What Shall This Life But a Trial Forlorn Be? By Jaun Elia
This poem, originally titled “Umar Guzray Gi Imtihaan Mein Kya” by the renowned Urdu poet Jaun Elia, reflects his deep sense of existential despair, solitude, and unanswered questions about life. Known for his melancholic tone and introspective musings, Jaun Elia delves into themes of isolation, melancholy, and the trials of life in a seemingly indifferent world. The translation, titled "What Shall This Life But a Trial Forlorn Be?" , preserves the essence of the original while conveying an atmosphere of quiet sorrow and reflective thought, characteristic of Elia's style.
Translation: "What Shall This Life But a Trial Forlorn Be?"
What shall this life but a trial forlorn be?
Shall but wounds be my lot, in grim mockery?
My every word, a shadow that fades,
Is there a flaw in the way it pervades?
None dare rebuke me, none dare intervene,
Is this the curse that bloodlines must glean?
We, the forsaken, hide our despair,
What pride remains for the destitute to…