA 1 Lines (1-5)

  When I'm an old lady, I'll live with each kid,

  And bring so much happiness, just as they did.

  I want to pay back all the joy they've provided.

 Returning each deed! Oh, they'll be so excited!

  (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

  PARAPHRASE:

 I'll live with my kids when I am old. I'll provide them. I’ll and happiness as they used to do. I want to return them the love which they provided me. I want to make them excited by my childish behavior when I grow old.

  STANZA 2 Lines (6-10)

  I'll write on the walls with reds, whites and blues,

  And I'll bounce on the furniture wearing my shoes.

  I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out.

  I'll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they'll shout!

  (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

  PARAPHRASE:

 I'll write on the walls with different colours like red, white and blue. I'll jump on the furniture with my shoes on. I'll drink from cardboard box and leave it out. I'll make a mess in the bathroom. Seeing my mischievous deeds they will shout at me.

  STANZA 3 Lines (11-15)

  When they're on the phone and just out of reach,

  I'll get into things like sugar and bleach.

  Oh, they'll snap their fingers and then shake their head

 And when that is done, I'll hide under the bed!

  (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

  PARAPHRASE:

 When I am old, I'll play with sugar and bleach at the time when my children are away and busy on phone. On such occasion they will snap their fingers and shake heads at me After doing these mischievous deeds, I'll hide under the bed .

 STANZA 4 Lines (16-20)

  When they cook dinner and call me to eat,

 I’ll not eat my green beans or salad or meat,

 I'Il gag on my okra, spill milk on the table,

 And when they get angry, I'll run, if I'm able!

  (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

 PARAPHRASE:

 When my children cook food and invite me to eat, I'll refuse to eat beans, salad or meat with them. Instead, I'll stuff into my mouth lady's fingers. I'll also spill milk on the table. When my children are angry with me, I'll run away if possible when | grow old.

  STANZA 5 Lines (21-25)

 I'll sit close to the TV; through the channels I'll click,

  I'll cross both eyes just to set if they stick.

  I'll take off my socks and throw one away,

 And play in the mud till the end of the day!

 (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

  PARAPHRASE:

 When I grow old, I'll sit close to TV and keep on changing channels on it. I'll squint my eyes to see whether the channels stick or not. I'll take off my socks and throw them away. I'll play in the mud all day long.

  STANZA 6 Lines (26-30)

  And later in bed, I'll lay back and sigh,

  I'll thank God in prayer and then close my eyes.

  My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping,

 And say with a groan, "She's so sweet when she's sleeping!"

  (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

 PARAPHRASE:

 After becoming old, I'll go to bed and lie on it breathing out long and deep sounds of relief. I'll thank Almighty Allah, close my eyes and go to sleep. Seeing me asleep, my children will move about noiselessly. They will smile happily and say how beautiful she looks.