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

Jān-i g̲h̲azal / Embodiment of the Ghazal

O unworthy heart, be restive today

So that the ears—lotuses—may blossom in the lakes of intoxicated eyes;

On a strange turn in the road, I met some embodiment of the ghazal;

Don’t let the world’s sorrows be remembered today!

O tearful eye, smile to your heart’s fill;

The clouds have receded, the twists and curls have unfurled;

How heavy was this life’s journey;

O my embodiment of the ghazal,

Let us for a moment sit

In the shade of the wall of tomorrow’s dream

And drink the wine of today’s pleasure.

The roads wait; every street is flower-decked;

In the desolate lanes of the heart,

For some distance, come with me.

            1959

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From: Bisāt̤-i raqṣ (Dance Carpet). Ḥaidarābād, Inḍiyā: Istiqbāliyah kameṭī jashn-i Mak̲h̲dūm, 1966. pp. 164 – 65

             

O unworthy heart, be restive today

So that the ears—lotuses—may blossom in the lakes of intoxicated eyes;

On a strange turn in the road, I met some embodiment of the ghazal;

Don’t let the world’s sorrows be remembered today!

O tearful eye, smile to your heart’s fill;

The clouds have receded, the twists and curls have unfurled;

How heavy was this life’s journey;

O my embodiment of the ghazal,

Let us for a moment sit

In the shade of the wall of tomorrow’s dream

And drink the wine of today’s pleasure.

The roads wait; every street is flower-decked;

In the desolate lanes of the heart,

For some distance, come with me.

            1959

.

From: Bisāt̤-i raqṣ (Dance Carpet). Ḥaidarābād, Inḍiyā: Istiqbāliyah kameṭī jashn-i Mak̲h̲dūm, 1966. pp. 164 – 65