This poem was translated by Professor Carlo Coppola as part of the MULOSIGE Translations project. You can explore our collection of Urdu Poetry here.
T̤avāʼif / Prostitute
When did I boast at the loftiness of my nature?
On the contrary—I have complained about your lowliness.
You might ignore me
If I were to prostrate myself at your footsteps.
.
In this ever-changing world you
Should have seen the continuance of my grief.
But buds are disappointed with the fickleness of few;
You should have looked at these wet eyes.
.
Alas, these burning, unfulfilled desires are in your eyes!
May you find the support of love somewhere;
You feel your lowliness so much
That even my love is not pleasant to you.
And these pale cheeks, the streaks of these tears are
Sick of me, sick of the presentation of my fidelity.
.
1941
From: Firozān̲ (Resplendent Things). ʻAlīgaṛh: Anjuman Taraqqī-yi Urdū (Hind), 1960. p. 98
When did I boast at the loftiness of my nature?
On the contrary—I have complained about your lowliness.
You might ignore me
If I were to prostrate myself at your footsteps.
.
In this ever-changing world you
Should have seen the continuance of my grief.
But buds are disappointed with the fickleness of few;
You should have looked at these wet eyes.
.
Alas, these burning, unfulfilled desires are in your eyes!
May you find the support of love somewhere;
You feel your lowliness so much
That even my love is not pleasant to you.
And these pale cheeks, the streaks of these tears are
Sick of me, sick of the presentation of my fidelity.
.
1941
From: Firozān̲ (Resplendent Things). ʻAlīgaṛh: Anjuman Taraqqī-yi Urdū (Hind), 1960. p. 98
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