Ghazal: How Many So Many

Rumuz E Bekhudi
(Please scroll down for the English translation)

Sawaal Kaetya Jawab Kaetya
Muhabbatas Manz Hisaab Kaetya

Su Yaar Samkhyom Tath Annigatis Manz
Ath Roi-e-Chandras Naqaab Kaetya

Tijaratas Manz Kehn Baezgar Chiv
Kinaan Umeed-o-Khwaab Kaetya

Wadun Chi Zan Aab-e-Joi Chi Jaeri
Asaan Zan Chel Rabaab Kaetya

Yath Zeeth Safras Assi Tresh Hatni
Preth Marhalas Pyeth Saraab Kaetya

Darij Karaan Gos Naam-e-Amaalas
Gunah Kaetya Sawaab Kaetya

Shikam Tchatith Baarasas Annun Kahn
Moji Tulith Tcheii Azaab Kaetya

Ajab chu Waqt-e-Visaal Aashiqan
Yuutah Sabar Patt Betaaab Kaetya

Amaar Chanay Gath Gath Karaan Chi
Yim Zoon Taarak Mahtaab Kaetya

Azkal Chi Watti Watti Poorith Ti Shihrith
Daywaan Dil Dasttiyaab Kaetya

Akh Aalam-e-Pursuqoon Baapat
Gasaan Khana-e-Kharaab Kaetya

Marha Magar Saaqiyan Ba Chovnas
Aab-e-Hayaatik Sharaab Kaetya

Saanay Kasheeray Hind Posh Baagas
Maraan Pholnai Golaab Kaetya

Darbaar Chanay Gardan Jhukaevith
Faqeer Kam Kam Nawaab Kaetya


How Many So Many

How many questions, how many answers
Love has so many trials

The beloved met me in that darkness
Where my moon face had so many veils

In this love-trade some gamblers
Sell so many hopes and dreams

She weeps as if a spring is gushing
Laughs as if so many Rababs playing

On this long journey we’re thirst-struck
At every milestone so many illusions

I kept registering in the Book of Deeds
So many sins; how many virtues

She tore herself apart to bring forth life
Mother, you endured so much pain

The moment when lovers unite is strange
Such impatience after so much patience

All around you all around your love
Orbit how many moons, stars, suns

These days on every roadside on sale
Are so many decorated crazy hearts

For that one solitary enchanted trance
How many gatherings will be spoilt

I would’ve died but the cup-bearer made me drink
How many wines made from the Water of Life

In the gardens of our Kashmir
How many roses die without blossoming

In Your darbar, with their heads bowed
So few fakirs; how many nawabs

Rumuz E Bekhudi, rumuz_e_bekhudi@yahoodotcom, is a regular contributor to Kashmir Lit

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