The Muffled Song

By Shams Uddin, Hashoo Foundation, Pakistan

Mountains of northern Pakistan support nearly two hundred bird species. Unfortunately, many of
these are facing threat of extinction due to habitat loss, environmental changes and illegal hunting.
Himalayan Snow Cock is one of the permanent dwellers of these high mountain which is being ruthlessly
hunted. These lines attempt to highlight the issue:

With neck streched, standing tall
As if serving them a wake-up call

Perched atop the rock a Snow-cock
Sang enchanting notes at 4 O’clock

To hunters it did detactable bleep
Lolling the rest into sound sleep

They scrambled up the scree
In the cover of juniper tree

Wearing the mask of white fox
Negotiated rocks to the crux

Waited for the daylight to rise
To get to the source of voice

Parading against the dimly sky
The bird was perfect bull’s-eye

Just it caught the air and uttered
Alas! his life completely shattered

At the hand of a ruthless poacher
Who subjected the bird to torture

Life with missing ecological chain
Will certainly be a source of pain

Let’s talk peace with God’s creature
To add to own life valuable feature