A Man is He Who is Resolute
By Khushal Khan Khattak
(1613-1689)
A man is he who is resolute
And who will share his blessings,
Who's gentle with his fellow men.
In all he does in life;
His face, his face-- his word, his word.
His promise always kept.
Who never lies, never deceives,
Never succumbs to greed;
Whose words are few, many his deeds,
All silently performed.
Who's like a rosebud, smiling mouthed,
His breast open to see;
When there is talk of lowliness
Or else stateliness.
Who's like the heavens in his grandeur,
Or humble as the dust.
In dignity like to the cypress,
But in bounteousness
Like to the vine, its branches laden,
Spread in all directions.
His face bright as a new blown rose
That makes the garden fair,
While all around the nightingales
Pour out their joyous song.
