Aankhen moondta hoon
Toh kaale parde par
Bichhde hue chahre damakte hain
Jaise raat bhar
Aasmaan ki siyah chaadar par
Mare hue tare chamakte hain
November 25, 2010
Kahaan Jaayein?
Lekar dil-e-khasta-o-deeda-e-nam kahaan jaayein?
Mar chuki tadap-tadap kar shab-e-gham, kahaan jaayein?
Ek muddat se tere sitam rakhe hain sar-aankhon par
Chal diya tu toh daal kar khu-e-sitam, ham kahaan jaayein?
Dillagi karne ko toh hain log bahut duniya mein, Sifar
Chaaragari-e-dil ko milte hain magar kam, kahaan jaayein?
Haan, ukta chuke hain ham bhi is tanz-o-kanaaya se
Magar hai yehi shaihr-e-husn ki rasam, kahaan jaayein?
Junoon-e-ishq mein chhod di duniya hamne
Ab chhod kar teri gali, bata ae sanam, kahaan jaayein?
Yun toh dekha hai ek bheed ko masjid mein jaate hue
Rakhte hain khuda se kuchh aur ta’aluk ham, kahaan jaayein?
Mar chuki tadap-tadap kar shab-e-gham, kahaan jaayein?
Ek muddat se tere sitam rakhe hain sar-aankhon par
Chal diya tu toh daal kar khu-e-sitam, ham kahaan jaayein?
Dillagi karne ko toh hain log bahut duniya mein, Sifar
Chaaragari-e-dil ko milte hain magar kam, kahaan jaayein?
Haan, ukta chuke hain ham bhi is tanz-o-kanaaya se
Magar hai yehi shaihr-e-husn ki rasam, kahaan jaayein?
Junoon-e-ishq mein chhod di duniya hamne
Ab chhod kar teri gali, bata ae sanam, kahaan jaayein?
Yun toh dekha hai ek bheed ko masjid mein jaate hue
Rakhte hain khuda se kuchh aur ta’aluk ham, kahaan jaayein?
Gulshan-e-yaad
Aao, phir ek baar gulshan-e-yaad ki sair karen tum-ham
Liye haathon mein haath phir chalen do-chaar kadam
Jodkar nigaahon se nigaahen baithen muqaabil kuchh dam
Ye woh gulshan hai jisme khizaan aati hi nahin
Chhod kar jisey khushboo-e-naseem-e-sahar jaati hi nahin
Na murjhaate hain phool, na hi zard patte jhada karte hain
Na hota hai ishq rusva, na ushaak-o-but bichhadte hain
Yahaan doobe hue dilon ki sada aati hi nahin
Maana ke ye sirf ek khwaab hai, magar haseen toh hai
Go apni kismet pe nahin, apne khwaabon pe yaqeen toh hai
Toh aao, phir is chaman-e-khwaab ko chalen ham
Door zamaane ki nazron se gale milen ham
Liye haathon mein haath phir chalen do-chaar kadam
Jodkar nigaahon se nigaahen baithen muqaabil kuchh dam
Ye woh gulshan hai jisme khizaan aati hi nahin
Chhod kar jisey khushboo-e-naseem-e-sahar jaati hi nahin
Na murjhaate hain phool, na hi zard patte jhada karte hain
Na hota hai ishq rusva, na ushaak-o-but bichhadte hain
Yahaan doobe hue dilon ki sada aati hi nahin
Maana ke ye sirf ek khwaab hai, magar haseen toh hai
Go apni kismet pe nahin, apne khwaabon pe yaqeen toh hai
Toh aao, phir is chaman-e-khwaab ko chalen ham
Door zamaane ki nazron se gale milen ham
Raat
Phir kati raat haathon mein khaali jaam liye
Dil mein mauhoom kuchh yaadein, labon pe bhule hue naam liye
Dil mein mauhoom kuchh yaadein, labon pe bhule hue naam liye
October 02, 2010
For Sandhya
With a song on my lips, i move along
With a sweet melody in my heart, i move along
Wherever i wander, people say
"Just look at this trusting fool
How he embraces both, friend and stranger
Does he not know, the times are full of danger,
And even friends are known to carry daggers?
With a song on my lips, i move along
With a sweet melody in my heart, i move along
It is not as if the pains of love and the world do not exist for me
But not much sorrow does the past hold, nor much fear the future, for me
I cannot claim that misfortune and heartbreak were created just for me
With a song on my lips, i move along
With a sweet melody in my heart, i move along
There are those who object to my laughter, too
"Just making ends meet is full of strife
The unequal fight between income and expense burdens life
Frayed garments and an empty stomach are old friends
And this carefree one asks why his laugh offends!"
With a song on my lips, i move along
With a sweet melody in my heart, i move along
I have stepped carefully around jagged pieces of broken aspiration
I have burned often in the inescapable light of the moon of separation
But yet, my jauntiness of walk remains undiminished
I am sure to die, but i am certainly not finished
With a song on my lips, i move along
With a sweet melody in my heart, i move along
I know not where leads this path, where lies the destination
Nor when the train of this pained heart will arrive at a peaceful station
What scenario will present itself beyond the eye's horizon
Whether promises of paradise are lies, or if hopes do find sublimation
With a song on my lips, i move along
With a sweet melody in my heart, i move along
With a sweet melody in my heart, i move along
Wherever i wander, people say
"Just look at this trusting fool
How he embraces both, friend and stranger
Does he not know, the times are full of danger,
And even friends are known to carry daggers?
With a song on my lips, i move along
With a sweet melody in my heart, i move along
It is not as if the pains of love and the world do not exist for me
But not much sorrow does the past hold, nor much fear the future, for me
I cannot claim that misfortune and heartbreak were created just for me
With a song on my lips, i move along
With a sweet melody in my heart, i move along
There are those who object to my laughter, too
"Just making ends meet is full of strife
The unequal fight between income and expense burdens life
Frayed garments and an empty stomach are old friends
And this carefree one asks why his laugh offends!"
With a song on my lips, i move along
With a sweet melody in my heart, i move along
I have stepped carefully around jagged pieces of broken aspiration
I have burned often in the inescapable light of the moon of separation
But yet, my jauntiness of walk remains undiminished
I am sure to die, but i am certainly not finished
With a song on my lips, i move along
With a sweet melody in my heart, i move along
I know not where leads this path, where lies the destination
Nor when the train of this pained heart will arrive at a peaceful station
What scenario will present itself beyond the eye's horizon
Whether promises of paradise are lies, or if hopes do find sublimation
With a song on my lips, i move along
With a sweet melody in my heart, i move along
Sandhya Ke Liye
Labon pe ek geet liye chalta hoon
Dil mein madhur sangeet liye chalta hoon
Jahaan se guzarta hoon, kahte hain log
“Zara dekho is dil-phaink deewaane ko
Kaise be-jhijak milta hai gale
Har jaane-anjaane ko
Kya jaanta nahin, yeh kalyug hai?
Yahaan apnon ke haathon bhi khanjar hua karte hain”
Labon pe ek geet liye chalta hoon
Dil mein madhur sangeet liye chalta hoon
Yun nahin, ke gham-e-duniya-o-ulfat ka pata nahin mujhe
Magar kuchh khaas ranj-e-dosh-o-fikr-e-farda nahin mujhe
Ek akele alam-naseeb-o-dil-figaar hone ka daawa nahin mujhe
Labon pe ek geet liye chalta hoon
Dil mein madhur sangeet liye chalta hoon
Logon ko meri hansi par bhi aitraaz hua karta hai
“Yahaan gham-e-rozgaar se jaan pe ban aayi hai
Kahaan kamaai toh kahaan jaan-leva mehngaai hai
Chithde hai pairahan, bhook se aashnaai hai
Aur is befikre ko bewajah hansi aayi hai!”
Labon pe ek geet liye chalta hoon
Dil mein madhur sangeet liye chalta hoon
Tooti hui tamannaon se paaon bacha kar chala hoon
Shab-e-hijr ki bepanah chaandi main aksar jala hoon
Magar baank-pan ab bhi mera wohi hai ke jo tha
Sar pe kafan ab bhi wohi hai ke jo tha
Labon pe ek geet liye chalta hoon
Dil mein madhur sangeet liye chalta hoon
Na jaane kidhar ko jaati hai yeh raah, kahaan hai manzil
Kis makaam par jaake rukega karvaan-e-gham-e-dil
Kya khulega hadd-e-nazar se paar manzar
Nilkenge jhoote waade jannat ke, ya hai duaaon main asar
Labon pe ek geet liye chalta hoon
Dil mein madhur sangeet liye chalta hoon
Dil mein madhur sangeet liye chalta hoon
Jahaan se guzarta hoon, kahte hain log
“Zara dekho is dil-phaink deewaane ko
Kaise be-jhijak milta hai gale
Har jaane-anjaane ko
Kya jaanta nahin, yeh kalyug hai?
Yahaan apnon ke haathon bhi khanjar hua karte hain”
Labon pe ek geet liye chalta hoon
Dil mein madhur sangeet liye chalta hoon
Yun nahin, ke gham-e-duniya-o-ulfat ka pata nahin mujhe
Magar kuchh khaas ranj-e-dosh-o-fikr-e-farda nahin mujhe
Ek akele alam-naseeb-o-dil-figaar hone ka daawa nahin mujhe
Labon pe ek geet liye chalta hoon
Dil mein madhur sangeet liye chalta hoon
Logon ko meri hansi par bhi aitraaz hua karta hai
“Yahaan gham-e-rozgaar se jaan pe ban aayi hai
Kahaan kamaai toh kahaan jaan-leva mehngaai hai
Chithde hai pairahan, bhook se aashnaai hai
Aur is befikre ko bewajah hansi aayi hai!”
Labon pe ek geet liye chalta hoon
Dil mein madhur sangeet liye chalta hoon
Tooti hui tamannaon se paaon bacha kar chala hoon
Shab-e-hijr ki bepanah chaandi main aksar jala hoon
Magar baank-pan ab bhi mera wohi hai ke jo tha
Sar pe kafan ab bhi wohi hai ke jo tha
Labon pe ek geet liye chalta hoon
Dil mein madhur sangeet liye chalta hoon
Na jaane kidhar ko jaati hai yeh raah, kahaan hai manzil
Kis makaam par jaake rukega karvaan-e-gham-e-dil
Kya khulega hadd-e-nazar se paar manzar
Nilkenge jhoote waade jannat ke, ya hai duaaon main asar
Labon pe ek geet liye chalta hoon
Dil mein madhur sangeet liye chalta hoon
I Saw
last evening, a stranger at my door i saw
i asked "who are you?" he pointed to the mirror - and i saw!
self-forgetfulness reigned, my friends, when she bereft of veil was seen
even now i remember not - what remained unseen and what i saw
"are you ignorant of the ways of the city of beauties, Sifar?
draw a curtain on your pain" she said, the scars on my heart when she saw
some loveless hearts i loved, some faceless faces i met
ask not, in this meandering life, all the scenes that i saw
one day, on a whim, i strayed to the house of the beautiful, Sifar
there i saw those dagger eyes, here the butchered heart i saw
i asked "who are you?" he pointed to the mirror - and i saw!
self-forgetfulness reigned, my friends, when she bereft of veil was seen
even now i remember not - what remained unseen and what i saw
"are you ignorant of the ways of the city of beauties, Sifar?
draw a curtain on your pain" she said, the scars on my heart when she saw
some loveless hearts i loved, some faceless faces i met
ask not, in this meandering life, all the scenes that i saw
one day, on a whim, i strayed to the house of the beautiful, Sifar
there i saw those dagger eyes, here the butchered heart i saw
Jo Dikha
kal shab shaqs koi ajnabi sa dar par dikha
maine kaha tu kaun hai, usne kaha aaeena dikha
bekhudi kuchh aisi thi yaaron, behijaab jab woh hue
ab bhi sochta hoon main, kya dikha, kya na dikha?
rasm-e-shahr-e-husn se waaqif nahin kya tu Sifar?
naqaab kar dardon pe apne, daagh-e-dil yun na dikha
kahin bedard se dil mile, kahin beshakl chehre dikhe
gardish-e-ayyaam mein manzar kya-kya na dikha
bhoole se but-khaane ik roz chale gaye ham Sifar
udhar deeda-e-jaana dikhi, idhar chhalli seena dikha
maine kaha tu kaun hai, usne kaha aaeena dikha
bekhudi kuchh aisi thi yaaron, behijaab jab woh hue
ab bhi sochta hoon main, kya dikha, kya na dikha?
rasm-e-shahr-e-husn se waaqif nahin kya tu Sifar?
naqaab kar dardon pe apne, daagh-e-dil yun na dikha
kahin bedard se dil mile, kahin beshakl chehre dikhe
gardish-e-ayyaam mein manzar kya-kya na dikha
bhoole se but-khaane ik roz chale gaye ham Sifar
udhar deeda-e-jaana dikhi, idhar chhalli seena dikha
Death At Midnight
Stale sex and smoke
Insinuated into the air
Like a nasty rumour
Naked yellow bulb
Throwing shadows of despair:
Do you see the humour
In the joke we have become?
Well, that makes one of us.
Tap, tap, tap - the watchman’s cane
Accompanies the drunkard’s song
Tap, tap, tap – on the window-pane
She drums her fingers, thin and long
The air is languid, bloated, blue
Like the carcass of a bull
Perhaps, her body’s passion is true
But, of bitterness her heart is full
Outside, as it uncurls
Softly purrs the moonlit night
Soft, her undulating breasts
But, in her eyes, a steely light
Me, the smoke from her cigarette mocks
As it mingles with her breath
Silently, her fingers in mine she locks
And strangles our love to death.
Insinuated into the air
Like a nasty rumour
Naked yellow bulb
Throwing shadows of despair:
Do you see the humour
In the joke we have become?
Well, that makes one of us.
Tap, tap, tap - the watchman’s cane
Accompanies the drunkard’s song
Tap, tap, tap – on the window-pane
She drums her fingers, thin and long
The air is languid, bloated, blue
Like the carcass of a bull
Perhaps, her body’s passion is true
But, of bitterness her heart is full
Outside, as it uncurls
Softly purrs the moonlit night
Soft, her undulating breasts
But, in her eyes, a steely light
Me, the smoke from her cigarette mocks
As it mingles with her breath
Silently, her fingers in mine she locks
And strangles our love to death.
September 09, 2010
Bazaar
Ram bika, Rahman bika
Panda aur imam bika
Sach yahaan nilaam hua
Mulk mera sar-e-aam bika
Hue jismon ke saude
Bik gaye oonche auhde
Laalach ka nasoor toh dekho
Sikkon ko imaan bika
Bik gaye naqli shaayar
Bike veer aur kaayar
Biki haya ki chaadar
Koi subha, koi shaam bika
Bik gayee desh ki dharti
Bechaari goongi kya karti?
Jab bike watan ke rahbar
Shahar ka khaas-o-aam bika
Ram bika, Rahman bika
Panda aur imam bika
Sach bhi yahaan nilaam hua
Mulk mera sar-e-aam bika
Panda aur imam bika
Sach yahaan nilaam hua
Mulk mera sar-e-aam bika
Hue jismon ke saude
Bik gaye oonche auhde
Laalach ka nasoor toh dekho
Sikkon ko imaan bika
Bik gaye naqli shaayar
Bike veer aur kaayar
Biki haya ki chaadar
Koi subha, koi shaam bika
Bik gayee desh ki dharti
Bechaari goongi kya karti?
Jab bike watan ke rahbar
Shahar ka khaas-o-aam bika
Ram bika, Rahman bika
Panda aur imam bika
Sach bhi yahaan nilaam hua
Mulk mera sar-e-aam bika
August 31, 2010
Fitrat
parvat mahinon ke naam nahin jaante
darya jagaahon ke naam nahin maante
bhed-bhaav unki fitrat mein nahin
us kaam ke liye, insaan hai na
darya jagaahon ke naam nahin maante
bhed-bhaav unki fitrat mein nahin
us kaam ke liye, insaan hai na
August 29, 2010
August 27, 2010
kar chalen
chalo, nisaar maalik ko ye dil-o-jaan kar chalen
isi tarha se chukta ye ahsaan kar chalen
isi tarha se chukta ye ahsaan kar chalen
the way
It has no form
No delineation
It has no Time
Nor inclination
It comes without calling
Leaves without intimation
It has a Way
But, no destination
No delineation
It has no Time
Nor inclination
It comes without calling
Leaves without intimation
It has a Way
But, no destination
kya hota?
main kuchh karta, toh kya hota?
na karta kuchh, toh kya na hota?
hua hai jo, woh hona tha
hua na jo, woh kya hota?
na karta kuchh, toh kya na hota?
hua hai jo, woh hona tha
hua na jo, woh kya hota?
August 15, 2010
August 12, 2010
shab-e-hijr
mat poochh ae dost mere, kaise hui guzar shab-e-hijraan mein
raat bhar takiye pe sar yun bhatka, jaise bhatke the moosa sahra mein
raat bhar takiye pe sar yun bhatka, jaise bhatke the moosa sahra mein
gustaakhi muaaf
muaaf rakhna mujhe, ae azeem shaayaron
tumhaare naqsh-e-pa ki khaak, maine maathe pe rakh li hai
tumhaare naqsh-e-pa ki khaak, maine maathe pe rakh li hai
jhooti ibaadat
jin ko haqeeqat se hai nafrat, woh jhoot se kaam lete hain
insaan jo ban nahin sakte, woh khuda ka naam lete hain
insaan jo ban nahin sakte, woh khuda ka naam lete hain
aankhen
Khalifa - "kya tum hi ho jisne majnoon ko deewaana kiya hai?
lekin tum auron se zyaada khoobsurat kahaan?"
Laila - "chup kar o khalife, tu jaanta hai kya?
tere paas majnoon ki aankhen hain kahaan?"
lekin tum auron se zyaada khoobsurat kahaan?"
Laila - "chup kar o khalife, tu jaanta hai kya?
tere paas majnoon ki aankhen hain kahaan?"
galat fahmi
jisey tu chidiya samajh baitha, woh toh sirf ek saaya hai
jisey tu duniya maan baitha, woh toh bas maaya hai
jisey tu duniya maan baitha, woh toh bas maaya hai
nikla hoon
aaj phir kisi khoyee hui yaad ki talaash mein nikla hoon
dekhiye, jannat ya jahannum - kiski talaash mein nikla hoon
dekhiye, jannat ya jahannum - kiski talaash mein nikla hoon
July 17, 2010
O Sorrow
O sorrow, my friend
I am indebted to you
For your presence is witness
That her memory still lives
Had you not been there
Where would that beautiful, lethal
Memory have lived?
Had you not been there
That memory would have died, slowly
As dies the evening of togetherness
Writhing, suffering, slowly
O sorrow, my friend
I am indebted to you
For your presence is a sign
Of the people met, the relationships that blossomed, the friends separated
Had you not been there
How would that time between meeting and separating
Have breathed?
Had you not been there
That time would have choked to death
As choke to death hopes
Whimpering, panting, slowly
O sorrow, my friend
I am indebted to you
For your presence is proof
That this heart still beats
Had you not been there
What pulse would this naive, weak
Heart have followed?
Had you not been there
This defeated heart would have turned silent
As do eyes turn silent
Having wept a storm, slowly
I am indebted to you
For your presence is witness
That her memory still lives
Had you not been there
Where would that beautiful, lethal
Memory have lived?
Had you not been there
That memory would have died, slowly
As dies the evening of togetherness
Writhing, suffering, slowly
O sorrow, my friend
I am indebted to you
For your presence is a sign
Of the people met, the relationships that blossomed, the friends separated
Had you not been there
How would that time between meeting and separating
Have breathed?
Had you not been there
That time would have choked to death
As choke to death hopes
Whimpering, panting, slowly
O sorrow, my friend
I am indebted to you
For your presence is proof
That this heart still beats
Had you not been there
What pulse would this naive, weak
Heart have followed?
Had you not been there
This defeated heart would have turned silent
As do eyes turn silent
Having wept a storm, slowly
July 15, 2010
Ae Gham
Ae gham, mere ham-dam
Karz-daar hoon mai tera
Ke tera hona gawaah hai
Ke uski yaad ab-bhi zinda hai
Gar tu na hota
Toh woh haseen, qaatil yaad
Kahaan basar karti?
Gar tu na hota
Toh woh yaad aahista-aahista marti
Jaise marti hai shab-e-wisaal
Tadap-tadap kar, aahista
Ae gham, mere ham-dam
Karz-daar hoon mai tera
Ke tera hona nishaani hai unki
Jo log mile, jo rishte khile, jo yaar bichhde
Gar tu na hota
Toh woh milne aur bichhadne ke beech ka waqt
Kaise saans leta?
Gar tu na hota
Toh woh waqt dam tod deta
Jaise dam tod-te hain armaan
Sisak-sisak kar, aahista
Ae gham, mere ham-dam
Karz-daar hoon mai tera
Ke tera hona saboot hai
Ke ye dil ab-bhi dhadaktaa hai
Gar tu na hota
Toh ye naadaan, naatawaan dil
Kis taal ke sahaare chalta?
Gar tu na hota
Toh ye haara-hua dil chup ho jaata
Jaise chup ho jaati hain nigaahen
Baras-baras kar, aahista
Karz-daar hoon mai tera
Ke tera hona gawaah hai
Ke uski yaad ab-bhi zinda hai
Gar tu na hota
Toh woh haseen, qaatil yaad
Kahaan basar karti?
Gar tu na hota
Toh woh yaad aahista-aahista marti
Jaise marti hai shab-e-wisaal
Tadap-tadap kar, aahista
Ae gham, mere ham-dam
Karz-daar hoon mai tera
Ke tera hona nishaani hai unki
Jo log mile, jo rishte khile, jo yaar bichhde
Gar tu na hota
Toh woh milne aur bichhadne ke beech ka waqt
Kaise saans leta?
Gar tu na hota
Toh woh waqt dam tod deta
Jaise dam tod-te hain armaan
Sisak-sisak kar, aahista
Ae gham, mere ham-dam
Karz-daar hoon mai tera
Ke tera hona saboot hai
Ke ye dil ab-bhi dhadaktaa hai
Gar tu na hota
Toh ye naadaan, naatawaan dil
Kis taal ke sahaare chalta?
Gar tu na hota
Toh ye haara-hua dil chup ho jaata
Jaise chup ho jaati hain nigaahen
Baras-baras kar, aahista
July 14, 2010
Maile Makaan
ja saaf kar paihle apne dil ko tu, ae Sifar!
kya jaanta nahin khuda maile makaanon main nahin raha karta?
kya jaanta nahin khuda maile makaanon main nahin raha karta?
July 09, 2010
Gham bahut bhaari hain
ghamon ka bojh bahut bhaari hai, harf mere halke hain
sau jaam ashkon ke piye, tab kahin chaar sheyr chhalke hain
sau jaam ashkon ke piye, tab kahin chaar sheyr chhalke hain
Gham Bahut Bhaari Hain
ghamon ka bojh bahut bhaari hai, harf mere halke hain
sau jaam ashkon ke piye, tab kahin chaar sheyr chhalke hain
sau jaam ashkon ke piye, tab kahin chaar sheyr chhalke hain
July 08, 2010
Kab Tak?
Haal-e-dil-e-barbaad ham bayaan karenge kab tak?
Har baat sun kar woh, ansuni karenge kab tak?
The jitne bhi armaan, kab ke toot chuke
Tukde ye umeedon ke, jamaa karenge kab tak?
Kar chale kaandhon pe safar, bujh bhi chuke shole
Kab hogi woh aankh nam, intezaar karenge kab tak?
Maano yakeen, ke anjaam-e-ishq se ham waaqif hain
Kaho lekin, ke jeete-jee marenge kab tak?
Jaan jisne di Sifar, imaan bhi us hi ne diya
Karz ye chukaane mein, taghaaful karenge kab tak?
Har baat sun kar woh, ansuni karenge kab tak?
The jitne bhi armaan, kab ke toot chuke
Tukde ye umeedon ke, jamaa karenge kab tak?
Kar chale kaandhon pe safar, bujh bhi chuke shole
Kab hogi woh aankh nam, intezaar karenge kab tak?
Maano yakeen, ke anjaam-e-ishq se ham waaqif hain
Kaho lekin, ke jeete-jee marenge kab tak?
Jaan jisne di Sifar, imaan bhi us hi ne diya
Karz ye chukaane mein, taghaaful karenge kab tak?
July 06, 2010
Only You
in my body, in my soul
permeating me whole
it is you
joy you are, and pain
the changing wind that brings rain
it is you
in the song of the dawn
in the evening love-torn
it is you
now behind, now ahead
now beneath, now overhead
it is you
the peace of every eye
the day's rest, the evening sky
it is you
in leaves that rustle
in brooks that bustle
it is you
sometimes, an ache in the heart
sometimes, sighs that lips depart
it is you
every minstrel that roams the land
the fate written in every hand
it is you
somewhere, a burning shroud
somewhere, a bounteous cloud
it is you
it is you, it is you
it is you, it is you
it is only you
permeating me whole
it is you
joy you are, and pain
the changing wind that brings rain
it is you
in the song of the dawn
in the evening love-torn
it is you
now behind, now ahead
now beneath, now overhead
it is you
the peace of every eye
the day's rest, the evening sky
it is you
in leaves that rustle
in brooks that bustle
it is you
sometimes, an ache in the heart
sometimes, sighs that lips depart
it is you
every minstrel that roams the land
the fate written in every hand
it is you
somewhere, a burning shroud
somewhere, a bounteous cloud
it is you
it is you, it is you
it is you, it is you
it is only you
June 21, 2010
Bas Tum
Tan mein, man mein
Kan-kan jeevan mein
Tum ho
Sukh ho, aur dukh
Jaise hawa ka rukh
Tum ho
Subah ka geet bhi
Saanjh ki preet bhi
Tum ho
Abhi aage, abhi peechhe
Abhi oopar, abhi neeche
Tum ho
Har nayan ka chain
Har din ki rain
Tum ho
Patton ki sarsaraahat bhi
Maujon ki aahat bhi
Tum ho
Kabhi dil ka dard
Kabhi aahen sard
Tum ho
Har peer, har faqir
Har haath ki lakeer
Tum ho
Kahin sulagti kabr
Kahin barasta abr
Tum ho
Tum ho, tum ho
Tum ho, tum ho
Bas tum hi to ho
Kan-kan jeevan mein
Tum ho
Sukh ho, aur dukh
Jaise hawa ka rukh
Tum ho
Subah ka geet bhi
Saanjh ki preet bhi
Tum ho
Abhi aage, abhi peechhe
Abhi oopar, abhi neeche
Tum ho
Har nayan ka chain
Har din ki rain
Tum ho
Patton ki sarsaraahat bhi
Maujon ki aahat bhi
Tum ho
Kabhi dil ka dard
Kabhi aahen sard
Tum ho
Har peer, har faqir
Har haath ki lakeer
Tum ho
Kahin sulagti kabr
Kahin barasta abr
Tum ho
Tum ho, tum ho
Tum ho, tum ho
Bas tum hi to ho
June 14, 2010
Aaj Phir
kuchh kaha chaahta hai dil, aaj phir
kambakht harf nahin milte magar, aaj phir
yaad ho gar tumhe woh waada-e-nibaah
toh aao dauhraayen usey, aaj phir
bheek mein mili hui rawshni saari
luta chala faqir mahtaab, aaj phir
zindagi kya kam gham rakhti hai?
kyon chheda raag-e-ishq, aaj phir?
ghadi bhar ko dekha unhe, aaj phir
kho baithe tamkeen-o-hosh, aaj phir
muddat hui ke bichhde ham-tum
kyon-kar ye gile-shikwe, aaj phir?
phata falak ka seenaa, aaj phir
hui baarish-e-ashk, aaj phir
kyun chala tu ku-e-yaar ko Sifar?
aayi ka tamanna-e-marg, aaj phir?
kambakht harf nahin milte magar, aaj phir
yaad ho gar tumhe woh waada-e-nibaah
toh aao dauhraayen usey, aaj phir
bheek mein mili hui rawshni saari
luta chala faqir mahtaab, aaj phir
zindagi kya kam gham rakhti hai?
kyon chheda raag-e-ishq, aaj phir?
ghadi bhar ko dekha unhe, aaj phir
kho baithe tamkeen-o-hosh, aaj phir
muddat hui ke bichhde ham-tum
kyon-kar ye gile-shikwe, aaj phir?
phata falak ka seenaa, aaj phir
hui baarish-e-ashk, aaj phir
kyun chala tu ku-e-yaar ko Sifar?
aayi ka tamanna-e-marg, aaj phir?
Again, Today
the heart yearns to say something again, today
but, the words are not to be found again, today
if you remember those promises of faithfulness
come, let us repeat them once again, today
all the light that it received in alms
the beggar moon has squandered again, today
does not life present enough sorrows?
why repeat the sad music of love again, today?
i saw her for a moment again, today
and lost all sense and control again, today
it has been ages since we went our own ways
why bring up those laments and grouses again, today?
the sky's breast burst again, today
of tears there was rain again, today
why do you go to the beloved's street, o Sifar?
do you desire death again, today?
but, the words are not to be found again, today
if you remember those promises of faithfulness
come, let us repeat them once again, today
all the light that it received in alms
the beggar moon has squandered again, today
does not life present enough sorrows?
why repeat the sad music of love again, today?
i saw her for a moment again, today
and lost all sense and control again, today
it has been ages since we went our own ways
why bring up those laments and grouses again, today?
the sky's breast burst again, today
of tears there was rain again, today
why do you go to the beloved's street, o Sifar?
do you desire death again, today?
June 06, 2010
Next Time
next time, o lord
give me countless ears
that i may hear your voice all around:
sometimes as the song of the nightingale
sometimes as the gurgling of wine
sometimes as waves in the seas
sometimes as the morning breeze
next time, o lord
give me a million eyes
that i may see your beauty all around
somewhere as a half-hidden moon
somewhere as a half-opened bloom
somewhere as the smile of a child
somewhere in the flight of birds wild
next time, o lord
give a heart humongous
that i may feel your heart-beat all around
perhaps as the words of the fakirs
perhaps as the silence of the snows
perhaps as the face of the poor man's pain
perhaps as tyranny of misfortune's reign
next time, o lord
next time
give me countless ears
that i may hear your voice all around:
sometimes as the song of the nightingale
sometimes as the gurgling of wine
sometimes as waves in the seas
sometimes as the morning breeze
next time, o lord
give me a million eyes
that i may see your beauty all around
somewhere as a half-hidden moon
somewhere as a half-opened bloom
somewhere as the smile of a child
somewhere in the flight of birds wild
next time, o lord
give a heart humongous
that i may feel your heart-beat all around
perhaps as the words of the fakirs
perhaps as the silence of the snows
perhaps as the face of the poor man's pain
perhaps as tyranny of misfortune's reign
next time, o lord
next time
June 05, 2010
Agli Baar
Agli baar, ae khuda
Mujhe anginat gosh dena
Ke har samt teri aawaaz sunai de
Kabhi joon sada-e-bulbul
Kabhi jaise mai ki qulqul
Kabhi darya ki lahar mein
Kabhi naseem-e-sahar mein
Agli baar, ae khuda
Mujhe laakhon chashm dena
Ke har taraf tera jamaal dikhaai de
Kahin ad-chhupa mahtab ban kar
Kahin neem-wa gulab ban kar
Kahin bhes-e-muskaan-e-itfaal
Kahin pesh-e-parindon ka jamaal
Agli baar, ae khuda
Mujhe ek be-panah dil dena
Ke har su teri dhadkan mahsoos ho
Chaahe faqiron ke harfon mein
Chaahe khaamoshi-e-barfon mein
Chaahe soorat-e-dard-e-gharib
Chaahe jafa-e-thokar-e-naseeb
Agli baar, ae khuda
Agli baar
Mujhe anginat gosh dena
Ke har samt teri aawaaz sunai de
Kabhi joon sada-e-bulbul
Kabhi jaise mai ki qulqul
Kabhi darya ki lahar mein
Kabhi naseem-e-sahar mein
Agli baar, ae khuda
Mujhe laakhon chashm dena
Ke har taraf tera jamaal dikhaai de
Kahin ad-chhupa mahtab ban kar
Kahin neem-wa gulab ban kar
Kahin bhes-e-muskaan-e-itfaal
Kahin pesh-e-parindon ka jamaal
Agli baar, ae khuda
Mujhe ek be-panah dil dena
Ke har su teri dhadkan mahsoos ho
Chaahe faqiron ke harfon mein
Chaahe khaamoshi-e-barfon mein
Chaahe soorat-e-dard-e-gharib
Chaahe jafa-e-thokar-e-naseeb
Agli baar, ae khuda
Agli baar
June 04, 2010
Is Good
Were someone to ask what the meaning of life is
All I would say is that the question is good
What games life will play in the future, I know not
My situation, however, so far is good
Even when I did come face-to-face with her, she had my rival in tow
Then how can I say the night of separation is bad; the day of meeting is good?
Why then, Sifar, desire the pleasures of Paradise?
They say that the angels are fair, but her beauty, truly, is good!
All I would say is that the question is good
What games life will play in the future, I know not
My situation, however, so far is good
Even when I did come face-to-face with her, she had my rival in tow
Then how can I say the night of separation is bad; the day of meeting is good?
Why then, Sifar, desire the pleasures of Paradise?
They say that the angels are fair, but her beauty, truly, is good!
Soul-Searching
what, to anyone else, can one give?
on whose mercy does anyone live?
perhaps my soul bears no merit
no wonder, no one to me does a second glance give
there was a time when you and i were oh-so-close!
did someone eye us with evil motive?
if a war of words is someone's desire
my tongue, too, of harshness can give
many a time have i suffered in love
yet i did not vacate the path where my beloved does live
unable as i am to manage my own life
how would i know how others live?
my own longevity i cannot vouch for
but do pray that to you longevity god give
much rather would i starve to death
than on someone's discarded morsels live
is my own soul pure and free of stain?
that i can critique how the world should live?
on whose mercy does anyone live?
perhaps my soul bears no merit
no wonder, no one to me does a second glance give
there was a time when you and i were oh-so-close!
did someone eye us with evil motive?
if a war of words is someone's desire
my tongue, too, of harshness can give
many a time have i suffered in love
yet i did not vacate the path where my beloved does live
unable as i am to manage my own life
how would i know how others live?
my own longevity i cannot vouch for
but do pray that to you longevity god give
much rather would i starve to death
than on someone's discarded morsels live
is my own soul pure and free of stain?
that i can critique how the world should live?
Unjust Allegation
who says i am drunk?
this redness of the eyes is only the effect of your intoxicating worth
were it not linked with your name, what would my tale be?
the truth is this: you are heaven, and i am earth
wherever i look, wherever i go, you are all that i can see
to every object, every particle, it is you who have given birth
the game of life and death, i know, is older than heaven and earth
but why is it that nowadays, sifar, life less than death is worth?
this redness of the eyes is only the effect of your intoxicating worth
were it not linked with your name, what would my tale be?
the truth is this: you are heaven, and i am earth
wherever i look, wherever i go, you are all that i can see
to every object, every particle, it is you who have given birth
the game of life and death, i know, is older than heaven and earth
but why is it that nowadays, sifar, life less than death is worth?
Unjust Allegation
who says i am drunk?
this redness of the eyes is only the effect of your intoxicating worth
were it not linked with your name, what would my tale be?
the truth is this: you are heaven, and i am earth
wherever i look, wherever i go, you are all that i can see
to every object, every particle, it is you who have given birth
the game of life and death, i know, is older than heaven and earth
but why is it that nowadays, sifar, life less than death is worth?
this redness of the eyes is only the effect of your intoxicating worth
were it not linked with your name, what would my tale be?
the truth is this: you are heaven, and i am earth
wherever i look, wherever i go, you are all that i can see
to every object, every particle, it is you who have given birth
the game of life and death, i know, is older than heaven and earth
but why is it that nowadays, sifar, life less than death is worth?
Revolution, Once Again
the splattered blood has all but dried
some bodies have mixed with the dust,
others as smoke have risen
the mourners have shrieked and screamed,
until all their tears they have cried
he to whom we entrusted the boat, a dealer turned out to be
he who masqueraded as a messiah, our tormentor out to be
faith, that we beleved was a salve, a dagger turned to be
then why did not the world drown in an angry flood?
why not the fearsome sounds of doomsday curdle our blood?
sixty-one years of independence, worth nothing more than mud!
we have no leisure at the moment
from gatherings of wine and pleasure
this cold blood coursing through our arteries
is nothing but a worthless treasure
oh, revolution, once again!
once again, for good measure!
some bodies have mixed with the dust,
others as smoke have risen
the mourners have shrieked and screamed,
until all their tears they have cried
he to whom we entrusted the boat, a dealer turned out to be
he who masqueraded as a messiah, our tormentor out to be
faith, that we beleved was a salve, a dagger turned to be
then why did not the world drown in an angry flood?
why not the fearsome sounds of doomsday curdle our blood?
sixty-one years of independence, worth nothing more than mud!
we have no leisure at the moment
from gatherings of wine and pleasure
this cold blood coursing through our arteries
is nothing but a worthless treasure
oh, revolution, once again!
once again, for good measure!
Election-Day Elegy
that brave soldier who was martyred
that young soldier who was his old father's walking-stick
which political party did he belong to?
that mother who was charred to death
that mother who was separated from her child forever
which election symbol was she associated with?
that guard who swallowed three bullets whole
that guard who has now been posted beyond the skies for eternity
which ideological group did he swear allegiance to?
that tiny voice that emerged as a scream
that tiny voice that some heard, some un-heard
which politician did it sing the praises of?
that blood that flowed as poison through the country's veins
that blood that has darkened every face with shame
which brotherhood was it the life of?
perhaps no one's
no one's at all
that young soldier who was his old father's walking-stick
which political party did he belong to?
that mother who was charred to death
that mother who was separated from her child forever
which election symbol was she associated with?
that guard who swallowed three bullets whole
that guard who has now been posted beyond the skies for eternity
which ideological group did he swear allegiance to?
that tiny voice that emerged as a scream
that tiny voice that some heard, some un-heard
which politician did it sing the praises of?
that blood that flowed as poison through the country's veins
that blood that has darkened every face with shame
which brotherhood was it the life of?
perhaps no one's
no one's at all
The Seller Of Words
a seller of poems, songs and elegies am i
sometimes half-asleep, at others alert am i
a few songs i have, all wrapped-up in pain
some are done and dusted, others incomplete remain
some are a bit coy, like the beloved in the presence of her lover
some are fragrant blossoms, like the hair that does her head cover
some couplets are such,
whose each word has dropped from my eyes like blood
some are as if a thought,
like a torrent of sparks, towards the sky does flood
some are as dark as the darkest moon-abandoned night
and some, like the midday sun, are oh-so-bright
a few poems have the shyness that makes lowering one's gaze a habit
and some, like the cry of martyrdom, does a heart-rending pain inhabit
some are soaked in intoxication, as if the entire cellar one had imbibed
and others are choked with dread, as if the day of judgement had arrived
a seller of poems, songs and elegies am i
sometimes half-asleep, at others alert am i
sometimes half-asleep, at others alert am i
a few songs i have, all wrapped-up in pain
some are done and dusted, others incomplete remain
some are a bit coy, like the beloved in the presence of her lover
some are fragrant blossoms, like the hair that does her head cover
some couplets are such,
whose each word has dropped from my eyes like blood
some are as if a thought,
like a torrent of sparks, towards the sky does flood
some are as dark as the darkest moon-abandoned night
and some, like the midday sun, are oh-so-bright
a few poems have the shyness that makes lowering one's gaze a habit
and some, like the cry of martyrdom, does a heart-rending pain inhabit
some are soaked in intoxication, as if the entire cellar one had imbibed
and others are choked with dread, as if the day of judgement had arrived
a seller of poems, songs and elegies am i
sometimes half-asleep, at others alert am i
Words Of Silence
the poet am i
and his words, too
the song am i
the tune, too, i am
the thorn am i
and the flower, too
the river am i
its flow, too, i am
victory am i
and defeat, too
life am i
its sacrificer, too, i am
the wine am i
and the measure and the cup, too
the messenger am i
his message, too, i am
the dawn am i
and the sunset, too
the beginning am i
the end, too, i am
they am i
and you, too
ever-present am i
invisible, too, i am
the dark night am i
and the light of the world, too
the supplicant am i
the lord, too, i am
the truth am i
and the dream, too
the beauteous face am i
the veil, too i am
how shall anyone
separate me from me?
every thing am i
and nothing, too, i am
and his words, too
the song am i
the tune, too, i am
the thorn am i
and the flower, too
the river am i
its flow, too, i am
victory am i
and defeat, too
life am i
its sacrificer, too, i am
the wine am i
and the measure and the cup, too
the messenger am i
his message, too, i am
the dawn am i
and the sunset, too
the beginning am i
the end, too, i am
they am i
and you, too
ever-present am i
invisible, too, i am
the dark night am i
and the light of the world, too
the supplicant am i
the lord, too, i am
the truth am i
and the dream, too
the beauteous face am i
the veil, too i am
how shall anyone
separate me from me?
every thing am i
and nothing, too, i am
I, Too, Was
once, in that gathering colourful and fragrant, i, too, was
once, face-to-face with that angelic beauty, i, too, was
now remains no desire, no hope, nor search, even
but, it is true that full of dreams, once, i, too, was
why complain that a rival spent the evening with my beloved?
i hear that in their tete-a-tete, i, too, was
for a while now, i have been living in the wildernesses
but, once, in the hue and cry of the city-forest, i, too, was
now all that remains is a mound of ashes, O Sifar
but, once, full of life and hope and breath and blood, i, too, was
once, face-to-face with that angelic beauty, i, too, was
now remains no desire, no hope, nor search, even
but, it is true that full of dreams, once, i, too, was
why complain that a rival spent the evening with my beloved?
i hear that in their tete-a-tete, i, too, was
for a while now, i have been living in the wildernesses
but, once, in the hue and cry of the city-forest, i, too, was
now all that remains is a mound of ashes, O Sifar
but, once, full of life and hope and breath and blood, i, too, was
A Tribute
Even if i never reach your lofty abode, O Kabir
But, watch that my dust along that road shall surely be
Even if i am unable to ever embrace you, O Bulleh
Around your tomb my ashes will scattered surely be
Rumi's tongue is incomparable, readily i agree
My speech too shall give some joy - that will surely be
Ghalib and Mir and Faiz and Dard are all tall trees of verse
In the name of Sifar too, a branch shall surely be
But, watch that my dust along that road shall surely be
Even if i am unable to ever embrace you, O Bulleh
Around your tomb my ashes will scattered surely be
Rumi's tongue is incomparable, readily i agree
My speech too shall give some joy - that will surely be
Ghalib and Mir and Faiz and Dard are all tall trees of verse
In the name of Sifar too, a branch shall surely be
Have I Come
how could you possibly make me feel like dirt? for, from the dust have i come
to the dust i shall return tomorrow, just for the day have i come
do not turn me back thus, with disrespect from your door, my friends
what if my hands bear no gifts? with a heart full of blessings have i come
even if i did bow my head at another's feet, what would i gain?
what could i take from this world, carrying what have i come?
the difference between love and slavery i declare, do listen:
i went to her with my heart bowed low, with my head held high have i come
the body is not mine, nor the heart, nor even its beating, Sifar
every drop of blood belongs to Him: as the shadow of the formless have i come
to the dust i shall return tomorrow, just for the day have i come
do not turn me back thus, with disrespect from your door, my friends
what if my hands bear no gifts? with a heart full of blessings have i come
even if i did bow my head at another's feet, what would i gain?
what could i take from this world, carrying what have i come?
the difference between love and slavery i declare, do listen:
i went to her with my heart bowed low, with my head held high have i come
the body is not mine, nor the heart, nor even its beating, Sifar
every drop of blood belongs to Him: as the shadow of the formless have i come
Who Knows?
what aspect the beloved will show next, who knows?
what shall be the fate of this weak heart, who knows?
many tales abound of the joys and pleasures of heaven
but, what reality will unveil, who knows?
each head is bowed down with its weight of selfishness
the care for the pain of others, who knows?
the art of razing a heart many have mastered
which direction the rising smoke will take, who knows?
the shadows that deserted us in the light of the midday sun
where in the darkness of night shall be found, who knows?
this world is the abode of pain and sorrow, O Sifar
what awaits us in the next world, who knows?
what shall be the fate of this weak heart, who knows?
many tales abound of the joys and pleasures of heaven
but, what reality will unveil, who knows?
each head is bowed down with its weight of selfishness
the care for the pain of others, who knows?
the art of razing a heart many have mastered
which direction the rising smoke will take, who knows?
the shadows that deserted us in the light of the midday sun
where in the darkness of night shall be found, who knows?
this world is the abode of pain and sorrow, O Sifar
what awaits us in the next world, who knows?
I Found
Look how i have been rewarded for my patience
The kiss on the lips received, was laced with poison, i found
The wine last night did not have potency, friends
My senses - lost in the evening - at dawn i found
Was it a game, or was it cruelty that He made the world?
Of God i shall certainly ask, if Him ever i found
Much had one heard of the travails of the path of love
But, it seems that an especially heartless love have i found
High and low did i look for him, but in the end
It was in the mirror that Sifar i found
The kiss on the lips received, was laced with poison, i found
The wine last night did not have potency, friends
My senses - lost in the evening - at dawn i found
Was it a game, or was it cruelty that He made the world?
Of God i shall certainly ask, if Him ever i found
Much had one heard of the travails of the path of love
But, it seems that an especially heartless love have i found
High and low did i look for him, but in the end
It was in the mirror that Sifar i found
May 24, 2010
Conspiracy
the wanton moonlight spreads herself on the rooftop
and says - smiling - "come here, lie here"
far away, in the dark sky
the stars shut their eyes,
then open them, then shut them once again
shy girlfriends, as it were
shy, but curious, too
under the roof-ring, in the thick trees
to the leaves whispers something the breeze
they laugh
and they shake, laughing
and all the blades of grass, too
are bedewed with embarrassment
what could i - weak-hearted - do?
how could i alone batlle
with all creation do?
so i just let myself flow
on the river of love
when dawn arrived,
the face of the sky
was blushing a deep crimson
and says - smiling - "come here, lie here"
far away, in the dark sky
the stars shut their eyes,
then open them, then shut them once again
shy girlfriends, as it were
shy, but curious, too
under the roof-ring, in the thick trees
to the leaves whispers something the breeze
they laugh
and they shake, laughing
and all the blades of grass, too
are bedewed with embarrassment
what could i - weak-hearted - do?
how could i alone batlle
with all creation do?
so i just let myself flow
on the river of love
when dawn arrived,
the face of the sky
was blushing a deep crimson
I Say
here i am, grown tired repeating the tale of the sorrows of love
and yet, people say that nothing do i say
at the drop of a hat, couplets of Ghalib do they spout
in the face of that genius, what possibly could i say?
the tongue had not even stirred, and she got up and walked away
you tell me, the state of my heart to whom could i say?
she asked for patience, and what that means, i know not
if my life had been demanded, 'yes' would i say
i had gone to her door with a litany of complaints and grouses
but when my lips were sealed with a kiss, what could i say?
often, i tell tales of the pain and sorrow of life
if that pain were not there, what would i say?
and yet, people say that nothing do i say
at the drop of a hat, couplets of Ghalib do they spout
in the face of that genius, what possibly could i say?
the tongue had not even stirred, and she got up and walked away
you tell me, the state of my heart to whom could i say?
she asked for patience, and what that means, i know not
if my life had been demanded, 'yes' would i say
i had gone to her door with a litany of complaints and grouses
but when my lips were sealed with a kiss, what could i say?
often, i tell tales of the pain and sorrow of life
if that pain were not there, what would i say?
Kahte Hum
Thak gaye daastaan-e-gham-e-ulfat kahte-kahte hum
Aur log kahte hain ke kuchh nahin kahte hum
Baat-baat par aashaar-e-Ghalib padhte the woh
Us baadshah-e-sukhan ke aage kya kahte hum?
Zabaan hili bhi na thi ke uth ke chal diye janaab
Ab tum hi kaho ke haal-e-dil kis se kahte hum?
Sabr maanga tha unhone, so uska ilm na tha
Jaan kahin maangi hoti toh haan kahte hum
Gaye the waan kya-kya gile shikwe lekar
Magar jab sil gaye bose se lab toh kaise kahte hum?
Aksar gham-e-duniya ke fasaane kaha karte hain
Agar ye gham na hota Sifar, toh kya kahte hum?
Aur log kahte hain ke kuchh nahin kahte hum
Baat-baat par aashaar-e-Ghalib padhte the woh
Us baadshah-e-sukhan ke aage kya kahte hum?
Zabaan hili bhi na thi ke uth ke chal diye janaab
Ab tum hi kaho ke haal-e-dil kis se kahte hum?
Sabr maanga tha unhone, so uska ilm na tha
Jaan kahin maangi hoti toh haan kahte hum
Gaye the waan kya-kya gile shikwe lekar
Magar jab sil gaye bose se lab toh kaise kahte hum?
Aksar gham-e-duniya ke fasaane kaha karte hain
Agar ye gham na hota Sifar, toh kya kahte hum?
May 09, 2010
Ek Saazish
be-haya chaandni chhat par bichhi hui hai
muskuraate hue kahti hai "aao, yahaan let jaao"
door, siyah falak mein
taaron ne aankhen bandh keen,
phir kholeen, phir bandh keen:
sharmaati hui saheliyaan hon jaise -
haya bhi, dilchaspi bhi
baam tale, ghane darakhton mein,
hawa ne patton se chupke se kucch kaha
aur woh hasne lage,
haste-haste hilne lage
ghaas ki taraf nazar ki,
so woh bhi sharm se paani thi
main naatawaan kya karta?
saari khudaai se tanha kya ladta?
darya-e-ishq mein bah gaya
subah hui, toh rukh-e-falak par
har-su haya ki laali thi
muskuraate hue kahti hai "aao, yahaan let jaao"
door, siyah falak mein
taaron ne aankhen bandh keen,
phir kholeen, phir bandh keen:
sharmaati hui saheliyaan hon jaise -
haya bhi, dilchaspi bhi
baam tale, ghane darakhton mein,
hawa ne patton se chupke se kucch kaha
aur woh hasne lage,
haste-haste hilne lage
ghaas ki taraf nazar ki,
so woh bhi sharm se paani thi
main naatawaan kya karta?
saari khudaai se tanha kya ladta?
darya-e-ishq mein bah gaya
subah hui, toh rukh-e-falak par
har-su haya ki laali thi
April 28, 2010
Kaun Jaane
Kya rang dikhaayega abke mehrbaan kaun jaane?
Kya hoga hashr-e-dil-e-naatawaan kaun jaane?
Charche bahut hain lutf-o-kaif-e-jannat ke magar
Kya khulegi asliyat wahaan kaun jaane?
Har sar jhuka hua hai bhaar-e-khudgarzi se
Chaara-e-dard-e-ghair yahaan kaun jaane?
Dil ko raakh karne ki adaa mein maahir bahut hain lekin
Jaayega kis taraf yeh dhuaan kaun jaane?
Bichhde hain neem-roz ki raushni mein jo saaye
Milenge raat ki siyaahi mein kahaan kaun jaane?
Yeh duniya toh ranj-o-gham ka basera hai, Sifar
Kya hoga is se aage ko jahaan kaun jaane?
Kya hoga hashr-e-dil-e-naatawaan kaun jaane?
Charche bahut hain lutf-o-kaif-e-jannat ke magar
Kya khulegi asliyat wahaan kaun jaane?
Har sar jhuka hua hai bhaar-e-khudgarzi se
Chaara-e-dard-e-ghair yahaan kaun jaane?
Dil ko raakh karne ki adaa mein maahir bahut hain lekin
Jaayega kis taraf yeh dhuaan kaun jaane?
Bichhde hain neem-roz ki raushni mein jo saaye
Milenge raat ki siyaahi mein kahaan kaun jaane?
Yeh duniya toh ranj-o-gham ka basera hai, Sifar
Kya hoga is se aage ko jahaan kaun jaane?
April 22, 2010
Mila
Dekhiye kya hamein haasil-e-sabr mila
Bosa-e-lab jo mila, pur-zahar mila
Kuchh khaas nahin tha kal jaam mein asar, yaaron
Hosh hamne shaam khoya tha, sahar mila
Khel tha ya sitam tha jo banayee duniya usne?
Khuda se zaroor poochhenge, agar mila
Suni bahut theen takleefen raah-e-ishq ki hamne
But hamein zyaada hi beraham magar mila
Kahaan-kahaan nahin talaasha hamne usey magar
Aakhir-kaar aaeene mein hamein Sifar mila
Bosa-e-lab jo mila, pur-zahar mila
Kuchh khaas nahin tha kal jaam mein asar, yaaron
Hosh hamne shaam khoya tha, sahar mila
Khel tha ya sitam tha jo banayee duniya usne?
Khuda se zaroor poochhenge, agar mila
Suni bahut theen takleefen raah-e-ishq ki hamne
But hamein zyaada hi beraham magar mila
Kahaan-kahaan nahin talaasha hamne usey magar
Aakhir-kaar aaeene mein hamein Sifar mila
April 14, 2010
Aaya Hoon
tum mujhe kya neechaa dikhaaoge, main toh zameen hi se aaya hoon
zameen hi mein dhas jaaoonga kal, sirf aaj-bhar ke liye aaya hoon
yun na lautaao be—aabroo kar ke dar se mujhe, ae ahl-e-karam
maana ke haath mere khaali hain, dil toh duaaen bhar ke laaya hoon
jhukaaoon bhi gar jo kisi ki chaukhat pe sar, kya haasil?
kya le jaaoonga is jahaan se main, kya main saath lekar aaya hoon?
aashiqi–o-ghulaami mein jo farq hai kahta hoon suno
dil bichhaaye gaya tha us ke dar pe main, sar uthaaye laut aaya hoon
na jism mera, na jigar mera, na hi dhadkanen meri apni hai Sifar
har qatra-e-khoon bhi us ka hai, main toh bas us be-shakl ka saaya hoon
zameen hi mein dhas jaaoonga kal, sirf aaj-bhar ke liye aaya hoon
yun na lautaao be—aabroo kar ke dar se mujhe, ae ahl-e-karam
maana ke haath mere khaali hain, dil toh duaaen bhar ke laaya hoon
jhukaaoon bhi gar jo kisi ki chaukhat pe sar, kya haasil?
kya le jaaoonga is jahaan se main, kya main saath lekar aaya hoon?
aashiqi–o-ghulaami mein jo farq hai kahta hoon suno
dil bichhaaye gaya tha us ke dar pe main, sar uthaaye laut aaya hoon
na jism mera, na jigar mera, na hi dhadkanen meri apni hai Sifar
har qatra-e-khoon bhi us ka hai, main toh bas us be-shakl ka saaya hoon
April 10, 2010
A Song for Love Lost
There is you
And there is me
Then how do we make three?
Is it he?
Or is it she?
Oh, how do we make three?
Remember we said we would forever be one?
Then, how did we come so undone?
Remember we said there be no you nor me?
Then, how did we make three?
Oh, how did we make three?
We had our song, we had our look.
We had our word, we had our touch.
Was none of that enough?
Or was it all too much?
We felt so right, we felt so free.
Then, how did we make three?
Oh, how did we make three?
There is you
And there is me
Then why do we make three?
Oh, why do we make three?
And there is me
Then how do we make three?
Is it he?
Or is it she?
Oh, how do we make three?
Remember we said we would forever be one?
Then, how did we come so undone?
Remember we said there be no you nor me?
Then, how did we make three?
Oh, how did we make three?
We had our song, we had our look.
We had our word, we had our touch.
Was none of that enough?
Or was it all too much?
We felt so right, we felt so free.
Then, how did we make three?
Oh, how did we make three?
There is you
And there is me
Then why do we make three?
Oh, why do we make three?
April 05, 2010
Kisi Ka Bhi Nahin
woh jawaan jo shaheed hua
woh jawaan jo boodhe baap ki lathi tha
woh kis party ka tha?
woh ma jo jal kar raakh hui
woh ma jo apne bachche se sada ke liye bichhdi
woh kis chunav chinh se judi thi?
woh sipahi jisne apne seene mein teen goliyaan khaeen
woh sipahi jo hamesha ke liye aasmaan se pare tainaat ho gaya hai
woh kis dal ka sadasya tha?
woh nanhi aawaaz jo cheekh ban kar nikli
woh nanhi aawaaz jo kuchh ne suni, aur kuchh ne ansuni kar di
woh kis neta ki jai kiya karti thi?
woh lahu jo zahr ban ke is desh ke jism mein dauda
woh lahu jisne har chehre par kaalik laga di
woh kis sangathan ki jaan tha?
shaayad kisi ka nahin
kisi ka bhi nahin
woh jawaan jo boodhe baap ki lathi tha
woh kis party ka tha?
woh ma jo jal kar raakh hui
woh ma jo apne bachche se sada ke liye bichhdi
woh kis chunav chinh se judi thi?
woh sipahi jisne apne seene mein teen goliyaan khaeen
woh sipahi jo hamesha ke liye aasmaan se pare tainaat ho gaya hai
woh kis dal ka sadasya tha?
woh nanhi aawaaz jo cheekh ban kar nikli
woh nanhi aawaaz jo kuchh ne suni, aur kuchh ne ansuni kar di
woh kis neta ki jai kiya karti thi?
woh lahu jo zahr ban ke is desh ke jism mein dauda
woh lahu jisne har chehre par kaalik laga di
woh kis sangathan ki jaan tha?
shaayad kisi ka nahin
kisi ka bhi nahin
April 02, 2010
Zaroor Hogi
Gar na pahuncha bhi tere muqaam tak Kabir
Magar dekhna us rahguzar pe meri khaak zaroor hogi
Jo na mil paaya gale tujhse Bulleh, to koi baat nahin
Teri mazaar gird meri raakh zaroor hogi
Zubaan-e-Rumi humne maana bemisaal hai
Kuchh to apne bayaan ki bhi dhaak zaroor hogi
Ghalib-o-Mir-o-Faiz-o-Dard shajar-e-sukhan hain ye sab
Sifar ke naam bhi kahin ek shaakh zaroor hogi
Magar dekhna us rahguzar pe meri khaak zaroor hogi
Jo na mil paaya gale tujhse Bulleh, to koi baat nahin
Teri mazaar gird meri raakh zaroor hogi
Zubaan-e-Rumi humne maana bemisaal hai
Kuchh to apne bayaan ki bhi dhaak zaroor hogi
Ghalib-o-Mir-o-Faiz-o-Dard shajar-e-sukhan hain ye sab
Sifar ke naam bhi kahin ek shaakh zaroor hogi
April 01, 2010
Inquilab, Dobaara
sookh chukeen khoon ki chheetein
khaak mein mil chuke kuchh jism, kuchh dhooaan ho chale
uth-uth kar khaamosh ho chukin noha-garon ki cheekhein
nakhuda samjhe the jise, saudagar nikla
bana phirta tha jo masiha, sitamgar nikla
maana tha marham mazhab ko, so khanjar nikla
phir bhi koi sailaab-sa kyon nahin aaya?
waqt baang-e-qayaamat kyon nahin laaya?
iksath saal ki aazaadi, magar kya paaya?
abhi nahin hai fursat mahfil-e-jaam-o-subu se
nahin ho paayegi kuchh harkat thande lahu se
chhedna hoga inquilab, phir se, shuru se
khaak mein mil chuke kuchh jism, kuchh dhooaan ho chale
uth-uth kar khaamosh ho chukin noha-garon ki cheekhein
nakhuda samjhe the jise, saudagar nikla
bana phirta tha jo masiha, sitamgar nikla
maana tha marham mazhab ko, so khanjar nikla
phir bhi koi sailaab-sa kyon nahin aaya?
waqt baang-e-qayaamat kyon nahin laaya?
iksath saal ki aazaadi, magar kya paaya?
abhi nahin hai fursat mahfil-e-jaam-o-subu se
nahin ho paayegi kuchh harkat thande lahu se
chhedna hoga inquilab, phir se, shuru se
Aaya Hai
Na woh aaye hain, na unka paigaam aaya hai
Beshaq dil-e-choor ka waqt-e-anjaam aaya hai
Kya gham ke mere dar par aaya na woh kabhi
Kya kam ke khayal uska subh-o-shaam aaya hai
Yeh gul jo khil rahen hain meri mazaar gird
Jaano ke baad-e-marg unka salaam aaya hai
Na manzil hai, na raah hai, na hi saathi hai koi
Kaisa raah-e-wafa mein yeh maqaam aaya hai
Kyon baadalon ko choomta hua chal raha hoon main?
Suna hai lab-e-butaan pe mera naam aaya hai
Sunte hain chashm-e-zaalim aaj ashkbaar thi
Marna hamara chalo, kuchh toh kaam aaya hai
Nahin hota hai farq deewaangi main oonch-neench ka
Ku-e-yaar mein dekho har khaas-o-aam aaya hai
Ab dekhna deewaangi kahte hain kisey Sifar
Baad muddat pyaase ke haath ek jam aaya hai
Beshaq dil-e-choor ka waqt-e-anjaam aaya hai
Kya gham ke mere dar par aaya na woh kabhi
Kya kam ke khayal uska subh-o-shaam aaya hai
Yeh gul jo khil rahen hain meri mazaar gird
Jaano ke baad-e-marg unka salaam aaya hai
Na manzil hai, na raah hai, na hi saathi hai koi
Kaisa raah-e-wafa mein yeh maqaam aaya hai
Kyon baadalon ko choomta hua chal raha hoon main?
Suna hai lab-e-butaan pe mera naam aaya hai
Sunte hain chashm-e-zaalim aaj ashkbaar thi
Marna hamara chalo, kuchh toh kaam aaya hai
Nahin hota hai farq deewaangi main oonch-neench ka
Ku-e-yaar mein dekho har khaas-o-aam aaya hai
Ab dekhna deewaangi kahte hain kisey Sifar
Baad muddat pyaase ke haath ek jam aaya hai
March 30, 2010
Woh Kya Hua?
Pichhle zamaane mein tha jo majnoon, woh kya hua?
Tha jo vaada-e-nibah-o-josh-e-junoon, woh kya hua?
Hai dushman ke haath gar khanjar, toh kya hua?
Tha jo in ragon mein daudtaa khoon, woh kya hua?
Tha ik pari-chehra qaatil, jis par main mara karta tha
Bin us ke kaise jiyoon – woh kya hua?
Hazaaron umeedein lekar gaya tha dar pe unke
Hashr-e-dil-e-naadaan lekin kya kahoon, woh kya hua?
Yun toh gham-e-zindagi se tanha hi nipat lun, lekin
Woh jo kahta tha, main saath hoon, woh kya hua?
Zamaane waale toh Sifar, aksar hi suna karte hain
Qissa apni deewaangi ka main bhi toh sunoon, woh kya hua?
Tha jo vaada-e-nibah-o-josh-e-junoon, woh kya hua?
Hai dushman ke haath gar khanjar, toh kya hua?
Tha jo in ragon mein daudtaa khoon, woh kya hua?
Tha ik pari-chehra qaatil, jis par main mara karta tha
Bin us ke kaise jiyoon – woh kya hua?
Hazaaron umeedein lekar gaya tha dar pe unke
Hashr-e-dil-e-naadaan lekin kya kahoon, woh kya hua?
Yun toh gham-e-zindagi se tanha hi nipat lun, lekin
Woh jo kahta tha, main saath hoon, woh kya hua?
Zamaane waale toh Sifar, aksar hi suna karte hain
Qissa apni deewaangi ka main bhi toh sunoon, woh kya hua?
March 29, 2010
Waqt Ki Chaal
Dhal jaayega yeh roop
Udh jaayega yeh rang
Milen hain log kayee magar
Koi na jaayega sangh
Udh jaayega yeh rang
Milen hain log kayee magar
Koi na jaayega sangh
Achhaa Hai
Poochhe koi hum se ke maqsad-e-zindagi kya hai
To itna hi kahenge, ke sawaal achhaa hai
Aage kya khel dikhayegi yeh umr kya jaaniye
Haal ka to yeh hai, ke filhaal achhaa hai
Woh gar hue bhi ru-ba-ru, toh raqib ko liye hue
Kaise kahoon shab-e-hijr se, roz-e-wisaal achhaa hai
Kyonkar ho phir chaah Sifar mehfil-e-jannat ki
Kahte hain husn-e-hoor se, unka jamaal achhaa hai
To itna hi kahenge, ke sawaal achhaa hai
Aage kya khel dikhayegi yeh umr kya jaaniye
Haal ka to yeh hai, ke filhaal achhaa hai
Woh gar hue bhi ru-ba-ru, toh raqib ko liye hue
Kaise kahoon shab-e-hijr se, roz-e-wisaal achhaa hai
Kyonkar ho phir chaah Sifar mehfil-e-jannat ki
Kahte hain husn-e-hoor se, unka jamaal achhaa hai
The King’s Loan
And when one day the King comes back
To reclaim his loan
What does it mean:
What you have achieved, what you own?
To reclaim his loan
What does it mean:
What you have achieved, what you own?
March 28, 2010
Ho Jaaye
Shaayad yoon hi shab-e-hijr ki guzar ho jaaye,
Shama-e-dil ke jalte-jalte sahar ho jaaye.
Kya gham jo jeete-jee ham pe unki nigah na padhi,
Kya kam ke meri khaak par inaayat ki nazar ho jaaye.
Naale to mere kabhi anjaam ko na pahunche,
Dekhun kahin chuppi-e-mawt ka asar ho jaaye.
Bazm mein meri kisi shab, woh khud-ba-khud chale aayen,
Ho na sakega yeh ejaaz, magar ho jaaye!
Shama-e-dil ke jalte-jalte sahar ho jaaye.
Kya gham jo jeete-jee ham pe unki nigah na padhi,
Kya kam ke meri khaak par inaayat ki nazar ho jaaye.
Naale to mere kabhi anjaam ko na pahunche,
Dekhun kahin chuppi-e-mawt ka asar ho jaaye.
Bazm mein meri kisi shab, woh khud-ba-khud chale aayen,
Ho na sakega yeh ejaaz, magar ho jaaye!
Too Near, Too Far
One we could not become,
Strangers we could not remain.
If one or the other had been,
Why would there be this pain?
Waiting in tremulous hope,
Hoping in vain:
For the lover, is that
All that will remain?
Strangers we could not remain.
If one or the other had been,
Why would there be this pain?
Waiting in tremulous hope,
Hoping in vain:
For the lover, is that
All that will remain?
March 27, 2010
Chale Gaye
Ab na qulqul-e-mai rahi, na hi charaagh mein lau rahi
Raha ab to halqa-e-gham raha, sab hareef-o-yaar chale gaye
Woh jo karte the humse waada, ke na bichhdenge kabhi,
Na jaane kya gila liye, falak ke paar chale gaye
Suna tha kal bazaar mein, ke unki bazm mein shab-e-yaar hai
Magar ye kya, ke bin bulaaye hum, udhar ko yaar chale gaye
Hue jo chithhde junoon-e-ishq mein, woh hi hamaari shaan the
Ab kya kahen Sifar, kis tarah, woh bhi taar-taar chale gaye
Raha ab to halqa-e-gham raha, sab hareef-o-yaar chale gaye
Woh jo karte the humse waada, ke na bichhdenge kabhi,
Na jaane kya gila liye, falak ke paar chale gaye
Suna tha kal bazaar mein, ke unki bazm mein shab-e-yaar hai
Magar ye kya, ke bin bulaaye hum, udhar ko yaar chale gaye
Hue jo chithhde junoon-e-ishq mein, woh hi hamaari shaan the
Ab kya kahen Sifar, kis tarah, woh bhi taar-taar chale gaye
Musaafir
Kahin door se aaya hoon,
Badhi door abhi jaana hai,
Yeh mehfil-e-insaan to
Do din ka thikana hai
Badhi door abhi jaana hai,
Yeh mehfil-e-insaan to
Do din ka thikana hai
When Night Falls
When night falls,
Where do you go?
When the Mother calls,
What do you hear?
When all is done,
What do you fear?
It is better, then,
To give up all
And embrace the One!
Where do you go?
When the Mother calls,
What do you hear?
When all is done,
What do you fear?
It is better, then,
To give up all
And embrace the One!
The Unheard Flow
Time does not wear anklets on her feet;
Silent she comes, silent goes,
Like a thief, on her toes:
Never, ever missing a beat.
Silent she comes, silent goes,
Like a thief, on her toes:
Never, ever missing a beat.
March 26, 2010
Aao Laut Chalen
Haan woh shab-e-wisaal-e-yaar behad haseen thi
Haan woh mahfil-e-jaam-o-subu bahut kareen thi
Magar yun na tha ke haal-e-duniya se ham begaane the
Fikr-e-rukh-e-sahar bhi hamen, yakeen, thi
Dekhte hi dekhte kahaan se kahaan aa gaya ye watan
Khaayee theen laakhon kasmen, kiye the hazaaron jatan
Phir bhi chaman ka ye ujda-sa haal kaisa?
Har maathe pe shikan, har dil mein malaal kaisa?
Bhule to nahin abhi unko, jo sar pe kafan baandhe phira karte the
Jeete the khulkar tah-e-nok-e-sanaan, aur hans kar mara karte the
Phir hamne ghut-ghut ke jeena kahaan se seekha?
Jaam-e-talkh-e-khudgarzi peena kahaan se seekha?
Aao, laut chalen udhar ko jahaan sarfarosh deewaanon ka basera tha
Siyah aasmaan ki aad mein ek rawshan savera tha
Na tha watan ka saudagar koi, na chain-o-aman ka lutera tha
Aao, laut chalen udhar ko
Aao, laut chalen
Haan woh mahfil-e-jaam-o-subu bahut kareen thi
Magar yun na tha ke haal-e-duniya se ham begaane the
Fikr-e-rukh-e-sahar bhi hamen, yakeen, thi
Dekhte hi dekhte kahaan se kahaan aa gaya ye watan
Khaayee theen laakhon kasmen, kiye the hazaaron jatan
Phir bhi chaman ka ye ujda-sa haal kaisa?
Har maathe pe shikan, har dil mein malaal kaisa?
Bhule to nahin abhi unko, jo sar pe kafan baandhe phira karte the
Jeete the khulkar tah-e-nok-e-sanaan, aur hans kar mara karte the
Phir hamne ghut-ghut ke jeena kahaan se seekha?
Jaam-e-talkh-e-khudgarzi peena kahaan se seekha?
Aao, laut chalen udhar ko jahaan sarfarosh deewaanon ka basera tha
Siyah aasmaan ki aad mein ek rawshan savera tha
Na tha watan ka saudagar koi, na chain-o-aman ka lutera tha
Aao, laut chalen udhar ko
Aao, laut chalen
Barsaat Ki Ek Raat
raat bhar chashm-e-mahtaab se lahu barsa
sahar ki aankh khuli, toh falak ka chahra surkh tha
sahar ki aankh khuli, toh falak ka chahra surkh tha
Bridge of Love
Between what we mean and what we say, what a gulf!
Between how we feel and how we live, what a distance!
Only love can bridge the yawning gap: but, that is so rare!
Between how we feel and how we live, what a distance!
Only love can bridge the yawning gap: but, that is so rare!
Death of Hope
Seems like some desire of the heart
Died last night:
Why else did I wake up weeping,
At dawn’s first light?
Died last night:
Why else did I wake up weeping,
At dawn’s first light?
The Wheel
Another year slips by
Another turn of the wheel
And this strangeness you feel
Neither a low, nor a high
Just an endless emptying out
A limitless filling up:
Why?
Another turn of the wheel
And this strangeness you feel
Neither a low, nor a high
Just an endless emptying out
A limitless filling up:
Why?
March 25, 2010
Naahaq Ilzaam
kaun kahta hai ke maine pee hai?
yeh jo surkhi aankhon mein hai, bas teri masti hai
gar tera naam na judta, toh mera afsaana kya tha?
sach toh yeh hai, ke tujhse meri hasti hai
jidhar dekhoon, jidhar jaaoon, tu hi tu nazar aata hai
har shay mein, har zarre mein, teri hi ruh basti hai
zindagi aur mawt ka khel, maana zameen-aasmaan se puraana hai
magar yeh kya, sifar, ke in dinon zindagi se mawt sasti hai?
yeh jo surkhi aankhon mein hai, bas teri masti hai
gar tera naam na judta, toh mera afsaana kya tha?
sach toh yeh hai, ke tujhse meri hasti hai
jidhar dekhoon, jidhar jaaoon, tu hi tu nazar aata hai
har shay mein, har zarre mein, teri hi ruh basti hai
zindagi aur mawt ka khel, maana zameen-aasmaan se puraana hai
magar yeh kya, sifar, ke in dinon zindagi se mawt sasti hai?
Aaeena
tumhe hanstaa dekh kar, humein apna zamaana yaad aaya
woh ro-ro ke hansnaa, aur hans-hans ke rona yaad aaya
yeh haqeeqat hai ke hum aksar mila karte the
phir kyon tera laakhon mein ek martaba bahaana yaad aaya?
woh ro-ro ke hansnaa, aur hans-hans ke rona yaad aaya
yeh haqeeqat hai ke hum aksar mila karte the
phir kyon tera laakhon mein ek martaba bahaana yaad aaya?
A Blessing
The warmth of the sun
The moonlight
The sweetness of fruit
The fragrance of flowers
The purifying air of the mountains
The nourishment of the rivers
The watchful caring of the stars
The music of the earth
The rhythm of the seas
The touch of loving hands
The clarity of babies
The peace of sages
The courage of believers
The strength of truth:
May all these bless you, your family and your home.
Wish you get all your heart desires.
The moonlight
The sweetness of fruit
The fragrance of flowers
The purifying air of the mountains
The nourishment of the rivers
The watchful caring of the stars
The music of the earth
The rhythm of the seas
The touch of loving hands
The clarity of babies
The peace of sages
The courage of believers
The strength of truth:
May all these bless you, your family and your home.
Wish you get all your heart desires.
In Reply To Rumi
The purpose of desire
is to test your humility and love.
A dream is a memory of the future.
A song is the face of the Truth.
We know the depth of silence in another human
by listening to his eyes.
The heart is the fragrance of the Mother.
To be a true human is to feel all the pain of the world
and yet be able to smile.
The source of the universe is the darkness.
And all these individual awarenesses connect to that
as the rivers connect to the ocean.
is to test your humility and love.
A dream is a memory of the future.
A song is the face of the Truth.
We know the depth of silence in another human
by listening to his eyes.
The heart is the fragrance of the Mother.
To be a true human is to feel all the pain of the world
and yet be able to smile.
The source of the universe is the darkness.
And all these individual awarenesses connect to that
as the rivers connect to the ocean.
March 24, 2010
Kisi Ki
kahaan hai kisi ko fiqr kisi ki?
kiske dam pe hai guzar kisi ki?
shaayad ham hi mein koi baat nahin,
jo nahin padti ham pe nazar kisi ki
kabhi ham-tum bhi aashna hua karte the,
lag gayee kya hamein nazar kisi ki?
ham bhi munh mein zubaan rakhte hain,
ho tabiyat agar udhar kisi ki
ishq mein kai baar chot khayi hai,
phir bhi chhodi na rahguzar kisi ki
ham khud apni khabar le nahin paate,
ho kaise hamein khabar kisi ki?
apne waqt ka toh kuchh kah nahin sakte,
lag jaaye tumko lekin umar kisi ki
bhookon marna kubul hai hamko
nahin manzoor bheek magar kisi ki
apna daaman kaunsa bedaag hai?
phir buraayi kyon Sifar, kisi ki?
kiske dam pe hai guzar kisi ki?
shaayad ham hi mein koi baat nahin,
jo nahin padti ham pe nazar kisi ki
kabhi ham-tum bhi aashna hua karte the,
lag gayee kya hamein nazar kisi ki?
ham bhi munh mein zubaan rakhte hain,
ho tabiyat agar udhar kisi ki
ishq mein kai baar chot khayi hai,
phir bhi chhodi na rahguzar kisi ki
ham khud apni khabar le nahin paate,
ho kaise hamein khabar kisi ki?
apne waqt ka toh kuchh kah nahin sakte,
lag jaaye tumko lekin umar kisi ki
bhookon marna kubul hai hamko
nahin manzoor bheek magar kisi ki
apna daaman kaunsa bedaag hai?
phir buraayi kyon Sifar, kisi ki?
Shabdon Ka Saudagar
Ghazalon, geeton, naghmon ka saudagar hoon main
Kabhi soya hua sa, Sifar, kabhi ujaagar hoon main
Kuchh nazmein hain mere paas, dard mein lipti hui
Kucch aadhi-adhoori si hain, aur hain kuchh nipti hui
Sahmi hui si hain kuchh, maano mehbooba aashiq se ho rubaru
Aur kuchh hain mahekti hui, goya ke zulf-e-yaar ki ho khushboo
Sheyr hain kayee aise, jinka har harf maanind-e-lahu aankhon se tapka hai
Aur kuchh aise bhi hain, ke jaise koi angaara-e-khayaal falak ki ore lapka hai
Hain kuchh itne siyah, ke jaise bin-mahtab ki siyah-tareen raat
Aur kuchh itne raushan, ke maano mehr-e-neemroz ki ho baat
Kuchh ghazalon mein hai woh haya, ke jaise nazren jhukaane ki ho aadat
Aur kuchh rakhti hain dil par woh asar, ke jaise ho shor-e-shahaadat
Kuchh mein woh siyah-masti hai, ke jaise saqi ne tamaam maikhana pilaaya ho
Aur kuchh mein hai aisa khauf, ke maanon waqt-e-qayaamat aaya ho
Ghazalon, geeton, naghmon ka saudagar hoon main
Kabhi soya hua sa, Sifar, kabhi ujaagar hoon main
Kabhi soya hua sa, Sifar, kabhi ujaagar hoon main
Kuchh nazmein hain mere paas, dard mein lipti hui
Kucch aadhi-adhoori si hain, aur hain kuchh nipti hui
Sahmi hui si hain kuchh, maano mehbooba aashiq se ho rubaru
Aur kuchh hain mahekti hui, goya ke zulf-e-yaar ki ho khushboo
Sheyr hain kayee aise, jinka har harf maanind-e-lahu aankhon se tapka hai
Aur kuchh aise bhi hain, ke jaise koi angaara-e-khayaal falak ki ore lapka hai
Hain kuchh itne siyah, ke jaise bin-mahtab ki siyah-tareen raat
Aur kuchh itne raushan, ke maano mehr-e-neemroz ki ho baat
Kuchh ghazalon mein hai woh haya, ke jaise nazren jhukaane ki ho aadat
Aur kuchh rakhti hain dil par woh asar, ke jaise ho shor-e-shahaadat
Kuchh mein woh siyah-masti hai, ke jaise saqi ne tamaam maikhana pilaaya ho
Aur kuchh mein hai aisa khauf, ke maanon waqt-e-qayaamat aaya ho
Ghazalon, geeton, naghmon ka saudagar hoon main
Kabhi soya hua sa, Sifar, kabhi ujaagar hoon main
You, Forever and Everywhere
You, in the smoke-choked back alleys of my youth:
Obscured by the haze, hidden truth.
You, on chemical evenings, on the street:
Playing with the beggar children, naked feet.
You, in her eyes, as I, with fire in my loins,
Bargain for my manhood with a fistful of coins.
You, in mute Nature’s agonizing shame,
As she falls prey to Man’s incestuous game.
You, in the staccato of guns in the night,
Incandescent with terror in life’s last light.
You, forever
You, everywhere
You, forever and everywhere.
Obscured by the haze, hidden truth.
You, on chemical evenings, on the street:
Playing with the beggar children, naked feet.
You, in her eyes, as I, with fire in my loins,
Bargain for my manhood with a fistful of coins.
You, in mute Nature’s agonizing shame,
As she falls prey to Man’s incestuous game.
You, in the staccato of guns in the night,
Incandescent with terror in life’s last light.
You, forever
You, everywhere
You, forever and everywhere.
A New Year's Wish
May your dreams be fulfilled.
But not all of them:
so that you still have something to look forward to.
May your efforts be rewarded.
But not all of them:
so that you still have something to strive for.
May your worries be removed.
But not all of them:
so that you remain alive to the troubles of others.
May your weaknesses be overcome.
But not all of them:
so that you still have something to be humble about.
May your fears be conquered.
But not all of them:
so that you still have something to laugh at.
But not all of them:
so that you still have something to look forward to.
May your efforts be rewarded.
But not all of them:
so that you still have something to strive for.
May your worries be removed.
But not all of them:
so that you remain alive to the troubles of others.
May your weaknesses be overcome.
But not all of them:
so that you still have something to be humble about.
May your fears be conquered.
But not all of them:
so that you still have something to laugh at.
Memories
Who goes there?
No one, no one at all.
Just the echoes of pleasures past
Tip-toeing down the hall.
No one, no one at all.
Just the echoes of pleasures past
Tip-toeing down the hall.
My Silly Heart, When Will You Learn?
My silly heart, when will you learn?
You cannot hold these sweet lips that burn,
You cannot keep this maddening scent,
That lingers long after the day is spent.
My silly heart, when will you learn?
These hairs that graze her cheeks and raze my soul,
These fingers that lock in mine and make me whole,
That, for which, my empty heart, you yearn,
You cannot keep, when will you learn?
The unreserved passion that sets her body trembling,
The undeserved warmth that seeps through her dissembling,
These and the hundred other gifts you did not earn,
You cannot keep, my greedy heart, when will you learn?
This look of longing in her eyes, you cannot retain,
This flush of anger on her face, you cannot detain,
You cannot stay the manic wheel in its timeless turn,
Nor this moment of rapture capture, when will you learn?
My silly heart, when will you learn?
You cannot hold these sweet lips that burn,
You cannot keep this maddening scent,
That lingers long after the day is spent.
My silly heart, when will you learn?
These hairs that graze her cheeks and raze my soul,
These fingers that lock in mine and make me whole,
That, for which, my empty heart, you yearn,
You cannot keep, when will you learn?
The unreserved passion that sets her body trembling,
The undeserved warmth that seeps through her dissembling,
These and the hundred other gifts you did not earn,
You cannot keep, my greedy heart, when will you learn?
This look of longing in her eyes, you cannot retain,
This flush of anger on her face, you cannot detain,
You cannot stay the manic wheel in its timeless turn,
Nor this moment of rapture capture, when will you learn?
My silly heart, when will you learn?
The Ocean Of Love
A solitary drop of moonlight fell upon the river –
Already, unseen, rumbling.
The river could hide its joy no longer,
And let all the world see its love.
Downwards from the heights it sped,
Leaping, tumbling.
Until, drained of its passion,
It came quietly to rest amongst its sisters –
The countless rivers that fill up
The Ocean of Love.
Already, unseen, rumbling.
The river could hide its joy no longer,
And let all the world see its love.
Downwards from the heights it sped,
Leaping, tumbling.
Until, drained of its passion,
It came quietly to rest amongst its sisters –
The countless rivers that fill up
The Ocean of Love.
Phir Ek Baar
kaatne ko daudte hain khaamosh saaye, phir ek baar
aaj waada kar ke bhi woh nahin aaye, phir ek baar
sahar ki surkhi mein nikle the apni hi talaash mein
shaam hui, khaali haath laut aaye, phir ek baar
yoon khafa hua yaar ke jaise kabhi aashna na tha
kis tarah ab koi usey manaaye, phir ek baar
thodi hi door chal kar kyon baith gaye watan ke sipaahi?
aawaaz koi toh ho jo inhe uthaaye, phir ek baar
the jitne bhi khuda, sab dafn ho chuke
ab koi naya masiha aaye, phir ek baar
ab bhi dil-e-choor mein kayee armaan baaqi hain
koi aa kar isey kuchal jaaye, phir ek baar
dekhna tum bhi, kya ghazab dhaate hain ham, sifar
zindagi maut se hamein udhaar le aaye, phir ek baar
aaj waada kar ke bhi woh nahin aaye, phir ek baar
sahar ki surkhi mein nikle the apni hi talaash mein
shaam hui, khaali haath laut aaye, phir ek baar
yoon khafa hua yaar ke jaise kabhi aashna na tha
kis tarah ab koi usey manaaye, phir ek baar
thodi hi door chal kar kyon baith gaye watan ke sipaahi?
aawaaz koi toh ho jo inhe uthaaye, phir ek baar
the jitne bhi khuda, sab dafn ho chuke
ab koi naya masiha aaye, phir ek baar
ab bhi dil-e-choor mein kayee armaan baaqi hain
koi aa kar isey kuchal jaaye, phir ek baar
dekhna tum bhi, kya ghazab dhaate hain ham, sifar
zindagi maut se hamein udhaar le aaye, phir ek baar
Hum Bhi Hain, Tum Bhi Ho
yeh kis baat ko lekar pareshaan hum bhi hain, tum bhi ho?
kuchh to maajra hai ke hairaan hum bhi hain, tum bhi ho
hazaaron kasmein khaayeen theen shab-e-ibteda-e-ishq mein
magar har waade se ab anjaan hum bhi hain, tum bhi ho
jo mita de har gham aur bhula de har gila
us chashm-e-qaatil ke kadardaan hum bhi hain, tum bhi ho
shaan-o-shaukat-o-deen-o-imaan sab khote sikke hain
haq toh bas yeh hai ke insaan hum bhi hain, tum bhi ho
hai zindagi par mawt ki mohar lagi hui
sair-e-duniya mein do roz ke mehmaan hum bhi hain, tum bhi ho
kab nahin tha Sifar, ishq par zulm zamaane ka?
phir kya hairat ke tah-e-nok-e-sanaan hum bhi hain, tum bhi ho?
kuchh to maajra hai ke hairaan hum bhi hain, tum bhi ho
hazaaron kasmein khaayeen theen shab-e-ibteda-e-ishq mein
magar har waade se ab anjaan hum bhi hain, tum bhi ho
jo mita de har gham aur bhula de har gila
us chashm-e-qaatil ke kadardaan hum bhi hain, tum bhi ho
shaan-o-shaukat-o-deen-o-imaan sab khote sikke hain
haq toh bas yeh hai ke insaan hum bhi hain, tum bhi ho
hai zindagi par mawt ki mohar lagi hui
sair-e-duniya mein do roz ke mehmaan hum bhi hain, tum bhi ho
kab nahin tha Sifar, ishq par zulm zamaane ka?
phir kya hairat ke tah-e-nok-e-sanaan hum bhi hain, tum bhi ho?
Harf-e-Khaamoshi
shaayar bhi main hoon, ashaar bhi main
nagma bhi main hoon aur nagma-gaar bhi main
gul bhi main hoon, khaar bhi main
nadi bhi main hoon aur uski dhaar bhi main
fateh bhi main hoon, haar bhi main
jaan bhi main hoon aur jaan-nisaar bhi main
saqi bhi main hoon, pyaala-o-jaam bhi main
qaasid bhi main hoon aur paigaam bhi main
subah bhi main hoon, shaam bhi main
ibteda bhi main hoon aur anjaam bhi main
woh bhi main hoon, tum bhi main
haazir bhi main hoon aur gum bhi main
siyah raat bhi main hoon, noor bhi main
banda bhi main hoon aur huzoor bhi main
haqeeqat bhi main hoon, khwaab bhi main
husn-e-butaan bhi main hoon aur naqab bhi main
kare kaise koi mujhko mujhse juda?
sab kuchh main hi hoon aur kuchh nahin bhi main
nagma bhi main hoon aur nagma-gaar bhi main
gul bhi main hoon, khaar bhi main
nadi bhi main hoon aur uski dhaar bhi main
fateh bhi main hoon, haar bhi main
jaan bhi main hoon aur jaan-nisaar bhi main
saqi bhi main hoon, pyaala-o-jaam bhi main
qaasid bhi main hoon aur paigaam bhi main
subah bhi main hoon, shaam bhi main
ibteda bhi main hoon aur anjaam bhi main
woh bhi main hoon, tum bhi main
haazir bhi main hoon aur gum bhi main
siyah raat bhi main hoon, noor bhi main
banda bhi main hoon aur huzoor bhi main
haqeeqat bhi main hoon, khwaab bhi main
husn-e-butaan bhi main hoon aur naqab bhi main
kare kaise koi mujhko mujhse juda?
sab kuchh main hi hoon aur kuchh nahin bhi main
March 23, 2010
Waiting
Just because the breeze
Does not know when it will come,
Does not mean that the trees
Will not sway when it does come.
Does not know when it will come,
Does not mean that the trees
Will not sway when it does come.
The Ballad of a Lost Poet
wonder where i am
wonder what i am doing here
wonder whom i sing to
my voice has gone hoarse
my pen has dried
my tears have moistened my cheeks
on my lips my laughter has died
no one comes down this dark alley
no one listens, no one speaks
no one loves, or - oh the cruel truth - even hates
the loneliness is shattering
the indifference, battering
the silence is deeper than the deepest valley
thank you, dear people
and god bless
now, excuse me
while i peddle my pain elsewhere
while i seek other victims for my humour
while i throw my worthless words in another direction
excuse me
because, alas! poetry seeks an echo.
wonder what i am doing here
wonder whom i sing to
my voice has gone hoarse
my pen has dried
my tears have moistened my cheeks
on my lips my laughter has died
no one comes down this dark alley
no one listens, no one speaks
no one loves, or - oh the cruel truth - even hates
the loneliness is shattering
the indifference, battering
the silence is deeper than the deepest valley
thank you, dear people
and god bless
now, excuse me
while i peddle my pain elsewhere
while i seek other victims for my humour
while i throw my worthless words in another direction
excuse me
because, alas! poetry seeks an echo.
A Dream
late evening, yesterday, suddenly
while walking the open road
a long-separated dream bumped into me
he smiled and embraced me
then asked:
"how are you?
where were you all these days?
tell me of all your means and ways
for so many years without me."
i kept staring at his face
kept peering into my past -
perhaps i could find a trace
of where i had seen him last
"he smiled again
this time with moist eyes
and said:
"no, you did not recognise me
you have forgotten, you do not recall
perhaps you have become lost
in the frantic, frenetic pace of it all."
truth: i had forgotten
but, there was some remembrance, too
like the fragments of an old song
that continue to haunt you
"it is all right, it does not matter
i have grown accustomed to it
"people often forget,
in just this way
in the hurly-burly of survival
they flow away
slaughter all their dreams
and yet alive themselves stay."
i was ashamed;
my face burned red
was i alive?
or was me dead?
"he placed his hand on my shoulder
very lightly, very gentlly
and said:
so what if you have forgotten me?
i have not forsaken you
"i still remember everything:
those promises, those pledges,
those pure principles,
those intentions with no rough edges
"come, take my hand once again
come, walk with me once again
"let us walk together
towards the brilliant dawn that does hide
just beyond the horizon's shores
come, let us, you and i, leave aside
this pointless craving, these mindless chores
"come, my friend
trust in your dream
what did you bring into this world?
for fear of losing which
so timid you seem?
"come, take my hand once more
come, walk with me once more."
while walking the open road
a long-separated dream bumped into me
he smiled and embraced me
then asked:
"how are you?
where were you all these days?
tell me of all your means and ways
for so many years without me."
i kept staring at his face
kept peering into my past -
perhaps i could find a trace
of where i had seen him last
"he smiled again
this time with moist eyes
and said:
"no, you did not recognise me
you have forgotten, you do not recall
perhaps you have become lost
in the frantic, frenetic pace of it all."
truth: i had forgotten
but, there was some remembrance, too
like the fragments of an old song
that continue to haunt you
"it is all right, it does not matter
i have grown accustomed to it
"people often forget,
in just this way
in the hurly-burly of survival
they flow away
slaughter all their dreams
and yet alive themselves stay."
i was ashamed;
my face burned red
was i alive?
or was me dead?
"he placed his hand on my shoulder
very lightly, very gentlly
and said:
so what if you have forgotten me?
i have not forsaken you
"i still remember everything:
those promises, those pledges,
those pure principles,
those intentions with no rough edges
"come, take my hand once again
come, walk with me once again
"let us walk together
towards the brilliant dawn that does hide
just beyond the horizon's shores
come, let us, you and i, leave aside
this pointless craving, these mindless chores
"come, my friend
trust in your dream
what did you bring into this world?
for fear of losing which
so timid you seem?
"come, take my hand once more
come, walk with me once more."
Bewajood Aashaar Ki Tarah
tarasta hoon uski deed ko main baada-khwaar ki tarah
hai rukh pe lekin zulf-e-siyah pahredaar ki tarah
saqi na pher le kahin apni nazr-e-karam
bahno do yaaron mai ko aaj chashm-e-zaar ki tarah
mahki si hai naseem-e-sahar jaise khushboo-e-dildaar
hai surkhi-e-aasmaan bhi ghaazaa-e-rukhsaar ki tarah
jaaga tha shab-e-hijr bhar chaadar-e-mayoosi odhe hue
subah hui toh gulshan bhi tha ek ujde dayaar ki tarah
jaani hui hai rahguzar, pehchaane hue se log hain
phir kyon hai khauf yahaan basa hua, soo-e-daar ki tarah?
jaata zaroor masjid ko main, maano yaqeen mera Sifar
milta agar wahaan bhi suroor koo-e-yaar ki tarah
hai rukh pe lekin zulf-e-siyah pahredaar ki tarah
saqi na pher le kahin apni nazr-e-karam
bahno do yaaron mai ko aaj chashm-e-zaar ki tarah
mahki si hai naseem-e-sahar jaise khushboo-e-dildaar
hai surkhi-e-aasmaan bhi ghaazaa-e-rukhsaar ki tarah
jaaga tha shab-e-hijr bhar chaadar-e-mayoosi odhe hue
subah hui toh gulshan bhi tha ek ujde dayaar ki tarah
jaani hui hai rahguzar, pehchaane hue se log hain
phir kyon hai khauf yahaan basa hua, soo-e-daar ki tarah?
jaata zaroor masjid ko main, maano yaqeen mera Sifar
milta agar wahaan bhi suroor koo-e-yaar ki tarah
Main Bhi Tha
kabhi us mehfil-e-rang-o-bu mein main bhi tha
kabhi us pari-chehra se ru-ba-ru main bhi tha
ab na koi chaah hai, na umeed, na justaju hai koi
magar yeh sach hai ke pur-aarzoo kabhi main bhi tha
kya gila jo kal shab raqib bazm-e-yaar ko gaya?
suna hai unki guftagu mein kahin main bhi tha
ek muddat se weeraaniyon mein guzar karta hoon
kabhi duniya ki haa-o-hoo mein main bhi tha
ab toh bas raakh ka ek dher sa dikhai deta hai, Sifar
liye kabhi jaan-o-armaan-o-saans-o-lahu main bhi tha
kabhi us pari-chehra se ru-ba-ru main bhi tha
ab na koi chaah hai, na umeed, na justaju hai koi
magar yeh sach hai ke pur-aarzoo kabhi main bhi tha
kya gila jo kal shab raqib bazm-e-yaar ko gaya?
suna hai unki guftagu mein kahin main bhi tha
ek muddat se weeraaniyon mein guzar karta hoon
kabhi duniya ki haa-o-hoo mein main bhi tha
ab toh bas raakh ka ek dher sa dikhai deta hai, Sifar
liye kabhi jaan-o-armaan-o-saans-o-lahu main bhi tha
Ek Khwaab
Kal shab, yun hi, raah chalte
Ek bichhda hua khwaab mujh se takra gaya
Muskuraa kar gale mila woh
Aur poochhaa us ne:
“Kaise ho?
Kahaan the mere yaar itne din?
Bataao, kaisi kati barson mere bin?”
Main uska chehra taakta raha
Beete hue kal mein jhaankta raha
Ke kahin koi suraag mil jaaye
Woh phir muskuraaya,
Is baar nam aankhon se,
Aur bola:
“Nahin, nahin pehchaane mujhe
Sab kuchh bhool gaye ho tum
Ho chuke ho shaayad
Gham-e-rozgaar mein gum."
Sach, kuchh bhool sa gaya tha main
Lekin yaad bhi tha, zara-zara
Kisi puraani nazm ki tarah, adhoora
"Chalo, koi baat nahin
Mujhe iski aadat si hai
Log aksar apne khwaabon ko
Yun hi bhool jaate hain
Tez raftaar-e-zindagi mein
Bahe chale jaate hain
Apne sapnon ko qatl kar
Jiye chale jaate hain.”
Main behad sharminda tha
Kya main mar chuka tha
Ya zinda tha?
Us ne mere kandhe par haath rakha
Bahut halka, bahut pyaar se
Aur bola:
“Tum mujhe bhool gaye to kya?
Main to tumhe nahin bhoola
Ab tak hain yaad mujhe
Woh kasmein, woh waade
Woh be-daag usool, woh paak iraade
"Aao, phir thaam lo haath mera
Ek baar phir kar lo saath mera
Aao, mil kar chalen raushan sahar ki ore
Aao, chhod chalen peechhe
Yeh jadd-o-jahad, yeh shor
"Aao mere yaar
Apne khwaab par aitbaar karo
Kya laaye the tum yahaan?
Kis cheez ke khone se daro?
Aao, mere saath chalo.”
Ek bichhda hua khwaab mujh se takra gaya
Muskuraa kar gale mila woh
Aur poochhaa us ne:
“Kaise ho?
Kahaan the mere yaar itne din?
Bataao, kaisi kati barson mere bin?”
Main uska chehra taakta raha
Beete hue kal mein jhaankta raha
Ke kahin koi suraag mil jaaye
Woh phir muskuraaya,
Is baar nam aankhon se,
Aur bola:
“Nahin, nahin pehchaane mujhe
Sab kuchh bhool gaye ho tum
Ho chuke ho shaayad
Gham-e-rozgaar mein gum."
Sach, kuchh bhool sa gaya tha main
Lekin yaad bhi tha, zara-zara
Kisi puraani nazm ki tarah, adhoora
"Chalo, koi baat nahin
Mujhe iski aadat si hai
Log aksar apne khwaabon ko
Yun hi bhool jaate hain
Tez raftaar-e-zindagi mein
Bahe chale jaate hain
Apne sapnon ko qatl kar
Jiye chale jaate hain.”
Main behad sharminda tha
Kya main mar chuka tha
Ya zinda tha?
Us ne mere kandhe par haath rakha
Bahut halka, bahut pyaar se
Aur bola:
“Tum mujhe bhool gaye to kya?
Main to tumhe nahin bhoola
Ab tak hain yaad mujhe
Woh kasmein, woh waade
Woh be-daag usool, woh paak iraade
"Aao, phir thaam lo haath mera
Ek baar phir kar lo saath mera
Aao, mil kar chalen raushan sahar ki ore
Aao, chhod chalen peechhe
Yeh jadd-o-jahad, yeh shor
"Aao mere yaar
Apne khwaab par aitbaar karo
Kya laaye the tum yahaan?
Kis cheez ke khone se daro?
Aao, mere saath chalo.”
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