Ehd-e-Tifli

The Age of Childhood

The earth and sky, a newfound realm for me, My mother's lap, a universe for me, Each stir of life, a sign of glee for me, My own tongue, just a wordless sound for me.

Though childhood's pain at times would make me weep, The door-chain's rattling brought a joy so deep.

Ah, how I'd stare for hours at the moon, And watch it travel on its silent shoon,

And ask about its hills and deserts bare, Then wonder at a fiction born of care.

My eye to see, my lips to speak were wrought; It was no heart I had, but pure, inquiring thought.