We Are The Ancestors - Attiya Dawood

Attiya Dawood, born in 1958, stands as a celebrated Sindhi poet, writer, and activist, earning praise as ‘the most important feminist writer in Sindhi.’

She ardently confronts the oppression of women in Pakistani society, challenging traditions, and advocating empowerment. Her poems, translated into German, English, and Urdu, feature in Jan Goodwin’s anthology, The Price of Honour.

With six published books, Dawood crafts narratives for national TV channels, addressing socio-cultural and women’s issues. Beyond her literary prowess, she is a human rights advocate, actively participating in global conferences and facilitating workshops on cultural and feminist issues. Recognized with the Sindh Adeeb Award, her impactful contributions extend to volunteer work with organizations like Women Action Forum, solidifying her legacy as a multifaceted force in literature, activism, and human rights. 

A Song Everlasting by Attiya Dawood

Swearing by the name of this earth

I had promised to love you,

This very earth

Has been opened like a grave for us.

All the flowers in my country have been picked

And gunpowder planted instead.

Fragrance breathes its last

In a torture camp.

The very lane where hand in hand with you

I have danced to the music of peace,

There a death-dealer is spread-eagled.

My “garbi” shalwar, “tik” dupatta and “khumbo”

I have hidden away in a box.

My own identity I have swallowed like a bitter pill.

Walking along with you and looking at the full moon

I cannot recite Bhittai’s “bait” to you,

The sound of Kalashnikovs

Makes my child get up from sleep.

I open my lips to sing a lullaby

And everybody else in the home

Puts a finger on their lips,

Gesturing me to remain silent.

Newspapers, like the nails of a witch

Tear off a bit of my flesh every day.

Politician’s statements

Are repeated parrot-like.

I don’t want to be sucked in by a swamp of fear.

Song-makers of my land!

Write for me an everlasting song

So that I can break the shackles of my tyranny

And dance again in ecstasy.

Translated from Sindhi by Asif Aslam Furrakhi