There is only this night.

.

Tomorrow I must start my journey; 

Life, its jaws set wide for prey, awaits me; 

Life, smeared with dust and blood, 

Billowing flames pouring from its eyes. 

Let us make ourselves happy for a moment. 

There is only this night.

Soon a hot wind will swell;

The spirit of destruction dances;

Earth’s heart trembles

Through the caravans of barbarity.

Let us make our hidden longing triumphant.

One glass overflowing with wine;

The pleasure of talk, the warmth of an embrace,

Kisses – fiery

Enough to consume the harvest of my senses.

My soul is frozen. Let us heat it up.

A few more glasses of wine – 

After that I will come to my senses.

I will have to strike the instrument of Life.

My eloquent tongue will rain fire.

Let me sharpen my wits.

When will we have another night like this? 

Moments of calm, ecstasy,

A little balm for hidden longings, 

A little unguent for raging emotions,

Then let us eternalize this night. 

.

There is only this night.

      1945

.

From: Kullīyāt-i majāz (Collected Works of Majaz). Dihlī: Kitābī Dunyā, 2002. pp. 170 – 71