Dipping its pen

into the inkpots       

of night and day,

Earth has written a letter

to men.

“Scientists, thinkers, creators:

Before you make

guns, bullets and bombs,

pause, think about this...

“Leaders, followers, believers:

Before you fire

bullets from guns, before you

worship the bomb,

pause, and read this…

“If you cannot read

the script of the sun and stars,

ask a lover to read it,

ask your lover to read it.

All mothers know this tongue –

So, go to a mother

and let her read it to you.

“Walk along your nation’s boundary line  –

Look for another, beneath, or at its side –

A boundary called ishq -

A boundary called ilm –

When you find it

You’ll know the bomb will go untried!

“From the inkpots of Sun and Moon

Go on, take a pen,

send me an answer,

and put in two words

for my well-being.”

- your very own Earth

anxiously awaiting your reply.