A Change in the Light: An Anthology of Contemporary Translation

The poems collected here are a bridge between two countries Scotland & Pakistan and between two poets neither fluent in each other s language nor poetic tradition. Poets who brought an ear for poetry in their own voice and a sensitivity which, we feel, breathes life into each version. These poems began with very literal transla- tions from the original language which became new when each writer often line by line unpicked what precise words, phrases, and images mean to them. To make these poems, one poet explained to another that the desert is not a barren place but a rich stretch of hope, of beauty. An- other poet shared why he, sometimes, feels the need to go out to a field and holler. This means, if you read both Urdu and English, you might notice some variances, some liberties. These liberties were taken with the approval of the original poet after days of discussion, sharing and work. The process is very much a twinning of poets, a melding of identity. Each poem connects two people, two places and, we hope, connects to you.