"Speak" by Faiz

In the poem “Speak”, written by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, one can see continuous themes from other poems written by Faiz. The first stanza explains how no one but your self can restrict speech. Faiz uses a metaphor of the hot metal in the blacksmiths shop in the second stanza. The metal when heated can finally be opened. When the metal is cold it is oppressed and restricted but when it is heated and opens up it can change. This is similar to an individual breaking away from suppression and speaking the truth. The last stanza explains the importance of saying what needs to be said because every life is so short. The theme of action verse inaction is present in this poem. Faiz is displaying his opinion that action (speech) should be done. This theme can also be seen in “Lyre and Flute”.