This poem was translated by Professor Carlo Coppola as part of the MULOSIGE Translations project. You can explore our collection of Urdu Poetry here.

Professor Carlo Coppola, Oakland University

۲۵ disambar / 25 December

Night, redolent with love-memories of you

Hiding your heart’s beat in its bosom

Comes to me, as did your charms

.

Night, with eyes mascaraed

With hopeful dreams on its lashes

With stars studded about its hem

.

Flames of your singing memories awake 

Fireflies of many past moments

Dance about, taking my heart in its circle

.

Moments passed beneath the shadow of your locks

Drown in the crystal cup of yours eyes

I passed far away from grief

.

For many moments your glances

Adorned my heart’s company with concern and charm

And taught with care the way of Life

.

Often, with your soft hem

You wiped sweat from my brow

A scorching sun over my ways became moonlight softness

.

Often, in the storm of life’s griefs

Your glance lit the torch of a rebellious life

You accompanied me as my youthful resolve

.

Often, emerging from the heart’s grief

We enjoyed a new morning of love’s company

For the whole world, for all times

.

From the rosy years of these very moments

Let me make a garland place it around your neck.

Come, kissing the part in your hair, let me adorn you today

.

From: Jāvidān̲ (Forever). Bambaʼī: Idārah-yi Adab va Zindagī. n.d. (c. 1955). pp. 124 – 27

             

Night, redolent with love-memories of you

Hiding your heart’s beat in its bosom

Comes to me, as did your charms

.

Night, with eyes mascaraed

With hopeful dreams on its lashes

With stars studded about its hem

.

Flames of your singing memories awake 

Fireflies of many past moments

Dance about, taking my heart in its circle

.

Moments passed beneath the shadow of your locks

Drown in the crystal cup of yours eyes

I passed far away from grief

.

For many moments your glances

Adorned my heart’s company with concern and charm

And taught with care the way of Life

.

Often, with your soft hem

You wiped sweat from my brow

A scorching sun over my ways became moonlight softness

.

Often, in the storm of life’s griefs

Your glance lit the torch of a rebellious life

You accompanied me as my youthful resolve

.

Often, emerging from the heart’s grief

We enjoyed a new morning of love’s company

For the whole world, for all times

.

From the rosy years of these very moments

Let me make a garland place it around your neck.

Come, kissing the part in your hair, let me adorn you today

.

From: Jāvidān̲ (Forever). Bambaʼī: Idārah-yi Adab va Zindagī. n.d. (c. 1955). pp. 124 – 27