To Rakhshinda Zoya - Habib Jalib

Rakhshinda Zoya Se 

Keh nahin sakti par kehti hai
Mujh se meri nanhi bachchi
Abbu ghar chal
Abbu ghar chal
Us ki samajh mein kuchh nahin aata
Kyon zindan mein reh jaata hun
Kyon nahin saath mein uske chalta
Kaise nanhi samjhaoon

Ghar bhi to zindan ki tarah hai


English Translation

13 April 1981, during a jail visit

She cannot say it, but then

My little one manages to say

Father, come home

Father, come home

She cannot comprehend

Why, in prison, I continue to stay

And not return with her, hand in hand

How should I explain to her

That home, too, is like a prison 

Kot Lakhpat Jail