IF THIRST WAS WRITTEN ( A RUBA'IY)

     If thirst was written on my scroll, why did you make the seas?

    And if there was no shade for me, why did you plant the trees?

      And if the heart was made to burn, the soul to suffocate,

     Of what use is the summer's rain, of what use is the breeze?

Author's Note

RUBAIYAT ( RUBA'IY, singular) is a four lined poetry very popular in Urdu, Arabic, Hindi and Persian languages.
It is made up of four lines with the first, second and fourth lines having to rhyme.

Reviews

[Bala Gorthi]

This just how we all complain to the heavens. Very relatable and touching write, Shabeer ji. Do you also write in other languages sir?
Thank you for sharing this beautiful poetry.

[Shabeeh Haider]

Bala. Yes this is how we complain to the heavens.
No, I don't write in any other language. Though English is a foreign language, I feel more at home writing in this language

[Bala Gorthi]

Same here Sir. My mother tongue is Telugu and I live in a place where Hindi is spoken and I can read and write both languages still I write only in English.

[Shabeeh Haider]

It is not always easy to express yourself in every language that you can speak.
Write in the language that you can express yourself best in.

[Bala Gorthi]

Yes, I agree with every word of what you have said.

[Lorry]

Nice, I'm always learning when I visit your page Shabeeh. Another fine piece that seems to say so much more than the sum of its parts.

[Shabeeh Haider]

Thank you Nemo, for your very kind and encouraging words.

[Lydia Shutter]

A beautiful poetry form, Shabeeh. Great presentation. Lydi**

[Shabeeh Haider]

Lydi, thank you for such kind words.

[Nigel Newman]

Nicely done Shabeeh. These days I'm more and more inclined to 'less is more' (though I don't always adhere to it!) This is pithy, poetic, and exactly gets its question across.

Mind you - a thirsty person wouldn't get far with salty sea water! But the sea would agonisingly taunt them ...

Best regards
Nigel

[Shabeeh Haider]

Nigel, you are right. The sea water would taunt.
Thank you for your kind review.

[APOORVA]

i feel Urdu is the most beautiful language that expresses our emotions in heavenly manner. well done

[Shabeeh Haider]

Apoorva, I respect your sentiments and thank you for your review.

[Dr. YumnaKay]

"And if there was no shade for me, why did you plant the trees?"
My favourite lines! I'm only too well aware with this poetry form. Most of the Urdu and Persian readers do. This form indeed enhances the effect you created with your words..
Glad to have come by this! Really liked it ☺👍

[Shabeeh Haider]

Yumna, wonderful to have you drop by.
I am sure you are familiar with this form of poetry.read moreYumna, wonderful to have you drop by.
I am sure you are familiar with this form of poetry.
Thank you for your kind words.

[Dr. YumnaKay]

Yes, I am. Having read this all through school and college. Ghalib, Mir, Hasrat Mohani and the likes..
It was a pleasure reading this form here as well! Good of you to portray this here.. You're welcome ☺

[Kelly Scheppers]

Not familiar with the form, but enjoyed it all the same.

Good to meet you, Shabeeh!

[Shabeeh Haider]

Thank you Kelly and indeed nice meeting you here.

[Tony Jordan]

I don't think I'll forget this form or this poem that introduced me to it in a hurry Shabeeh. It certainly rivals the senryu in my opinion.
Nicely done my friend.
:)

[Shabeeh Haider]

Edward Firzgerald has translated numerous Omar Khayyam Rubaiyat and introduced the English speaking public to this form of poetry.
I hope you get the time to read him someday. You will not be disappointed.

[Paul Bell]

A lot of questions to ponder.
Always think that's why we are lesser beings.
In every way, the earth is perfect. Sure it just didn't start that way. Questions, questions.

[Shabeeh Haider]

Paul, these questions make us think....and write
:)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

good questions...and there must be reasons...there is an opposite for everything---i feel the breeze and feel this poem.

[Shabeeh Haider]

Jacob, thank you for your words. There is indeed an opposite for everything.