Ghazals of Ghalib
Translated by
APPENDIX – III
1. Dard sae maere haye thujh koe bekhararee haaye haaye
Affliction of mine caused you anxiety ah alas
In your heart if there was absence of courage to bear painful tumult
Thoone phir kyun kee thi maeri gum-gusaari haaye haaye
Why did you become my consoler in pain ah alas
Kyun maeri gum-khwargee ka thujh koe aaya tha khayaal
Why commiserating in my affliction envelope your thought
Umr-bhar ka thoone paimanae-wafa baandha thoe kya
A lifetime to be faithful what if you owed
A life span too has no permanence ah alas
Yaani thujh sae thee usae naa-saaz-gaari haaye haaye That is to say, with you it was discordant ah alas
In dust does your splendour appear ah alas!
In ashes did we find fame, a measure full of love
Lifted from world is the path of customs and usage ah alas
How does one spend the dark rainy nights
The ear deprived of hearing the sight cut-off beauty
One heart on which this helplessness ah alas
The passion had not yet embraced ‘Ghalib’ the colour of ferocity
Rah gaya tha dil mae joe kuch zauqae-khwaari haaye haaye
Dwelt did in heart what ever distressed joy ah alas
*****
2. Balaa sae haye joe yae paeshe-nazar daroe-deewaar
In calamity are these sights in every nook and corner
To wanton eyed are the hair and feathers every nook and corner
The overflowing tears have given the house such colour
That have made doors of my house every nook and corner!
There is no shadow of any friends coveted arrival
Have taken a few steps in advance of every nook and corner!
What a way has it become cheap this excessive wine
That drunk are your dwelling houses every nook and corner
If you have the mind for ambiance do come
All the wealthy glamorous shops have become every nook and corner
Keh gir padae na merae paavun per daroe-deewaar
That fell on my feet every nook and corner
He is coming to my neighbour hood like shadow
Sacrificed are the entire dwelling in every nook and corner
The eyes are struck with thorns without you the inmates
Always do I weep looking at every nook and corner!
Do not ask mindlessness preparatory to a deluge
The dancing is every where in every nook and corner!
Do not tell any one that ‘Ghalib’ is not there in this age
*****
3. Deewaangee sae doash pae junnaar bhee naheen
Due to lunacy on the shoulder there is no janave (a hindus rosary)
Which means in my pocket even a penny there isn’t
The heart in supplication longing for a glance did offer
Only to find in me the courage to see there isn’t
To meet you if not simple is easy
The difficult part is difficulty there isn’t!
Thaakath bakhadre-lazzathe-aazaar bhee naheen
The strength to bear and enjoy the malady there isn’t
In the hands of madness head was vexatious last night
Gunjaaishae-adaawathae-agyaar ek tharaf
Capacity to control the enemy leave alone
Here in heart due to infirmity desire for the beloved there isn’t
Dread from morning lamentation, believe in my God
After all song of the bird in the cage, prisoner it isn’t
In the heart is beloved’s tearful face is mirrored
However the strength to bear the piercing thorns there isn’t
This simplicity oh God, who will not welcome death
They are fighting and in the hand, sword there isn’t
Saw ‘Asad’ in solitude and crowd frequently
*****
4. Kisee koe dae kae dil koyee nava-sanje-phugaan kyun hoe
Having given away your heart why clamour of pain it be
When the heart is not there tongue in the mouth it be
She would not give up her habit, why should I change my way
Demeaning myself why ask her from me what anger it be
My intimate friend disgraced me let this love be damned
Who cannot bring the rage of pain why a secret bearer it be
What fidelity from where this love, when have to batter the head
Then oh breaker of heart, why your door step it be
In prison to me reporting about the garden do not be afraid oh sympathiser
This can be said, I am not in your heart, but tell me
When in my heart you and you alone dwell from the eyes concealed it be
Na kheechoe gar thum apnae koe kashaakash darmiyaan kyun hoe
If you do not pull yourself apart in the midst struggle why it be
Yeh fithna aadmee kee khaana-veeraanee koe kya kam haye
This mischief for man’s destruction of his home how it is wanting
Huvae thum doesth jiskae ooska dushman aasmaan kyun hoe
Whose friend you became why his enemy firmament it be
If this is a trial, harassing to which do you say
When foe did you join as friend then why my trial it be
Want to get your purpose served with taunting you ‘Ghalib’
*****
5. Bazme-shahanshah mae ashaar kaa dafthar khulaa
In the emperors assembly a verses register was opened
Rakhiyoe yaarab voh darae-ganjeena-gauhar khulaa
Do keep oh god this treasure of pearls and gems opened
Shab huvee phir anjumae-rakhshanda kaa manjar khulaa
Night came then twinkling stars glowing sight opened
Iss thakalluf sae ki goya buthkadae kaa dar khulaa
With such ceremony as if the idol-temples door opened
Garchae hoon deewana par kyun doesth kaa khaavoon faraeb
If I am insane then why should I practice deception on friends
Aastheen mae dashna pinhaan haath mae nashthar khulaa
In the sleeve dagger concealed in the hand lancet opened
Goe na samjhoon uski baathain goe na paavoon uska bhed
Although I do not understand her speech, although I can not delve her secrets
Par yeh kyaa kam haye ki mujh sae voh paree-paikar khulaa
Is it less of a performance that through me that fairy face opened
Haye khayaalae husn mae husne-amal ka saa khayaal
Khuld kaa yek dar haye maeri goer kae ander khulaa
One door of heaven there is, which inside my grave opened
Munh na khulnae per haye voh aalam ki daekhee hee naheen
Mouth being sealed the accusation is that notice I did not
Zulf sae badkar nakhaab oos shaukh kae munh par khulaa
Longer than her curls on that mischievous face opened
Dar pae rahnae koe kahaa aur kah kae kaisaa phir gayaa
On the door I was asked to stay, having said how she turned away
Jithne arsae mae maera lipta huva bisthar khulaa
Since what an age my rolled bed opened
Kyun andhaeri haye shabe-gam haye balaavoen kaa nuzool
Why darkness in the night of affliction and decent of calamity
Aaj udhar hee koe-rahaega deedah-akhthar khulaa
To day in that direction would be the staring eyes a constellation opened
Kya rahoon gurbath mae khush jab hoe havaadis kaa yeh haal
How do I be happy in foreign travel when misfortunes follow of this nature
Naama laatha haye vathan sae naamabar aksar khulaa
Letter does the bearer bring from home, the letter always opened!
Uski ummath mae hoon maye maere rahain kyoon kaam bandh
I am his citizen why should my affairs be closed
Vaasthae jis Shah kae ‘Ghalib’ goombadae-bae-dar khulaa
*****
6. Hayraan hoon dil koe roaoon keh peetoon jigar koe maye
Confounded I am, do I rend the heart or blow the lungs do I
If I could afford, would employ a lamenter do I
Did not allow my jealousy that I mention name of your house
Every one I ask, where do I go, do I
Had to go to rivals door thousand times
O, how I wish, I were not to know your path, do I
Why not tighten the belt that my evil dread
Do not I know your slender waist do I
Were I to know this, would I have squandered my home do I
I walk a short distance with every fleet-footed
Have not met till now, any one who guides do I
To desire idiots give the status of prayer
Phir bekhudee mae bhool gayaa raahe-koohae- yaar
In mindlessness again I forgot paramours whereabouts
Otherwise I would have gone to my own grave do I
In myself do I conjecture the entire human existence
I recognise myself an agreeable, thoughtful and accomplished do I
Oh ‘Ghalib’, God willing I ride a high-bred horse of elegance
*****
7. Kyoon jal gaya na thaabe-rukhae-yaar daekh kar
How, did not burn, by the flame of beloveds face that I saw
Jaltha hoon apni thaakhathae- deedaar daekh kar
Burning I am at my own power of endurance her sight that I saw
Fire worshipper I am called by the entire world
Earnest lamentations alas! the sparkling fire that I saw
What dignity of love where common is betrayal
I stop watching you, vexations without cause that I saw
He is charging with envious bristling rage
I die, in their hand the very sword that I saw
It is established that the neck of the decantor has destroyed mankind
Oh grief lover has pulled back from tyrants her hand
Seeing me covetous delicious ailing that I saw
I am sold with poetic merchandise
Not before the shrewd investors that I saw
The heart is pleased that the path strewn with thorns that I saw
Kya badgumaan haye mujhsae keh aayinae mae maere
How mistrustful from me in my own mirror
The image of a little bird is mistaken, gathered rust that I saw
To break my head vo ‘Ghalib’ in the disturbed situation
*****
8. Chaahiyae achchoan koe jithnaa chaahiyae
Desire those who are righteous, as much is necessary
If they wish, what for you is necessary
Society of drunks, it is desirable to be aloof
The taverns, automatic attraction is necessary
Desiring you, what heart had thought
In short, now even with this, comprehension is necessary
Do not slit your bosom oh rose without spring
Some what other sides signal too is necessary
Friendships curtain is strangeness
From enmity with me you lost others
What type of enemity it is, to observe is necessary
In my disgrace what benefit there can be
The friend prepared for tumult is necessary!
Depending upon the desire for death as hope
Such hopelessness of people, observation is necessary
Inattentive these moonfaced loves for them
Those who desire them be Bravo! is necessary.
Desire for pretty faces Oh ‘Asad’
*****
9. Na gulae-naghma hoon na parda-ye-saaz
Neither the tragic rose I am nor silenced music
I am my own failure’s muted cry
You and your decorated neck embracing ringlets
*****
10. Huzoorae-shah mae ahle-sookhan kee aazmaish haye
In status and side locks Kais (Majnu) and Kohkan (Farhad) their trial there is
Jahaan ham hain wahaan daaro-rasan ki aazmaaish haye
Where I am, there, hangman’s gallows, its trial there is
Karaenge Kohakan kae howsalae ka imthihaan aakhir
At last Kohkan’s capacity will be judged
Hanooz oos khastha kae nairoo-ye-than ki aazmaaish haye
As yet that wounded strong body its trial there is
Naseemae-Misr koe kya peerae-kaanan ki hawa-khwaahee
To fragrant air of Misr (Egypt) what noble of Kanaan’s (prophet Isaac) goodwill
Oosae Yoosuf ki boo-ye-pairhan ki aazmaish haye
To him Yousuf’s (prophet Joseph) odour of shirt its trial there is
Voh aayae bazm mae, daekhoe, na kahiyoe phir keh ghaafil thae
He came to assembly, let us see, don’t say thereafter, was neglectful
Shikeebe- sabrae-ahlae-anjuman ki aazmaaish haye
Patience and self-restraint of the entire assembly its trial there is
Rahae dil hee mae theer achcha jigar kae paar hoe baehthar
Let the arrow be in the heart it is good if pierces past, then better
Gharaz shasthae-buthae navak-figaan ki aazmaaish haye
Interest of taking aim, of the speechless archers its trial there is
Naheen kooch subah-voh-junnaar kae phandae mae geeraayee
Neither in the rosary (of muslims) or janaev (of hindoos) and its hissing (as of snake) the conquering (of the world)
Vafaadaaree mae shaekhae-brahaman ki aazmaaish haye
In constancy the Shaikh and Brahmin their trial there is
Padae rah aye dilae-vaabasthaa baethaabi sae kya haasil
Do remain oh heart attached, in impatience what is the gain
Magar phir thaabae-zulfae-purshikan kee aazmaaish haye
But again endurance of wrinkled hair its trial there is
Ragoe-paye mae jab uthrae zaharae-gam thab daekhiyae kya hoe
In the artery and foot when poison descends then see what happens
Abhee thoe thalkhi-ye-kaam-vo-dahan ki aazmaish haye
Just now bitterness of mouth and the palate its trial there is
Voh aayengae maere ghar waada kaisa daekhna ‘Ghalib’
She will come to my abode what promise, let us see ‘Ghalib’
Nayae fithnoe mae ab charkhae-kuhan ki aazmaaish haye
In new mischief, ancient sky, its trial there is
*****
11. Bae aethidaaliyoan sae sabak sab mae ham huvae
Among the immoderate the most frivolous we became
Jithnae ziyaadah hoe gayae oothnae hi kam huvae
As much more as possible so much less we became
Pinhaan tha daam-sakhth khareeb aashiyaane kae
Secretly did we reach our abode
Oodnae na paaye thae keh girafthaar ham huvae
Were about to fly away that captive we became
Hasthee hamaari apni fanaa par daleel haye
Life was intent on providing proof of its own perdition
Yaan thak mitae keh aap ham apnee khasam hoovae
So much we were erased that our own oath we became!
Saqthee-kashaanae-ishq kee poochae haye kya khabar?
Cruelty of anguished love what enquire you about the news?
Voh loag raftha-raftha saraapa alam hoovae
Those people step by step sight of misfortune became
Thaeri wafaa sae kya hoe thalaafi keh dahar mae
Fidelity to you what matters, retaliation in lifetime
Thaere sivaa bhi ham pae bahuth sae sitham hoovae
Apart from you too on me great deal of outrages became
Likhthae rahae junoon ki hikaayaath khoon chakaan
Kept writing lunacy’s stories blood tasting
Harchand issmae haath hamaare khalam huvae
Although my hands by this writing stiff became
Allah rae thaeri thundi-khoo jiskae beem sae
Oh God! Your acrimonious habits in terror of which
Ajza-ye-naola dil mae maere rizqe ham hoovae
Ingredients of lamentations in our heart our own food became
Ahlae-hawas kee fathah haye tharke-nabarde-ishq
The conquest of all desires is abandonment of battles of love
Joe paanvu ootth gayae vahee oonkae alam hoovae
Those feet which were raised, they, their knowledge became.
Naalae-adam mae chand hamaarae supard thae
Lamentations of non-entities a few came in my custody
Joe vaan na khinch sakae soe voe yaan aake dam hoovae
What could not be crammed there, here lively became
Choedee ‘Asad’ na hamne gadaayee mae dil-lagee
Abandon ‘Asad’ we did not humour in poverty
Saail huvae thoe aashiqe-ahlae-karam huvae
Beggars though we were lovers of charity we became
*****
12. Khuncha-nashaguftha koe door sae math dikha, kae ‘yoon’
A rose-bud unloosened from far do not show like ‘This’
Boase koe poochtha hoon maye muh sae mujhae bathaa, kae yoon!
The kiss do I ask, with your mouth, showing one like ‘This’!
Pursishae-tharzae-dilbaree keejiyae kya keh bin kahae
Enquire about the form of entrapment that too without speech
Ooskae har yek ishaarae sae niklae haye yah adaa kae ‘yoon’
In her every signal does emanate this charm like ‘This’
Raath kae vakhth mayae piyae, saath raqeeb koe liyae
At night time do we drink wine, accompanied by the rival
Aaye voh yoan khudaa karae, par na karae khuda keh ‘yoon’
That she should appear by God, but oh God not like ‘This’!
Gair sae raath kya banee, yeh joe kahatha thoe daekhiye
With stranger how night passed, see what he says
Saamnae aan baithna aur yeh daekhna keh ‘yoon’!
Opposite doth he proudly sit and gives a look like ‘This’
Bazm mae uske roobaroo kyuna khaamosh baithiye
In assembly face to face with him sit silently
Ooskee thoe khaamoshi mae bhee haye yahee muddaa ki yoon
In the silence too there is this impeachment like ‘This’
Mainae kaha ki bazmae-naaz chaahiye ghair sae thahee
I did say that the airs of assembly is necessary even with strangers
Sun kae sitham-zareef nae moojh koe uthaa diya ki ‘yoon’
Hearing which ignominious tyrant did lift me up like ‘This’
Mujhsae kaha jo yaar nae jaathae hain hoesh kis tharah
To me did my friends tell how does one loose the sense
Dekh kae maeri bekhudi chalnae lagee hawa keh yoon
Looking at my delirious state breeze started blowing like ‘This’!
Kab mujhae kooye-yaar mae rahnae kee vazaa yaad thee
When to me in beloved’s lanes, living etiquette’s I remembered
Aayinadari ban gayee hairath-ye-nakhshe-pa keh ‘yoon’
The mirror bearer became amazed seeing the foot prints like ‘This’
Gar tharae dil mae hoe khayaal vasl mae shaukh ka zawaal
If in your heart did the thought in union decline in zeal
Mauje muheethe-aab mae maarae-pa haye dasthopa keh ‘yoon’
The waves of whirlpool are striking the hands and feet like ‘This’
Joe yae kahae keh rekhtha kyunkeh hoe rashke-faarsi
If she were to say is this urdu language or hateful Farsee
Guftha-ye-‘Ghalib’ yeak baar padh kae usae suna ki yoon
‘Ghalib’s discourse were to be if read out like this
*****
13. Ham par jafa sae tharke-wafa ka gumaan naheen
On us due to tyranny resignation from fidelity suspicion isn’t
Ek chaed haye vagarna muraad imthihaan naheen
A flirtation there is, otherwise, intention a test isn’t
Kis mooh sae shukr kee jiye iss luthfe-khaas ka
With what face be thankful of this special courtesy
Pursish haye aur paaye-sukhan dar miyaan naheen
An interrogation it is and eloquence in between isn’t
Ham koe sitham azeez, sithamgar koe hum azeez
To us torture is precious, to tormentor we are dear
Na meharbaan naheen haye agar meherbaan naheen
Ungrateful I am not even if gratitude isn’t
Bosa naheen, na deejiye dushnaam hee sahee
Kiss you do not, don’t, abuses would do
Aakir zabaan thoe rakhthe hoe thum gar wahaan naheen
After all tongue you possess even if, there, isn’t
Harchand jaan-gudaajiye-kahro-ithaab haye
Although melting of life is rage and reproof
Harchand pushth-garmiye-taabo-thuvan naheen
Even if ancestral favour power of endurance isn’t
Jaan muthribae-tharanaye-hal-min-mazeed haye
When the singer is greedy of more and more applause
Lab parda-sanje-zamzam-ye-al-amaa naheen
On the tongue that surrender to chanting isn’t
Khanjar sae cheer seena agar dil na hoe doneem
With a dagger slit the chest if the heart cannot be devided
Dil mae churee chuboe, misrah gar khoon chakaan naheen
In the heart plunge the knife, if the couplet blood-tasted isn’t
Nooqsaan naheen junoon mae, balaa sae hoe ghar kharaab
There is no loss in insanity, from misfortune the home is wrecked
Sau gaz zameen kae badlae bayabaan giraan naheen
In exchange of hundred yards of earth, the desert, precious isn’t
Kahthae hoe kya likha haye thaeri sarnavishth mae
You say what is written in your destiny
Goaya jabeen pae sajdah buth ka nishaan naheen
As if in the mark (on the forehead) due to sijdaa mark of idolatory isn’t
Jaan haye bahaaye bosa walae kyun kahae abhee
In living what value of garden, why assess it now
‘Ghalib’ ko jaantha haye keh voh neemjaan naheen
‘Ghalib’ you know well, half dead he isn’t
*****
14. Kee wafa hamse thoe gair uskoe jafa kahthae hain
That she promised me, this others infidelity say
Hoethi aayee haye ki achchon koe buraa kahthae hain
This has been happening, the good people, wicked they say
Aaj ham apni paraeshaani-ye-khaathir unsae
Today we relate our perplexity of mind with them
Kahne jaathe thoe hain par daekhiye kya kahthae hain
We do go to relate, but let us see what they say
Aglae wakhthon kae hain yeh loag inhaen kuch na kahoe
People of olden days these are, do not accuse them
Joe mayae-au-nagmaa ko andoah-rubaa kahthae hain
To wine and poetry, grief ravishing they say
Dil mae aa jaaye haye hoathi haye joe fursath ghash sae
In the heart it appears, relief from stupor that happens
Aur phir kaun sae naalae koe rasaa kahthae hain
And which other lamentation, comprehensive mind they say
Haye parae-sarhadae-idraak sae apna masjood
It is worthy of limits of understanding’s worship
Khiblae koe ahlae-nazar khiblanuma kahthae hain
The kaaba (khibla) to descernsing, a mariner’s compass they say
Paa-ye-afgaar pae jab sae thujhe raham aaya-haye
The wounded feet which you felt such sympathy
Khaare-rah koe thaere ham meharegiya kahthae hain
The thorny path of yours, to us, green grass they say
Ek sharar dil mae haye oos sae koyi ghabraayega kya
A burning flame is there in heart why should any one fear
Aag mathloob haye hamko joe hawa kahthae hain
The fire is required for us, to which, breeze they say
Daekhiyae laathi oos shaukh ki nakhwath kya rang
Let us see that pleasure’s pride brings what colour
Ooski har baath pae ham naame-khuda! kahthae hain
Her every saying we take the name of God! they say.
‘Vahshatho’-‘sheftha’ ab marsiya kahvaen shaayad
‘Vahshath’ and ‘Sheftha’ now an elegy probably reciting
Mar gaya ‘Ghalib’ – aashuftha-nava kahthae hain
Dead is ‘Ghalib’ confused minded they say
*****
15. Har ek baath pae kahthae hoe thum keh thoo kya haye
In every word say thou, what in ‘you’ there is
Thumhee kahoe keh yeh andaaze-gufthagoo kya haye
You do tell me what manner of speech there is
Na sholae mae yeh karishma na burq mae yeh adaa
Neither in flame there is such miracle nor in lightning such coquetry
Koyee bathaavo ki voh shaukhe – thund – khoo kya haye
Do some one show me what attraction for furious habits there is
Yeh rashk haye ki voh hoetha haye ham-sukhan thumse
This jealousy is there that he is getting close to you
Vagarna khaufe-bad-aamoziye-adoo kya haye
Otherwise what is the terror of an evil trashing enemy there is
Chipak raha haye badan par lahoo sae pairaahan
Pasted to the body, because of blood the shirt
Hamaari jaeb koe ub haajathe-rafoo kya haye
To my pocket now where the need to mend there is
Jala haye jism jahan dil bhi jal gaya hoga
Burnt is the body where heart too could have burnt
Kuredthe hoe joe ub raakh justhahjoo kya haye
Scratching that you are now ashes, what investigation there is
Ragaon mae daudthae-phirnae kae ham naheen khaayal
In the veins flowing rapidly I am not consenting
Jab aankh hee sae na tapkaa thoe phir lahoo kya haye
When it did not drop from the eyes then what blood there is
Voh cheez jiske liyae hamko hoe bahishth azeez
Those things for which to us heaven has become esteemed
Sivaaye baadah – gulfaame-mushkaboo kya haye
Save wine or musk deers sent and colour of rose what there is
Rahee na thakhathe – gufthaar aur agar hoe bhee
Did not have the strength to speech, even if there was
Thoe kis ummeed pae kahiyae ki aarzoo kya haye
Yet in which hope do we say what yearning there is
Huva haye shaah ka musaahib phirae haye ithraatha
Have become sovereigns companion, wandering arrogantly
Vagar na shahar mae ‘Ghalib’ ki aabroo kya haye
Otherwise in this city ‘Ghalib’s’ what dignity there is
*****
16. Oos bazm mae mujhe naheen banthee haya kiyae
In that assembly to me does not befit being modest
Baitha raha agarchae ishaare huva kiyae
I continue to sit in case signals there were to be
Dil hee thoe haye siyasathe-darbaan sae dar gaya
The heart it is after all, from rule of door keeper did fear
Maye aur jaavoon dar sae thaere bin sada kiyae
Do I go away from your door without a sound
Rakhtha phiroon hoon khirkha-au-sajdaa rahaane-mayae
Wrapping the mendicants garment and prayer carpet I wander
Muddath huvee haye daavathe-aaboe-hawa kiyae
It is an age since I received an invitation to change climate
Baesurfa hee guzarthi haye hoe garche-umre-khizr
In prodigality itself is spent, even if the life eternal
Hazrath bhi kal kahaenge ki ham kya kiya kiyae!
The dignitary too will say tomorrow what did you do!
Makhdoor hoe thoe khak sae poochoon ki ‘aye layeem’
Had I the power I would ask the ashes ‘ you miser’
Thoo nae voh ganj-haaye-gira namaya kiya kiyae
You, that treasured nobleman what you did
Kis roaz thohmathaen na tharaasha kiyae adoo
Which day slander on you did not heap your enemies
Kis din hamaarae sur pae na aarae chala kiyae
Which day on my head hand-saws were not applied
Sohbath mae gair kee na padee hoe kaheen yeh khoo
In the association of others did it not acquire this habit
Daene laga hayeboase bagair ilthija kiyae
She has started kissing me even without solicitations
Zid kee haye aur baath magar khoo buree naheen
Persistence is another matter but habit is not mischievous
Bhoolae sae oosne saikadoan vaade-wafa kiyae
Forgetfully she has hundreds of promises fulfilled
‘Ghalib’ thumhee kahoki milaega jawab kya
‘Ghalib’ you yourself say what answers you will get
Maana ki thum kaha kiyae aur voh suna kiyae
Granted you kept saying and she went on listening
*****
17. Dil sae thaeree nigaah jigar thak uthar gayee
From the heart your look till the liver has gone
Donoe ke ek ada mae razaamand kar gayee
Both bound in fascination willingly has gone
Shakh hoe gaya haye seena khushaa-lazzathe-faraagh
Cut open is chest in the ecstacy of separation
Thakleefe-parda dari-zakhme-jigar gayee
The burden of concealment to heart wound has gone
Voh baada-ye-shabana ki sar masthiyaan kahaan
That wine of the night where is its intoxication
Oothiye bus ub keh lazzathe-khwab sahar gayee
Get up, enough, now the taste of morning dream has gone
Oodthee phirae haye khaak maeri khooye-yaar mae
Blowing is dust in my beloved’s lane
Baare-ub aaye hawa hawasye - baaloan par gayee
In curls blows the wind, desire beyond the hair has gone
Daekhoe thoe dil faraebi-andaaze-nakhshe-pa
Do observe heart alluring style of picture of foot
Mauje khirame-yaar bhi kya gool kathar gayee
Waves of gaits of beloved too, snuffling the candles has gone
Hur bul hawas nae husn – parasthee shiyaar kee
Every slave of passion made adoration of beauty into a habit
Ub aabroo – ye – shaeva – ahlae – nazar gayee
Now the dignity of appreciation beauty has gone
Nazzare nae bhi kaam kiya vaan naqaab ka
Amorous glances too did the work of veil
Musthee sae har nigaah thaere rookh par bikhar gayee
Lustfully looks one by one splattered your face has gone
Firdaa-vo-dee ka thafrikha yek baar mit gaya
The past and the coming yesterday disappeared at once
Kal thum gayae ki hum pae khayaamath guzar gayee
You went yesterday, on me the day of judgement (khayamath) has gone
Maara zamaane nae ‘Asadullah Khan’ thumhain
Ruthless world has killed you oh Asadulla Khan
Voh valoolae kahaan voh jawaani kidhar gayee
Where is that spirit, where that youth has gone
*****
18. Darkhaurae – kahro – gazab jab koyee ham-sa na huwaa
Suitable for fury and chastisement when like me there was none
Phir galath kya haye keh hum-sa koyee paida na huwaa
Then what is wrong, that like me born there was none
Bandagee mae bhi voh aazaad-vo-khud been hain keh ham
Even in worship so fearless and self willed that I am
Ulte phir aaye darae – kaaba agar vaan na huwaa
Would come back from the doors of kaaba if there was none
Sabko maqbool haye daava thaeri yakthaayi ka
To every one acceptable in your claim of exclusiveness
Roobaroo koyee buthae – aayina seema na huwaa
Face to face any mirror faced lover there was none
Kam naheen naazishe – hamnaami – ye – chashme khoobaan
Little is not beloved’s pride, being like beautiful eyes
Thaera beemaar, bura kya haye, gar achcha na huwaa
Your patient, what is wrong, if worthy there was none
Seenae ka daag, haye voh naala ki lub thak na gayaa
The wounds of breast it is, the cry did not reach the lips
Khaak ka rizq haye voh khathra joe dariya na huwaa
The food of ashes it is, the drop in the sea there was none
Naam ka maere haye joe dookh ki kisee koe na milaa
My reputation is sadly so, such pain none had to bear
Kaam mae maere haye joe fithna ki barpa na huwaa
In my work there is such perfidy, recognition there was none
Hur bunae – muh sae dame – zikr na tapke khoonnaab
Every critical self opinioned did not draw pure blood
Hamza ka kissa huwaa ishq ka charcha na huwaa
‘Hamza’s’ story it became, passion’s discourse there was none!
Khathrae mae dajla dikhaayi na dae aur juzoo mae kool
In a drop a lake cannot be seen, nor in part the whole
Khael ladkoan ka huwaa deeda-ye-beena na huwaa
The play of boys it became, the discerning eyes there was none
Thee khabr garm keh ‘Ghalib’ kae udaenge purzae
There were warm rumours that ‘Ghalib’ will be torn apart
Daekhnae hum bhi gayae thae par thamaasha na huwaa
To watch the fun, I too went, but disappointment, there was none
*****
19. Gar na andoehae – shabae – furkath bayaan hoe jaayega
Grief of night of separation if not described will be
Be thakalluf daage – mah muharu vahaan hoe jaayega
Unceremoniously, the spot on the moon, scar on the mouth will be
Zahraa gar aisaa hee shaame – hijr mae hoatha haye aab
If Venus in the night of separation becomes bright
Parthavae-mahthaab saile-khaanumaan hoe jaayega
The moon-light a torrid flooding of house will be
Lae thoe loon soathe mae ooskae paaun ka boasa magar
Let me take while she is asleep a kiss of her feet, but
Aisee baathoan sae voh kaafir badgumaa hoe jaayega
By such talk that infidel suspicious will be
Dil koe ham sarfe-wafa samjhae thae kya maaloom tha
The heart we thought consumed by fidelity, but what we knew
Yaani yah pahalee hee nazre- imthihaan hoe jaayega
That is to say in the first place failed test will be
Sab kae dil mae haye jagah thaeree joe thoo raazee huwaa
In every one’s heart you have a place if you agree
Mujh pae goaya ek zamaana meharbaan hoe jaayega
On me perhaps one age obliged will be
Gar nigaahae garm far maathi rahee thaaleeme-zabth
If warm glances keep telling lessons of confiscation
Shola-khas mae jaise khoon-rag mae nihaan hoe jaayega
The blaze in the grass like blood in vein latent will be
Baagh mae mujh koe na lae jaa varna maere haal par
In the garden do not take me otherwise on my state
Har gulae-thar yek chashme-khoon fishaan hoe jaayega
Every damp rose scattering blood eyes will be
Waaye gar maera-thaera insaaf mahshar mae na hoe
If mine and yours justice in heaven were not to be
Ab thalak thoe yah tha wakkho haye ki vaan hoe jaayega
Till now the expectation is that, there it will be
Faayida kya soach aakhir thoo bhi daana haye ‘Asad’
What is the benefit think, after all you too are wise ‘Asad’
Doasthee naadaan kee haye jee ka ziyaan hoe jaayega
Friendship of foolish people courage wanting will be
*****
20. Thaere thoasan koe saba baandh-thae hain
Your young horse morning breeze we do fetter
Ham bhi mazmoon ki hawaa baandh thae hain
We too to the meaning, wind we do fetter
Aah ka kisne asar daekha haye
Of a sigh who has the influence seen
Ham bhee yek apnee hawaa baandh-thae hain
We too our own wind we do fetter
Thaeri fursath kae mukhaabil aye oomr
Against your leisurely time O! the span of life
Burq koe pa-ba-hina baandh-thae hain
To the lightning’s feet ‘henna’ we do fetter
Khaide-hasthee sae rihayee maloom
To imprisoned desire the freedom is known
Ashk koe bae-saroa-pa baandh-thae hain
To tears, absurdity we do fetter
Nashah – rung sae haye vaashude-gul
From dispersion of colour is the blooming rose
Musth kab bande-koba baandhthae hain
Wanton poet the strings of long gown do fetter
Galthee-haaye-mazamee mat pooch
The defects of composition do not ask
Loag naalae koe rasaa baandhthae hain
People to lamentation extremity do fetter
Ahlae-thad-beer ki wamaandgiyaan
Worthy discourses what is left behind
Aabaloan par bhee heena baandhthae hain
On blishters too ‘henna’ they do fetter
Saada-purkaar haye khoobaan ‘ Ghalib’
Plain but artful is sweet heart ‘Ghalib’
Hamse paimaane-wafa baandh-thae hain
From me promise of fidelity do fetter
*****
21. Daayim pada huva thaere dar par naheen hoon maye
Permanently fallen on your door step I am not
Khaak aisee zindagi pae keh paththar naheen hoon maye
Be perished such life, a slab of stone I am not
Kyoon gardishe – mudaam sae ghabra na jaaye dil
Why from eternal worries terrorized be the heart
Insaan hoon pyaala-vo-saaghar naheen hoon maye
I am a human being, a cup or goblet I am not
Yaa rab zamaana mujhkoe mitaatha haye kisliyae
Oh God this age is destroying me for what reason
Loahe-jahaan pae harfe-mukarrar naheen hoon maye
In this iron world inscribed words I am not
Had chaahiyae saza mae akhoobath kae waasthae
There should be a limit to punishment for the sake of torture
Aakhir gunahgaar hoon kaafir naheen hoon maye
After all I am only a sinner, a heretic (kafir) I am not
Kis waasthae azeez naheen jaanthae mujhae
What is the reason the noble do not recognise me
Lalo – zumroo – doe – zaro – gaohar naheen hoon maye
Ruby, Emerald, gold or pearl I am not
Rakhthae hoe thum khadam maeri aankhon sae kyun daroagh
Keeping you are your feet from my eye distanced
Ruthbae mae maehro – maah sae kamthar naheen hoon maye
In status from sun and moon, lesser, I am not
Karthae hoe mujhkoe manaaye – khadam-boas kis liyae
Why are you restraining me from kissing your feet
Kya aasmaan kae bhee baraabar naheen hoon maye
What even to the sky equal I am not
‘Ghalib’ wazeefa-khwar hoe doe shah koe dua
‘Ghalib’ you are a petitioner, do praise the sovereign
Voh din gayae keh kahathae thae naukar naheen hoon maye
those days are gone when you boasted, servant I am not
*****
22. Arzae – niyaaze – ishq kae khaabil naheen rahaa
Petitioning, humble offerings to love, worthy I ceased to be
Jis dil pae naaz thaa mujhe, voh dil naheen rahaa
On which heart I prided that heart I ceased to be
Jaatha hoon daaghe – hasrathe – hasthee liyae huvae
I am going, wounded desire’s fulfillment, carrying with me
Hoon shama-kushtha, durkhaore-mahfil naheen rahaa
I am an extinguished candle worthy of assembly I ceased to be
Marnae ki aye dil aur hee thadbeer kar keh maye
For dying oh heart, a different policy I adopted
Shayaane – dastho – baazu – ye – khaathil naheen rahaa
Suitable for exercise of arms of the killer I ceased to be
Bar rooyae – shash – jihath darae – aayina – baaz haye
In six directions open mirrors there are
Yaan imthiaze – naakisoe – kaamil naheen rahaa
Here to distinguish, worthless or perfect I ceased to be
Vaa kar diyae hain shaukh nae bandae – nakaabe – husn
Open, have the longings made calculated veiled beauty
Gair az nigaah ab koyi haayil naheen rahaa
Except the glance now obstacle I ceased to be
Goe maye raha raheene – sitham – haaye – roazgaar
In spite of my being worldly oppressed alas! unemployed
Lekin thaere khayaal sae ghaafil naheen rahaa
However from your thought unmindful I ceased to be
Dil sae hawaaye- kishthe – wafa mit gayae keh vaan
From the heart the desire for planting loyalty has obliterated
Haasil sivaaye hasrathae haasil naheen rahaa
To acquire other than acquisition of grief I ceased to be
Bedaade – ishq sae naheen darthaa magar ‘Asad’
From unrequited love I am not afraid oh ‘Asad’
Jis dil pae naaz thaa mujhe voh dil naheen rahaa
Which heart I prided, that heart I ceased to be
*****
23. Dost ghamkhwaaree mae maeri sayee firmaayaenge kya
Friends in my condolence message say right things,
Zaqm kae bharnae thalak naakhun na badh jaayengae kya
Before the wound is healed the nails won’t grow
Baeniyaazi had sae guzree bandaparwar kab thalak
Want of desire reached the limit oh your honour till when
Ham kahaenge haaledil aur aap firma-yengae kya
We will relate our condition of heart, what you will say,
Hazrathae – naaseh gar aayain deed-au-dil furshe-raah
Consummate preacher if comes, raised eyes on the green path
Koyee moojh koe yah thoe samjhaa doe ki samjhaayaengen kya
Will some one explain to me what do I explain,
Aaj vaan thaegoe – kafan baandae huvae jaatha hoon maye
Today carrying sword and shroud, bundled under my arm I go
Uzr maere khathl karnae mae voh laayengae kya
Wonder, what weapon for my execution bring,
Gar kiya naaseh nae hamkoe khaid achcha yoon sahee
If the moralists were to incarcerate me, well let it be so
Yeh janoone – ishq kae andaaz choot jaayengae kya
From the madness of passionate love be relieved,
Khanazaade – zulf hain zanjeer sae bhagaengae kyun
A child of slave are my locks, why from chains run away
Hain girif thaare-wafa zindaan sae ghabraayengae kya
We are arrested by fidelity in prison terrorised,
Haye ab iss maamoorae mae khahathe-gum-oolfath ‘Asad’
Now in this habitation Oh ‘Asad’ there is only intimacy with scarcity
Hamne yeh maana ki Dhehli mae rahaen khaayaengae kya
I agree we shall live in Delhi, but what do we eat
24. Phir iss andaaz sae bahaar aayee
Then in this manner did the spring came
Keh hoovae mehro-maah thamaashaayee
That the sun and moon pleasure seekers, became
Daekh aye saaki-naane – khaththa-ye-khaak
Look inhabitants of earth family
Isko kahathae hain aalam-aaraayee
This is what is called world adorning, became
Keh zameen hoe gayee haye sar-thaa-sar
That the earth has become from head to head
Roo-kashae-sithah charghe-meenayee
Resembling a shining wheel of blue stones, became
Sabzae koe jab kaheen jagah na milee
The green herbiage when could not find any opening
Ban gayaa roo-ye-aab par-kaayee
The flowing water, green scum on walls, became
Sabza-va-gul koh daekhnae keh liyae
The herbiage and flowers to be seen
Chashmae-nargis koe dee haye beenaayee
The eyes of narcissus were bestowed vision, became
Haye hawaa mae sharaab kee thaaseer
In the air is liqueur’s influence
Baada noashee haye baada paye-maayee
Wine drinking is idle talking, became
Kyoon na dooniyaan koe hoe khooshee ‘Ghalib’
Why the whole world should not rejoice ‘Ghalib’
Shaahe deendaar nae shafaa paayee
The sovereign virtuous has convalescence, became
*****
25. Voh zindaa ham hain ki hain rooshnaase-khalkh aye khizr
That I am alive who is the brightest of creation oh Khizr (a prophet)
Na thum keh choer banae umre-jaavidaan kae liyae
You did not, become a thief for eternity of life
Raha bala mae bhi maye mub-thilaye-aafathe-rushk
I remained in calamity too, entangled in misery brought by jealousy
Bala-ye-jaan haye adaa thaeri yek jaan kae liyae
Life’s misfortune is your elegance, enough for the whole world
Falakh na door rakh oos-sae mujhae keh maye hee naheen
Heaven not far keep me away, as I do not exist
Daraaz dasthee-khaathil kae imthiohaan kae liyae
Tyranny of the killer, for the sake of testing
Misaal yeh maeri koashish kee haye keh murge-aaseer
The example in this effort of mine like the encased bird
Karae khafas mae faraham khaas aashiyaan kae liyae
Are collected in the cage deprived of the nest to be destroyed
Gada samajh kae voh chup tha maeree joe shaamath aayae
Taking me to be a beggar he was silent when my punishment came
Ootha aur ooth kae khadam main nae paasbaan kae liyae
I rose and having risen took a step towards the watchman
Diya haye khalq koe bhee, thaa oosae nazar na lagae
Has given to the whole humanity, so that an evil eye may not befall him
Bana haye aiyshe Thajammul Hussain Khaan kae liyae
For the enjoyment of Thajammul Hussein Khan
Zabaan pae baare-khudaayah! Yeh kiska naam aaya
On my tongue oh God! whose name did come up
Kae maere nukhaq nae boase maeri zubaan kae liyae
That my language kissed for the sake of my tongue
Zamana ahad mae ooske mahoove – aaraish
In the worldly promise of his is this lyrical adornment
Banaenge aur sithaare ab aasmaan kae liyae
Formation of new stars will be now for the sake of firmament
Varakh thamaam huva aur madah baaqee haye
The pages are complete but complaint is not yet finished
Safeena chaahiye iss bahare-baekraan kae liyae
A boat is necessary for the sake of shoreless ocean
Adaaye-khaas sae ‘Ghalib’ huva haye nukh-thasaraa
With this new art ‘Ghalib’ has become an artful critic
Salaye-aam haye yaaraane-nukhthadaan kae liyae
The invitation to the people is for the sake of fulsome praise
*****
26. Dhamkee mae mar gaya joe, na babae – nabard thaa
In terror that one dies, was not a brave warrior, it was
Ishqe – nabard – paesha thalabgaare-mard thaa
Loves brave soldier desirous man it was
Thaa zindagee mae marg ka khatka lagaa huva
In life death was staring in the face
Oodnae sae paeshthar bhee maera rang zard thaa
Even before vanishing my colour yellow it was
Thaaleefe nooskha haaye-wafa kar rahaa thaa maye
Compiling a treatise of moaning sincerety, doing that I was
Mahmoova-ye-khayaal abhee fard-fard thaa
Collected thoughts still in fragments it was
Dil thaa jigar keh saahile – dariyaaye – khoon
Heart until then, beach of the liver, the ocean of blood it is now
Iss rahguzar mae jalwa – ye – gul aagae gird thaa
In this existence splendid rose desolate as dust it was
Jaathee haye koyee kash-ma-kash andoahae ishq kee
Abandon does the wrangling to and fro anxiety of love ?
Dil bhee agar gaya thoe wahee dil ka dard thaa
Even if heart was lost the same pain of broken heart it was
Ahbaab chaar-saazi-ye-vahshat na kar sakae
Dear ones consoling terror could not be overcome
Zindaan mae bhee khayaal bayaabe-nabard thaa
In prison too, thoughts, wandering over wilderness it was
Yeh laash bae-kafan ‘Asad’-khastha-jaan kee haye
This corpse without a shroud is of wounded ‘Asad’
Haq maqfirath karae ajab aazad mard thaa
Let truth be pardoned, a strange self willed man it was
27. Na huvee gar maere marnae sae thasallee naa sahee
Did not, from death, consolation draw, so it be
Imthihaan aur bhee baakhee hoe thoe yeh bhee naa sahee
Tests there are others, left to be conducted, so it be
Khaar-khaarae aalamae-hasrathe-deedar thoe haye
Thorny barbed anguish, desire to confront is there
Shoukh gulcheene-gulisthaane thasallee naa sahee
No zeal of gardner no rose garden as consolation, so it be
Mayae-parasthaan! khoome-mayae munh sae lagaayae hee banae
A drunkard! a large jar to the mouth attached lay
Yek din gar na huva bazm mae saaqee naa sahee
One day even if there were no wine server in the assembly, so it be
Nafs-ye-khais keh haye chashmo-charaage sahraa
From the breath of Khais (Majnu) is lit the lamp of wilderness
Gar naheen shamaa siyahakhana-ye-laila naa sahee
Even if there were not be a candle in the dark night so it be
Yek hangaame peh maufouq haye ghar kee raunaq
In one tumult dependant is the brightness of the home
Nauha-ye-gham hee sahee nagma-ye-shaadee naa sahee
Lamenting agony it be, not the song of marriage so it be
Na sathaaish ki thamanna naa silae kee parwah
No desire for encomniums or care for rewards
Gar naheen haye maere ishaar mae maani naa sahee
If my poetry is without meaning, so it be
Ishrath sohbathae – khoobaan hee ghaneemath samjhoe
The pleasure of being near beloved consider a blessing
Na huvee ‘Ghalib’ agar umre – thabyee naa sahee
Even if ‘Ghalib’ such pleasure was not natural but forced, so it be
*****
28. Gham naheen hoatha haye aazaadoan koe baesh-az-yek-nafs
Grief does not become, for free superior souls
Burq sae karthae hain roashan shamaaye – maathamqana ham
With lightning light the lamp of mourning house do we
Mahfilain barham karae hain ganjafar baaze – khayaal
Assemblies get inflamed treasure house of thoughts
Hain warakh-gardaani-ye-naurange-yek-boothkhaana ham
Like loose leaf fallen desultorily in abandoned temples do we
Baavajoodae yek jahaan hangaama paidaayi naheen
For existence in the world, tumult is not born
Hain chiraagaane-shabisthaane dilae-parwaana ham
Illuminating lights of bed chamber become hearts butterfly do we
Zouf sae haye, nae khanaath sae, yeh tharke – justhajoo
Due to infirmity, not from abstinence, this abandonment of enquiry
Hain vabaale-thakiya-gaahae-himmath-mardaana ham
Misfortunes of abode of a faqir, contain courageous manhood, do we
Daaymal habs ismae hain laakhoan thamannayaen ‘Asad’
Imprisoned for life in this lakhs of desires ‘Asad’
Jaanthae hain seena-ye-parkhoon koe zinda khaana ham
We know for the proud breasted, prison house, do we
*****
29. Kaabae mae jaa rahaa, thoe na doe thaana, kya kahaen
To kaaba I was proceeding, do not taunt, what to say
Bhoola hoon haquae – sohbathe – ahlae kunishth koe?
Forgotten have I the association with entire kunishth (parsi fire – temple) ?
Thaath mae thaa rahae na mayae-vo-angabeen ki laag
Obedience to the end, no attachment for wine and honey
Doazaq mae daal doe koyee laekar bihishth koe
Do cast in Hell, some one taking this Heaven
Hoon munharif na kyoon rah-vo-rasmae-sawaab sae
I am a non conformist no stranger to tradition of reward
Thaeda laga haye khath khalam-ye-surnavishth koe
Crooked appears the letter penned, to the document writer
Aayee agar balaa thoe jagah sae talee naheen
If misfortune came did not stir from the place
Aeraahi dae kae hamne bachaaya tha kishth koe
By inserting the seal had I saved the check (in chess)
‘Ghalib’ kuch apnee sayee sae lahnaa naheen mujhae
‘Ghalib’ with my effort there is no profit for me
Khirman jalae agar na malaq khaaye kishth koe
Harvest will burn if locusts do not eat the cornfield
*****
30. Naqsh-fariyaadee haye kis kee shoukhi-ye-thahreer kaa
Painting a grievance, where pleasure of writing it is?
Kaagazee haye pairahan har paikarae – thasweer kaa
Delicacy is the apparel of every portrait it is
Kaavu-kaavae sakhth jaani-haaye thanhaayee na pooch
Diligent search, strictly by painful solitude, do not ask
Subah karna shaam ka, laana haye joo-ye-shaer kaa
Morning do what is done at eve, is to bring rivers of milk it is
Jazba-ye-be-iqthiyaare-shaukh daekha chahiyae
Pride of irresponsible longing should be seen
Seena-ye-shamsheer sae baahar haye dam shamsheer kaa
Out side the bosom of the sword, the edge of sword it is
Aagahee damae shaneedan jis khadar chaahae bichayae
Knowledge however worthy of hearing do spread
Muddaa anqaa haye apnae aalamae – thakhreer kaa
Wish is hard to find in my learned discourse it is
Bus kae hoon ‘Ghalib’ aseeri mae bhee aathish zarae – paa
Although I am ‘Ghalib’, in prison with fire under my feet
Moo – ye – aathish deedah haye halqa maere zanjeer kaa
Hair burnt, eyes are drooping, from my chains it is
*****
31. Milthee haye khoo-ye-yaar sae naar ilthihaab mae
Receive do I from beloved’s habits, the fire of hell
Kaafir hoon gar na milthee hoe raahath azaab mae
Athiest I am, if I am not to receive repose in punishment
Kab sae hoon kya bathaavun jahaane-kharaab mae
From when I am, what do I show, in this depraved world
Shabha-ye-hijr koe bhee rakhoon gar hisaab mae
The night, oh pity of parting too were I to take in account
Thaa phir na inthizaar mae neend aayae oomr-bhar
Untill, again in waiting, sleep were not to come till end of life
Aanae ka oohad kar gayae aayae joe khwaab mae
To come has she promised, the one who comes in my dreams
Khaasid kae aathe-aathe khath yek aur likh rakhoon
While the letter bearer is arriving, let me pen one more letter
Maye jaantha hoon joe voh likhaenge jawaab mae
I know what they have written to me in reply
Mujh thak kab oonki bazm mae aathaa tha bazme jaam
Towards me in that assembly did come round (cups of wine)
Saaqee nae kuch milaa na diayaa hoa sharaab mae
The wine server (saaqi) as if has added something in the wine
Joe munkir wafa hoe, faraeb oos pae kya chalae
Who turns round from loves abode, deception on him can do
Kyoon badgumaan hoon doasth sae dushman kae baab mae
Why mistrustful I am with friends in affairs of enemies
Maye muztharib hoon vasl mae khaufe-raqeeb sae
Why I am agitated in union, in terror of rivals
Daala haye thumko vaham nae kis paecho-thaab mae
Has laid you because of suspicion in what perplexity
Maye aur hazze-vasl khuda saaz baath haye
Me and taste of union, God making the words
Jaan nazr daeni bhool gaya iztheraab mae
Animation as if failed to bestow in distraction
Haye thaevaree chadee huvee andar nikhaab kae
A scowl is mounting inside the veil
Haye ek shikan padee huvee tharfe-nikhaab mae
A wrinkle is appearing in the corner of the veil
Laakhoan lagaavu, yek churaana nigaah ka
Lakhs of attachments, in one stolen glance has
Laakhoan banaav, yek bigadna ithaab mae
Lakhs of adornments, spoiled in one reproof
Voh naala dil mae khas kae baraabar jagah na paaye
That lamentation in the heart like the husk does not find a space
Jis naalae sae shigaf padae aafthaab mae
In which lamentation cracks appear in the Sun
Voh saehar muddaa – thalbee mae naa kaam aayae
That magic in fulfillment of a complaint is of no use
Jis saehar sae safeena rawaan hoe saraab mae
Which magic a boat would sail in a mirage
‘Ghalib’ chootee sharaab par ab bhee kabhee – kabhee
Ghalib release from spirits but even now at times
Peetha hoon roaze – aabroo shaboe maah thaab mae
Do I drink when the days are cloudy and in moonlit nights
32. Kab voh suntha haye kahaani maeree
When will he listen to the story of mine
Aur phir voh bhee zubaani maeree
Also again, that too, from lips of mine
Khalish – ye – gamza – ye – khuna – raez na pooch
Prickly coquetry its addiction do not ask
Daekh khoo naaba – fishaani maeree
See tears of blood spreading of mine
Kya bayaan karke maera roayaenge yaar
What after relating my story lament my friends
Magar aashuftha – bayaani maeree
If not made up accounts of mine
Hoon zae – khood – raftha – ye – baidaaye khayaal
I am conceited lost in a dream world of thoughts
Bhool jaana haye nishaani maeree
To be forgotten is the very mark of mine
Muth-tha khaabil haye mukhabil maera
Unworthy of contest is my competitor
Rook gaya daekh rawaani maeree
Did stop on his track seeing fluency of mine
Khadre – sange – sare – rah rakhtha hoon
Valued weighty head of customs I possess
Saqth – arzaan haye giraani maeree
Very low priced is the heaviness of mine
Gard – baade – rahae – baethaabee hoon
Pleadged to wine drinking on path of agitation I am
Sar sarae – shaukh haye baani maeree
Cold violent windy ardour is disposition of mine
Dahaan ooska joe na maaloom huva
Ambition is of that which was not understood
Khul gayee heechmadaani maeree
Opened up worthless ignorance of mine
Kar diya zuuf nae aajiz ‘Ghalib’
Has made feebleness helpless ‘Ghalib’
Nange-peeri haye jawaani maeree
Penniless old age is the youth of mine
33. Daekhkar dar parda garme daaman afshaani mujhe
Seeing the concealed warm (pallav) spreading to me
Kar gayee waabasth-ye-than maeri ooriyaani mujhe
It made my open dependence of body naked to me
Ban gaya thaege – nigaahe – yaar kae sange – fasaan
It became sword edged beloved’s glance grinding stone
Marhaba mae! kya mubaarak haye gir anjaanee mujhe
Bravo me! How auspicious is precious lover to me
Kyun na hoe baeilthifaathi ooski khathir jamaa haye
Why not, inattentive, for her sake, assemble
Jaantha haye mahve – pursish – haaye pinhaani mujhe
He knows fascinated in enquiery alas concealed to me
Maere gamkhwane ki khismath jab rakham hoanae lagee
My suppressing griefs fate when was reduced to figure
Likh diya mizumaal – ye – asbaabe – veerani mujhe
It was written as destitutes baggage of desolation to me
Badgumaan hoatha haye voh kaafir na hoatha kaash kae
Suspicious becomes that infidel, were he not to be
Iss khadar zauke – nava – ye – murge – busthaani mujhe
In this way delighted singing bird of garden to me
Waaye vaan bhee shore-mahshar nae na dum laene diya
Alas! There too the noise of day of resurrection did not allow me to breathe
Lae gaya tha goar mae zauke – thanasaani mujhe
Had taken to the grave with pleasure indolent my body to me
Vaada aane ka wafa keeje yeh kya andaaz haye !
The promise to come you fulfilled, what a manner it is!
Thumne kya soanpee haye maere ghar ki darbaani mujhe
Why you have entrusted my abodes door keeping to me
Haan nashaathe – aamade – fasle – bahaari vaah vaah
Yes the pleasure of on coming spring, excellent
Phir huva haye thaaza sauda – ye – gazal – khwaani mujhe
Once again to sing a new ode desire has risen in me
Dee maere bhai koe huq nae uz sare-nau zindagee
Did give to my brother providence a new lifetime
Mirza Yoosuf haye ‘Ghalib’ Yoosufe – saani mujhe
Mirza Yousuf is ‘Ghalib’ (prophet) Yusuf equal to me
*****
34. Gham khaane mae boada dilae- naakaam bahuth haye
In bearing pain faint heart is unsuccessful as well
Vah ranj keh kam haye mayae – gulfaam bahuth haye
This pain is lessened that wine is red coloured as well
Kahthae huvae saaqee sae haya aathee haye varna
Saying that to the wine server (saaqi) shame that comes otherwise
Haye yoon keh mujhe dard-thahe-jaam bahuth haye
It is so that for me under the sediments wine there is as well
Nae theer kamaan mae haye, na sayyaad kameen mae
Not in bow and arrow there is, nor hunter in ambush
Goshae mae kafas kae mujhe aaraam bahuth haye
In the privacy of the prison I have good respite as well
Kya zoohad koe maanoon ki na hoe garchae riyaayee
What abstinence I accept if I were not to be freed
Padaash-ye-amal kee thama-ye-khaam bahuth haye
Reward for habit of taking intoxicants greed is vain as well
Haye ahale khirad kiss rawsh-ye-khaas pae naazaan?
Are the intelligent people of which special custom so proud?
Pa basthagee-ye-rasmo-rahae-aam bahuth haye
Obstruction of common habits and customs is there as well
Zam zam hee pae choedo kya thaufe-haram sae?
By the well of zam-zam do leave me or going around kaaba?
Aalooda bae mayae jaama-ye-ahraam bahuth haye
Separate from wine the Aharam (white garment) as well!
Haye qahar ki ab bhi na banae baath ki oonkoe
If indignation there is even now it won’t convince her
Inkaar naheen aur mujhe ibraam bahuth haye
If I refused there is not to me beseeching as well
Khoon hoe kae jigar aankh sae tapka naheen aye marg
Turning into blood did not from eyes drop oh death
Rahnae dae mujhe yaan keh abhee kaam bahuth haye
Let me be here, still there is much work as well
Hogaa koyee aisaa bhi kae ‘Ghalib’ koe na jaane
Is there any one who does not ‘Ghalib’ know
Shaair thoe voh achcha haye pa badnaam bahuth haye
Poet he is good one but infamous as well
*****
35. Diya haye dil agar oosko, bashar haye, kya kahiyae
Gave the heart to her, a mortal, what to say
Huva raqeeb thoe hoe, namabar haye kya kahiyae,
He is the rival so what, the bearer he is, what to say
Yeh zid keh aaj na aayae aur aayae bin na rahae
This obstinacy that today she may not come, yet cannot avoid coming
Khazaa sae shikwa hamain kis khadar haye kya kahiyae
With fate is my complaint what type it is, what to say
Rahae haye yoon gah-vo-begaha keh khoo ye-dost koe ab
That is how it is from time to time the lane of friend now
Agar na kahiye keh dushman ka ghar haye, kya kahiyae?
If not say the enemies house it is, what to say?
Zihae karishma keh yoon dae rakhaa haye humko faraeb
Just see the charm that has given me such deception
Keh bin kahae hee oonhaen sab khabar haye, kya kahiyae
That without saying anything she knows everything, what to say
Samajh kae karthae hain baazaar mae voh pursishe-haal
Knowingly they do in the market enquire about my condition
Ki yeh kahae keh sarae-rahguzar haye kya kahiye
For this may be said that homeless pedestrian I am what to say
Thumhaen naheen haye sare-rishtha-ye-wafa ka khayaal
To you there isn’t the relationship of fidelities thoughts
Hamaare haath mae kuch haye, magar haye kya? Kahiyae!
In my hand is some thing, but what it is? What to say!
Oonhaen sawaal pae zaame-junoon haye kya ladiye?
To her from questions arrogance of fury, why fight?
Hamaen jawaab sae khath-ye-nazar haye, kya kahiyae
To me from answers disregard for disappointment, what to say
Hasad saza-ye-kamaale-sukhan haye kya keejae!
Causing envy deserving punishment is the poetry, what to do!
Sitham baha-ye-mathaaye-hunar haye kya kahiyae!
Tyrannical flow of valuable skill it is, what to say!
Kaha haye kisne keh ‘Galib’ buraa naheen laikin
Said some one that ‘Ghalib’ is not bad, but
Sivaaye iskae keh aashuftha-sar haye, kya kahiyae
Except this, that confused minded he is, what to say.
*****
36. Masjid kae zaere-saaya kharabaath chaahiyae Below the mosques shadow a tavern there should be
Bhaun paas aankh, khibla-ye-haajaath! chaahiye Eye near the eyebrows, desire for kibla! (kaaba) there should be
Aashiq huvae hain aap bhi ek aur shaqs par Enamoured you too have become of some other person
Aakhir sitham kee kuch thoe mukhafaath chaahiye After all of injustice too some pain and care there should be
Dae daad-aye-falak dile-hasrath-parasth kee Give some credit oh creater to this devoted adoring heart
Haan kuch-na-kuch thalaafi-ye-maafaath chaahiye Yes sir, ever so little as prodigality compensation there should be
Seekhae hain muhrukhon-kae-liyae ham musavvaree For the benefit of flippants I have learnt pet-talk
Thakreeb kuch thoe bahare-mulaakaath chaahiye Whatever be the occasion, association there should be
Mayae sae gharaz kashaath haye kis roosiyah koe From wine the selfish joy seeker where is disgraced
Ek goona be khudie mujhe din raath chaahiye A form of ecstasy to me, day and night there should be
Haye range laala-au-gul-vo-nasreen judaa judaa The colour of tulip, or rose, or wildrose are different
Har rang mae bahaar ka isbaath chaahiye In every colour the spring’s affirmation there should be
Sar-pa-ye-khoom peh chaahiye hangama-baekhudee To be deadly drunk is necessary uproariously delirious
Roosoo-ye-khibla waqthe-munajaath chaahiye Face in the direction of (kaaba) khibla while praying there should be
Yaanee bahasbe-gardishae-paimaana-ye-sifaath Which means according to revolutions of global attributes
Aarif hamaesha mast-ye-mayae-zath chahiye A holy man always intoxicated and possessed there should be
Nashvo-numa haye asl sae ‘Ghalib’ faroa koe Growth Oh ‘Ghalib’ in reality is, practical parts of religion
Khaamooshi hee sae niklae haye, joe baath chaahiye Productivity of silence, for good advice there should be
*****
37. Kahthae thoe hoe thum sab keh buthae-khaaliya moe aayae Say you all that precious idol faced beloved come
Ek marthaba ghabra ke kaho koyee kae voh aayae One time in fright say, do some one, let her come
Hoon kashmakashe-nazaa mae haan jazbe-mohabbath I am in wrangling agony of death, in the realm of love
Kuch kah na sakoon par voh maere poochnae koe aayae Can not say anything but I wish, she were, to enquire come
Haye saikha-vo-shola-vo-seemaab ka aalam There is thunderbolt and blaze and mercury world illuminating
Aana hi samajh mae maeree aatha naheen goe aayae Has to come to my mind, does not withstanding come
Zaahir haye ki ghabra kae na bhaagaenge nakiraen It is apparent that in fright may not run Nakreen (Munkir & Nakreen who visit grave to take account)
Haan, mooh sae magar baada-ye-doesheena kee boo aayae In deed from mouth however last nights wine smell does come
Jallad sae darthae hain na waaiz sae jhagadthae Executioner do I fear nor fight with the preacher
Ham samjhae huvey hain usae jis bhaes mae joe aayae I distinguish them in whatever fancy dress they come
Haan ahle-thalab! kaun sunae thaana-ye-naayafth Oh greedy people! who will listen to reproach without profits
Daekha ki voh miltha naheen apnae hee koe khoe aayae Saw that they got nothing, themselves to sell they come
Apna naheen voh shaeva keh aaraam sae baithaen It is not my habit to sit idle in comfort
Oos dar pae naheen baar thoe kaabae hee hoe aayae In that door saw no opportunity went round kaaba and came
Kee humnafsoan nae asra-ye-giriya mae joe thakhreer My soulmates lectured in wicked weeping houses
Achchae rahae aap oos-sae magar mujhko duboa aayae They remained good with them but sinking me they came
Oos anjumanae-naaz kee kya baath haye ‘Ghalib’ Of that respected assembly what to say ‘Ghalib’
Ham bhee gayae vahaan thaere thakhdeer koe roe aayae I too went thither, for your destiny weeping I came
38. Ghar jab banaa diyaa thaere dar par kahae bagair Home when I made in your doorstep without saying
Jaanega ab bhi thoo na maera ghar kahae bagair Know not you even now my residence, without saying
Kahthae hain, jab rahee na mujhae thakhathe-sukhan It is said when I cease to have strength of poetry
Jaanoon kisee kae dil kee maye kyunkar kahae bagair Knowledge of others hearts secret, why I should without saying
Kaam uss-se aa padaa haye keh jis ka jahaan mae Such business I have with her of which in this world
Laevae na koayi naam sithamgar kahae bagair No one will mention the name ‘tyrant’ without saying
Jee mae hi kuch naheen kaye hamaare, vagar na ham In my heart hardly there is anything otherwise I would
Sar jaaye yaa rahae, na rahaen par kahae bagair Loose the head or not, will not refrain without saying
Choedoonga maye na oos buthe-kaafir koe poojna I will not abandon that infidel idol’s adoration
Choedae na khalq goe mujhe kaafir kahae bagair Even if the whole world, an atheist, without saying
Maqsad haye naazo-gamzaa, valae gufthagoo mae kaam Purpose is pride of coquetry, yet chit-chating it works
Chaltha naheen haye dashna-vo-khanjar kahae bagair Does not work either dagger or knife without saying
Harchand hoe mushahid-ye-haq kee gufthagoo whenever there is observation about rights and discourses
Banthee naheen haye baada-vo-saagar kahae bagair It is not possible, wine or goblet, without saying
Behraa hoon maye thoe chaahiyae doona hoe ilthefaath Deaf that I am I need double the kindness
Suntha naheen hoon baath mukarrar kahae bagair Listen I can not any words repeated without saying
‘Ghalib’ na kar huzoor mae thoo baar-baar arz ‘Ghalib’ do not importunate authority with repeated requests
Zaahir haye thaera haal sab oon par kahae bagair Your grievances are obvious, known to them without saying
*****
39. Dil hee tho haye na sang-vo-khishth, dard sae bhar na aayae kyoon Heart after all it is, neither stone or bricks, full not with pain why
Roeyaenge ham hazaar baar, koyee hamain sathaaye kyoon Weep we will thousand times, some one vex me why
Daer naheen, haram naheen, dar naheen aasthaan naheen, Not a temple, nor kaaba, step it is not, threshold it isn’t
Baithae hain rahguzar pae ham gair hamain uthaaye kyoon Sit do we on the path, strangers do remove me why
Jab voh jamaale-dil-faroaz soorath-ye-mehare neem-roaz When she is beautiful heart warming, face like midday sun
Aaap hee hoe nazzaarah soz pardae mae mooh chupaaye kyoon In herself when vision of burning, in veil do hide the face why
Dooshnaaye-gamza jaansithaan, nauke-naaz bepanaah Dagger like wink destroying life, piercing like arrow merciless
Thaera hee akse-rookh sahee saamnae thaere aaye kyoon Your own reflected image it be, come face to face with you why
Khaidae-hayaatho-bande-gam asl main donoe yek hain Trapped soul, bounded sorrow in fact are the same entity
Mauth sae pahlae aadmee gham sae najaath paaye kyoon Doth man before death wish for liberation why
Hoosn aur oos pae hoosn-jan, rah gayee boolhawas kee sharm Beauty and on it a favourable view, left with passions shame
Apnae pe aethmaad haye gair koe aazmaaye kyoon In one self is the confidence others do examine why
Vaan voh guroore-izzo-naaz, yaan yeh hijaabe-paase-vazaa There they are proud of high position, here bashful proud manner
Raah mae ham milaen kahaan, bazm mae voh bulaaye kyoon On the street where did we meet, in the assembly invite me why
Haan voh naheen khuda-parasth, jaavo voh baewafa sahee Granted where she is God-worshipper, let her be faithless as well
Jiskoe hoa deeno dil azeez ooskee galee mae jaaye kyoon! To whom religion and heart is precious, go to their lane why!
‘Ghalib’-ye-khastha kae bagair kaun sae kaam band hain Without wounded ‘Ghalib’ what activity is closed
Royiyae zaar-zaar kya, keejiyae haaye-haaye kyoon? Why weep bitterly, make moaning sound why?
40. Baskeh dushwaar haye har kaam ka aasaan hoa na Whereas difficult it is for every work easy to be
Aadmee koe bhee muyassar naheen insaan hoana For an individual it is not possible human being to be
Giriya chaahae haye kharaabi maere kaashaane kee Lamentation does wish destruction of my house
Daro-deewar sae tapkae haye bayabaan hoana From every dwelling is dropping wilderness to be
Waaye deewaanagi-ye-shaukh ki har dam moojh koe Alas! longing for her desire every moment has made me
Aap jaana oodhar aur aap hee hairaan hoa na Go there alone and by myself perplexed to be!
Jalwa-az-bas keh thakhaza-ye-nigah kartha haye Luster enormous perplexity of desire do I see
Jowhare-aayina bhee chaahe haye misrgaan hoana The brightness of mirror too desire flow of tears to be
Ishrathae-khathl-gahae ahle-thamanna math pooch Pleasure of slaughter house the desire to be attached do not ask
Eide-nazzarah haye shamsheer ka ooriyaan hoana A festive sight is the sword’s naked display to be
Lae gayae khaak mae ham daage-thamanna-ye-nishaath Took away into dust we a scar of desire for pleasure
Thoo hoe aur aap basad-rang goolisthaan hoana You be there by yourself hundred hued garden to be
Ishrath-ye-para-ye-dil, zakhmae-thamanna khaana Delighted mercurial heart, the wounds of desires gobble
Lazzathe-roeshae-jigar, gharke-namakdaan hoana Pleasure of broken heart immersed in salt cellar to be
Kee maere khathl kae baad usnae jafaa sae thauba After my execution did she from injustice repent
Haaye oos zoad-pashaeman ka pashaemaan hoana Ah! from that sensitive repentant repentance to be
Hayef oos chaare girah kapdae kee khismath ‘Ghalib’ Alas! That covering clothes fate ‘Ghalib’
Jis kee khismath mae hoe aashiq ka garaebaan hoana In whose destiny is a lover’s long shirt to be
*****
41. Hoosn ghamzae kee kashaakash sae choota maere baad Charm with coquetry lost the stretching and straining after me
Baare aaraam sae hain, ahle-jafa maere baad In short, in comfort is infidelity after me
Mansabe-shaefthagee kae koyee khaabil na rahaa To uphold dignity of love’s office none worthy remained
Huvee maazooli-ye-andaaz-vo-adaa maere baad Was dethroned the style of coquetry after me
Shamaa bhujhthee haye thoe usmae sae dhuvaan oot tha haye When the lamp extinguishes smoke lifts from it
Shola-ye-ishq siyah posh hoova maere baad The flame of love was clad in dark mourning after me.
Khoon haye dil, khaak mae, ahwaale-buthaan par, yaanee Bleeding is heart, in ashes, while giving an account, that is to say
Oonke naaqoon hoove moohthaaje-hina maere baad Her nails became indigent of ‘henna’ after me
Durkharae-arz naheen jawhare-baedad koe aaj Suitable for petitioning is not after exposure to injustice
Nigaahe-naaz haye soormae sae khafaa maere baad Blandishment is angry with collyrium (surma) after me
Haye junoon ahle-junoon kae liyae aagoshe-vadaa Is insanity angry with existence to embrace fare well
Chaak hoatha haye giraebaan sae judaa maere baad Lacerate does the garment when separated after me
Kaun hoatha haye hareefe-mayae-mard-afgaane-ishq Who becomes an adversary of drunken loves fallen lover
Haye mukarrar labe-saaqee mae salaa maere baad It is repeatedly from the lips of ‘saaqui’ challenged after me
Gam sae martha hoon keh ithna naheen duniya mae koyee From sorrow that I die there is no one in this world
Keh karae thagreethae-maehro-vafa maere baad Doth mourn life long for fidelity after me
Aayae haye bekasee-ishq pae roana ‘Ghalib’ For destitute love do weep ‘Ghalib’
Kiskae ghar jaayega sailaabe-balaa maere baad Whose house will it visit this flood of doom after me
*****
42. Zikr maera ba-badee bhee usae manzoor naheen Mention of me even in back biting welcome to her I am not
Gair kee baath bigad jaaye tho kuch door naheen Others affairs if were to go sour distant I am not
Vaada-ye-saire-goolistha n haye, khosha laala-ye-shaukh The promise of strolling in the garden is happy news of contentment
Musradah-ye-khathl mukhaddar haye joe mazkoor naheen The good news of my execution is destined stated I am not
Shaahide-hasthi-ye-moothallaq kee kamar haye aalam Who bears witness to existence altogether helpless is the world
Loag kahathae hain ki haye, par hamae manzoor naheen People do say that it exists, but to me I am not
Khatra apna bhee haqeekhat mae haye dariya laikin A drop of me in reality is the sea, but
Hamkoe thakhleede-thunak-zarfiye-mansoor naheen To me imitation of delicate elegance of Mansoor I am not
Hasrathaye zaukhe-kharaabi keh voh thaakath na rahee Grief stricken, oh delightful ruin, its strength there is no more
Ishke-pur-arbada kee gao thane-ranjoor naheen Passions loaded with conflicts befitting infirm body I am not
Maye jo kahtha hoon keh ham laenge khayaamath mae thumhain That I tell her I shall take on you on judgement day
Kis ravoonath sae voh kahthae hain keh ham hoor naheen With what pride does she say ‘hoor’ (nymph) I am not
Zulm kar zulm, agar luthf-daraeg aarha hoe Violance do violance if enjoyment you receive
Thoo thagaaful mae kisee rang sae maazoor naheen Well in indifference in any way disappointed I am not
Saaf durdee-kashe-paimanaye-jam haye ham loag Clear from the cup of (Jamshed) take a huge sip we people
Vaaye voh vaada keh afshurdah-ye-angoor naheen Alas! that wine that squeezed from grapes I am not
Hoon zahooree kae muqaabil mae qifaee ‘Ghalib’ I am compared with ‘Zahoori’ (a parsi poet) unknown ‘Ghalib’
Maere daavae pae yeh hujjath haye ki mashhoor naheen In my claim the disputation is, renowned, I am not
*****
43. Maye hoon mushthaaqe-jafa mujh pae jafa aur sahee I am longing for infidelity on me more oppression it be
Thum hoe baedaad sae khoosh iss sae seeva aur sahee You in oppression feel delight, from this pleasure it be
Gair kae marg ka gam kisliyae yeh gairathe-maah On the death of stranger lamentation, why moon faced do shame
Hain hawas-paesha bahuth kae na hoova aur sahee Are the slaves of passion more, aggravated it be
Thum hoe buth phir thumhaen pindare-khudaee kyoon haye You are the divinity then why the pride of god-head
Thum khudaavand hee kahlaavo khuda aur sahee You be Creater called, God some one else it be
Hoosn mae hoor sae badkar naheen honae kae kabhee In beauty from a ‘hoor’ greater no one ever can be
Aapka shaeva-ye-andaaze-ada aur sahee Your manner and degree of elegance different it be
Thaere koochae ka haye maail dile-mazthar maera Of your narrow lane fond I am distressed heart is mine
Kaaba yek aur sahee khiblanuma aur sahee The kaaba one more which mariner’s compass shows it be
Koyi duniyaa mae magar baagh naheen haye waaiz In the world there is no garden oh preacher
Khuld bhee baagh haye khair aabo-hawa aur sahee The heaven too is a garden, well, different climate though it be
Kyoon na firdaus mae doezakh koe mila lae yaa rab Why not paradise be added to hell oh God
Sair kae waasthe thoedi-si fizaa aur sahee For wandering some more space it be
Mujh ko voh doe ki jisae kha kae na paani maangoon Give me that, after eating it, I would not ask for water
Zahr kooch aur sahee aabe-wafa aur sahee Poison some more nectar (amrith) too it be
Mujhse ‘Ghalib’ yeh ilaahi nae gazal likhwaaee Through ‘Ghalib’ the Creator has this poetry composed
Yek baedaad-gare-ranj-fizaa aur sahee One more oppressive saddening pain it be
*****
44. Manzoor thee yeh shakl thajallee koe noor kee Admired was this image of lustre for light of ‘Thoor’
Khismat khulee thaere khado-rookh sae zahoor kee Fortune heightened your stature and continance of manifestation
Ek khoon-chakaan kafan mae karoedoan banaav hain One blood smitten shroud has crores of decorations
Padthee haye aankh thaere shaheedoan pae hoor kee Falls on the looks of your martyrs of virgins of paradise
Waaiz! na thum piyoe na kisee koe pilaa sakoe Preacher! neither you can drink nor others cause to drink
Kya baath haye thumhaaree sharaabe-thahoor kee! What can be said of your wine of purification !
Ladtha haye mujh sae hashr mae khaathil kih kyoon uthaa? Fights with me on doomsday my killer, why did I get up?
Goyaa abhee sunee naheen aawaz soor kee As it were yet is not heard the bugle of doomsday
Aamad bahaar kee haye joe bul-bul haye nagma sanj Advent of spring’s nightingale is lamentation filled
Oodthee see yek khabar haye zabaani thayoor kee Vanishing of a news is the voice of a bird
Goe waan naheen pae waan kae nikaale hoovae thoe hain Although I am not there, well from there thrown out I am
Kaabe sae inn buthoan koe bhi nisbath haye door kee With kaaba these idols too have affinity from far
Kya farz haye kae sabkoe milae yek-saa jawaab Is it necessary that every one shall receive similar answer
Aavoe na hum bhee sair karaen koahe-thoor kee Do not come, let us as well tour the mountain ‘Thoor’
Garmee sahee kalaam mae laikin na iss khadar Heat there be in my composition but not of this type
Kee jissae baath oosnae shikaayath zaroor kee With whom I talked complain he certainly did
‘Ghalib’ gar iss safar mae moojhe saath lae chalain ‘Ghalib’ in this tour (Haj) if I am also taken along
Haj ka sawaab nazr karoonga huzoor kee The rewards of Haj I will present to my sovereign
45. Haye kis khadar halaake faraebe-wafa-ye-gul In what way destroyed is deceived trusting rose
Bul-bul kae kaarobaar pae hain khandah haaye-gul On nightingales business are the laughing sighing rose
Aazaadi-ye-naseem mubaarak keh har tharaf Freedom of morning-breeze welcome in every direction
Tootae padae hain halqa-ye-daame-hawaaye-gul In tatters are fallen in dirges aromatic airy rose!
Joe thaa soe mauje-rang kae dhokae mae mar gayaa What I had in capricious enjoyment’s deception died
Aye waaye naalaye-labe-khoonain nawaaye-gul O! alas, lamenting blood smeared splendid rose
Khush haal oos hareefe-siyaah-masth ka keh joe Happy disposition is of that inebriate lover’s that he
Rakhtha hoe misle-saaya-ye-gul, sar-bapaaye-gul Places the desultory feet, at the foot of the rose
Eejaad karthee haye issae thaere liyae bahaar Invents does this for your sake the spring
Maera raqeeb haye nafase-ithr-saaye-gul My friend it is having breath of scented shadow of rose
Sharminda rakhthae hain mujhe baade-bahaar sae Bashful do they make me from breeze of the spring
Meena-ye-bae-sharaab voh dilae-be-hawaaye-gul A decanter without wine and breathless heart is rose
Sathwath sae thaere jalwaye-husne-qayoor kee From majesty of yours is lustre of jealous beauty
Khoon haye maere nigaah mae runge-adaaye-gul Blood shot are my eyes from conquettish colourful rose!
Thaere hee jalwae ka haye yae dhoaka kae aaj thak From your lustre is the deception till today
Beiqthiyaar daude haye gul dar kafaaye gul Without option running is the rose, valued apparel of the rose
‘Ghalib’ mujhe haye ussae hum-aagoshee aarzoo ‘Ghalib” to me is the desire to sit besides her
Jiska khayaal haye gule-jaeb-kabaaye gul Whose thoughts are like flower decked rose!
*****
46. Sathaaish gar haye zaahid iss khadar jis baaghe-rizwaan kaa Praise if is abstinent in this manner, of which garden of Rizwaan (door keeper of Heaven)
Voh ek guldastha haye ham bekhudoan kae thaaqe-nisiyaan kaa It is that bouquet of us senseless dwellers of cold storage
Bayaan kya keejiye bedaade-kaavish haaye misrgaan kaa Declaration what to make of lawless digging oh pity of flowing tears
Keh har yek khathrahye-khoon-daana haye thasbeehe-marjaan kaa Every one drop is container of blood like a small pearl
Na aayee sathwathe-khaathil bhee maanaye maere naaloan koe Did not even my persecuting killer understand my lamentation.
Liya daathoen mae joe thinka, huva raeshaa neesthaan kaa In the teeth that he took a straw, became a tissue of non-existence
Dikhaoonga thamasha, dee agar fursat zamaanae nae I will show to the world the fun, if only this age were to give me leisure
Maere har daage-dil yek thuqm haye surdae-charaagaan kaa Every wound of my heart is a sperm of lifeless exhibition of lights
Kiya aayinakhaanae ka voh naqshaa thaere jalwae nae Made the picture of glass house because of your lustre
Karae joe parthawae-khursheed, aalam shabnamisthaan kaa Like the sunrays do, of the magnificence of scattering dew
Maeri thaameer mae muzmar haye soorath yek kharaabi kee In my very construction there is an element of embellishment
Hayoolae barkhe-khirman kaa haye khoone-garm dahaqaan kaa The chaos caused by lightning on the uncut corn is the warm blood of the farmer
Ooga haye ghar mae har sao sabza, veeraani thamaasha kar! In the house has grown hundreds of vegetation, destitution is laughing so!
Madaar ab khoadnae par ghaas kae haye maere darbaan kaa The orbit is now of digging the grass as a menial
Khaamooshi mae nihaan khoongashtha laakhon aarzooain hain In silence is concealed blood flowing lakhs of desires these are
Charaage-murda hoon maye bezubaan, goare-garaebaan kaa A lamp lit before the corpse I am, dumb, grave of a destitute
Hanuz yek parthave-nakhshe-khayale-yaar baakhee haye Just now, a ray of thoughts of beloved still there is
Dilae afsurda goya hujra haye yusuf kae zindaan kaa Hurt depressed as if darkened cell of ‘Yusuf’s prison
Bagal mae gair kae aaj aap soathae hain kaheen varna By the side of stranger today you are sleeping otherwise
Sabab kya, khwaab mae aakar thabassum-haaye pinhaan kaa What is the reason, in dream do you come smile slightly concealed
Naheen maaloom kis-kis kaa lahoo paanee hoova hoga Do not know who all have their blood turned to water
Khayamath haye siraeshak-aalooda hoana thaeri misrgaan kaa Calamity it is the flowing of your tears from your eyes
Nazar mae haye hamaree jaada-ye-raazae-fana, ‘Ghalib’ In sight of me is a path way towards annihilation ‘Ghalib”
Keh yeh sheeraaza haye aalam kae azzaaye-paraeshaan kaa Because this is a binding of World’s element’s perplexity
*****
47. Gaafil ba-vahame-naaz khud aara haye varna yaan Thoughtless person takes pride in his conceit otherwise here
Bae shaana-ye-sabaa naheen thurrah-gayaah kaa Without the help of morning breeze there is no blade of grass
Bazme-khadah sae aishe-thamanna na rakh, kae rang In the assembly of over flowing goblets pleasure do not seek
Saidae-zidaan-jastha haye iss daamgaah kaa The liberated prey is indebted here and there from this snare
Rahamat agar khubool karae kya ba-eid haye Devine blessing you accept, how remote it is
Sharmindagee sae oojr na karna gunaah kaa With shame do not lament for your sins
Makhthal koe kis nishaath sae jaatha hoon maye, kih haye To the slougher house with what pleasure do I go, that I am
Pur gul khayaale-zaqm sae daaman nigaah kaa Loaded with flowers, thoughtful of wounds, supplicant eyes
Jaan dar-hawaaye-yek-nigaahe-garm haye ‘Asad’ Where the pearl like one glance is warming ‘Asad’
Parwaana haye vakeel thaere dad-khwaah kaa Ardent lover is your pleader for your complaint
*****
48. Aabroo kya khaak oos gul kee keh gulshan mae naheen What dignity in disgrace can be of a rose which is in garden not
Haye giraebaan nange-pairaahan joe daaman mae naheen The collar of shameful garment which is in ‘Pallav’ not
Zauf sae yeh giriya kuch baaqi maere than mae naheen From infirmity lamentation manifest on body there is not
Rang hoekar ood gaya joe khoon ki daaman mae naheen Because hue then faded which the blood in ‘Pallav’ not
Hoe gayae hain jamaa-ajzaa-ye-nigaahe-aafthaab Have congregated ingredients of glorious rays of the sun
Zarre ooske ghar ki deewaroan kae rowzan mae naheen The portions of which in the home window there is not
Kya kahoon thaareekiye-zindaane-gam (andhair haye) What shall I say about the darkness of prison cell (outrage it is)
Pamba noorae-subah sae kam jiske raozan mae naheen Less than brightness of cotton flower light on my window there is not
Raunakhae hasthee haye ishqe-khana-veeraan-saaz-sae Hopeful desire is passion for deserted chambers of obscurity
Anjuman be-shamaa haye, gar barq khirman mae naheen The assembly is without a lamp if lightning falling on uncut paddy is not
Zaqm silwaane sae mujh par charajoyee ka haye thaan For stitching the wounds on me is the blame for seeking remedy
Gair samjhaa haye ki lazzath zaqm-soazan mae naheen The stranger feels that enjoyment in pricking the wounds is not
Bus keh ham hain yek bahaare-naaz kae maarae huve In short we are springs playful afflicted victims
Jalwaaye-gul kae siva gard apne madfan mae naheen Other than splendid bunch of roses around my grave there is not
Khathra-khathra yek hayoolae haye nayae naasoor ka Drop by drop one sketch of a picture is of a new ulcer
Khoon bhi zaukae-dard sae faarigh maere than mae naheen Blood too tasting pain disengaged from my body is not
Lae gayee saaqi kee naqwath kulza ma ashami maeri Has taken away today the pride of saaqui in my desire to drink up the sea
Mauje-mayae kee aaj rag meena kee gardan mae naheen Waves of vein’s spirit to day reached the neck of the decanter is not
Hoe fishaare-zauf mae kya naathwanee kee namood In the burden of infirmity what weakness to display
Khad kae jhukne kee bhee goonjaaish maere than mae naheen The bending of the figure such a capacity in my body is not
Thee wathan mae shaan kya ‘Ghalib’ keh hoe gurbath mae khadr What respect in my country I had ‘Ghalib’ to expect respect by immigration
Bethakalluf hoon voh mushthe-khas keh gulshan mae naheen I am that prolific handful of grass, that in the candied roses is not
*****
49. Kahoon joe haal thoe kahathae hoe muddaa kahiye State I my condition you say what the complaint be
Thumheen kaho keh joe thum yoon kahoe thoe kya kahiye? Say, you yourself, if you say so, what I say be?
Na kahiyo thaan sae phir thum keh ham sithamgar hain Then do not say you tauntingly that I am the oppressor
Mujhe thoe khoo haye kae joe kuch kahoe, baja kahiye To me is the habit whatever you say to comply be
Voh naeshthar sahee per dil mae jab oothar jaayae That lancet be but when in heart descends
Nigaahe-naaz koe phir kyoon na aashnaa kahiye The proud look of the beautiful why not a comrade be
Naheen zareea-ye-raahath jiraahathe-paikaan Not by medium of comfort nor through piercing arrow
Voh zakhme-thaegh haye jiskoe keh dilkushaa kahiye That wound is of the sword which do say alluring be
Joe muddaee banae ooske na muddaee baniyae One who is the accuser do not be his complainant
Joe naasaza kahae ooskoe na naasza kahiye Who says indecent things with him state not foolish be
Kaheen haqee khathe-jaan ka-hee-yeh-maraz likhiyae Some where prescription of weeding disease write
Kaheen musee-bathe-na-saaziye-dawa kahiye Some where state misfortunes discordant cure be
Kabhee shikayathe-ranje jiraan-nasheen keejae Some times the complaints of accumulated sorrow state
Kabhee hikayathe-sabrae-guraez-paa kahiye Some times tales of forbearance from fleeting happiness be!
Rahae na jaan thoe khaathil koe khoon-baha deejae When life has ceased to exist to killer give the price of blood
Katae zubaan thoe khanjar koe marhaba kahiye When tongue is severed the dagger say ‘God bless you!” be.
Naheen nigaar koe ulfath na hoe nigaar thoe haye! No, to beloved attachment, not be, attachment there is!
Rawaani-ye-rawish-au-masthi-ye adaa kahiye The running away of that practice of wantonness coquetry be
Naheen bahaar koe fursath na hoe, bahaar thoe haye To spring there is no time, at least spring there is
Tharaavathe-chaman-au-khoobi-ye-hawa kahiye Greenness of garden and pleasantness of breeze be
Safeena jab keh kinaarae per aa lagaa ‘Ghalib’ The troubled ship when did reach the shore ‘Ghalib’
Khudaa sae kya sitham-au-jaure-naakhuda kahiye From God why injustice but tyranny captain of ship be
*****
50. Baazee-chayae-athfaal haye duniyaan maere aagae Playhouse of children appears the world in front of my face
Hoetha haye shabo-roaz thamaasha maere aagae Happens every night exhibitions in front of my face
Ek khael haye aurange-sulaimaan maere nazdeek One play of throne of (Prophet) Solomon near me
Ek baath haye aijaaze-maseeha maere aagae One tale of miracle of Jesus (Christ) in front of my face
Juz naam naheen soorathe-aalam mujhe manzoor Part name isn’t wholeness of universe to me acceptable
Juz waham naheen hasthi-ye-ashiyaa maere aagae Part imagination isn’t existence of life in front of my face
Hoetha haye nihaan gard mae sahraa maere hoathae Happens to be latent in circumference desert in my being
Ghisthaa haye jabeen khaak pe dariyaa maere aagae Rubbing is the forehead (jabeen) in dust the ocean in front of my face
Math pooch ki kyaa haal haye maera thaere peechae Do not ask what my condition is after you.
Thoo dekh keh kya rang haye thaera maere aagae You see, what colour is yours, in front of my face
Such kahthe hoe khood beeno-khudaara hoon, na kyoon hoon True, you say, conceited and self opinionated I am, why I should not.
Baitha haye buthe-aayina-seema maere aagae Sitting is idol faced in the mirror similitude in front of me
Phir dekhiye andaaze-gul afshaani-ye-goofthaar Again observe the manner of scattering rose converse.
Rakh dae koyee paimaana sahaba maere aagae Has some one placed a goblet of wine in front of my face
Eemaan mujhe roakae haye, joe kheenchae haye mujhe kufr Faith is stopping me, while paganism is leading me astray
Kaaba maere peechae haye, kaleesaa maere aagae Kaaba is behind me, church is in front of my face
Aashiq hoon par maashooq-faraebi haye maera kaam A lover I am but alluring the beloved is my task
Majnu koe buraa kahthee haye laila maere aagae Majnu is worthless! Complains Laila in front of my face
Khush hoathe hain per wasl mae yoon mar naheen jaathae Happy that become but in union did not die
Aayee shabo-hijra kee thamanna maere aagae Took over me separations wish in front of my face
Haye moazzan yek khulzume-khoon kaash yahee hoe It is tumultuous red sea of blood would that! it be (khulzam is derived from the name of town in Egypt near Mt. Sinai)
Aatha haye abhee daekhiye kya-kya maere aagae It comes, do observe, what all in front of my face!
Joe haath koe jumbish naheen aankhoan mae thoe dam haye! Although hand has no magnet, in eyes power there is!
Rahnae doe abhee saagare-meena maere aagae Let there be now a goblet and wine in front of my face
Ham-paesha vo hum-mashrabo hamraaz haye maera Same profession and same religion and my confidant he is
‘Ghalib’ ko bura kyoon kaho, achcha! Maere aagae ‘Ghalib’ why call evil, Excellent! In front of my face.
*****
51. Yeh ham joe hijr mae deewaar-vo-dar koe daekhthae hain This I am, in separation the wall and door do I see
Kabhee sabaa koe kabhee naamabar koe daekhthae hain Some times gentle breeze, sometimes letter bearer do I see
Voh aayae ghar mae hamaare, khuda kee khudrath haye That she came to house of mine, Oh God’s blessings
Kabhee ham oonkoe kabhee apnae ghar koe daekhthae hain Some times at her and sometimes at my home do I see
Nazar lagae na kaheen ooske dastho-baazoo koe Let evil eye may not fall on her hands and shoulder
Yeh loag kyoon maere zakhme-jigar koe daekhthae hain Why these people my wounded lungs do they see
Thaere jawaahire-tharfe-kulah koe kya daekhain Your gum studded crown what can we say
Ham auje-thaaliye-laalo-guhar koe daekhthae hain We, zenith of prosperity of ruby and pearl we see
*****
52. Jis zakm kee hoe sakthee hoe thadbeer rafoo kee Which wound has the arrangement for darning
Likh deejiyo yaarab oose kismath main adoo kee Write down oh god in destiny of the enemy
Achcha haye sar angushthe-hinaayi ka thasavvar Good it is the imagination of henna filled thumb
Dil mae nazar aathee thoe haye yek boond lahoo kee In the heart however is appearing as a drop of blood
Kyoon darthe hoe ooshshaq kee be-howsalagee sae Why are you afraid Oh lovers from want of courage
Yaan thoe koyee suntha naheen fariyaad kisoo kee Here no one listens to the petition of any one
Dashnae nae kabhee mooh na lagaaya hoe jigar koe The dagger has not kissed ever the lungs
Khanjar nae kabhee baath na poochae hoe galoo kee The knife never asked the opinion of the neck
Sad haef voh naakaam keh yek oomr sae ‘Ghalib’ Hundred pity, if a failure since an age is ‘Ghalib’
Hasrath mae rahae yek buthe arbaadah joo kee In longing did live one disputed idol, he is
53. Thoesame-shah mae voh khoobi keh jab The young steed of the sovereign has such excellence that when.
Thaan sae voh gairathe-sarsar khulaa From the manger it emerged like cold furious wind opened
Naqshe-pa kee soorathaen voh dilfaraeb The picture of foot prints were so heart capturing
Thoo kahae buthkhana-ye-aazar khulaa If the idol house of Azar ( a famous idol maker) opened
Mujh pae faize-tharbiyath sae shaah kae On me because of grace and guidance of sovereign
Mansabae-maeharoe maho-mahwar khulaa Office of reputation axis of sun and moon opened
Laakh ooqde dil mae thae, laikin har yek Lakhs of knotty problems were in heart, however each one
Maeri hadde-vusaa sae baahar khulaa Far from the limit of my range, out side opened
Thaa dile-wabasthaa-kufle-be-kuleed Was heart connected like lock without a key
Kisne khoelaa, kab khulaa, kyoonkar khulaa Who opened, when opened, why opened?
Baage maani kee dikhavoonga bahar Orchard of meaning’s I will show the bloom
Mujh sae gar shaahae-sukhan goosthar khulaa Upon me if sovereigns spreading office opened
Hoe jahaan garmae-gazalkhwaani nafs Where ever there is warm gazal signing assembly
Loag jaanae thablah-amber khulaa People will know that sweet smelling treasure box opened
*****
54. Voh aakae khwaab mae thaskeene-iztheraab thoe dae Let her appear in my dream, consolation from anxiety give
Valae mujhe thapishe-dil majaale-khwaab thoe dae Yet, to me warmth of heart, strength to dream give
Karae haye khathl, lagaavaat mae thaera roe daena Having killed me, in pretence her shedding tears
Theree tharah koyee thaeghe-nigaaha koe aab thoe dae Like you some one to sword like look temper do give
Dikha kae jumbishe-lab hee thamaam kar humkoe Showing the magnet like tongue itself do finish me
Na dae jo bosa thoe mooh sae kaheen jawaab thoe dae Give you would not a kiss with the mouth at least reply give
Pilaa dae auk sae saaqee! Joe hamse nafrat haye Offer drink with the palm o saaqui! That you for me aversion bear
Piyaala gar naheen daetha, na dae, sharaab thoe dae The cup you do not give, do not, spirit do give
‘Asad’ khushee sae maere haath-paanv phool gayae ‘Asad’ with happiness my hands and feet blossomed so
Kahaa joe oosne zaraa maere paanv daab thoe dae That she told ‘a while my feet press pleasure do give’
*****
55. Yek jaa harfe-wafa likkha tha soe bhee mit gayaa One place words of fidelity I used to write even that were erased.
Zaahiran kaagaz tharae khat ka, galath bardaar haye Manifestly the paper of your letter was such, the writing disappeared
Joe jalae zaukho-fana kee naathamaami par na kyoon Perplexed joy of perdition, on its imperfection why not
Hum naheen jalthae, nafas har chand aathishbaar haye! I do not burn, the blood vessels though, are raining fire!
Aag sae paani mae bhujthae waqth uththi haye sadaa Fire when with water is put out hisses with noise
Har koyee darmaandgee mae naale sae naachaar haye! Everyone in misfortune from lamentation is forlorn!
Haye vohee badmasthiye har zarre kaa khud oozrkhwaah It is the same intoxicated in every particle is self repentant.
Jiske jalwae sae zameen thaa aasmaa surshaar haye From the lustre of which the earth and sky is overflowing
Mujhse mat kah “thoo hamain kahtha tha apni zindagee” With me do not say “you used to call me your life”
Zindagee sae bhee maera jee inn dinoan baezaar haye From life too my heart these days is displeased
Aankh kee thasweer sarnaame pae kheenchae haye keh thaa The picture of eyes on the title of the letter is drawn whilst
Thujh pae khool jaavae keh iskoe hasrathe deedaar haye On you let it open, it is longing for an interview!
*****
56. Gayee voh baath keh hoe gufthagoo thoe kyoonkar hoe Finished is the discourse if conversation remained so what then
Kahae sae kooch na hoova, phir kahoe thoe kyoonkar hoe? By saying nothing happened, say again, so what then?
Hamaare zahn mae iss fikr kaa haye naam vasaal In my mind this worry, has the name, association.
Keh gar na hoe thoe kahaan jaayen hoe thoe kyoonkar hoe! If it were not to happen where do I go, if does, so what then!
Adab haye aur yahee kashmakash thoe kya keejae Courtesy there is and the same wrangle so what to do
Hayaa haye aur yahee goemagoe thoe kyoonkar hoe Modesty there is and the same hesitation so what then
Thumhee kahoe ki guzaara sanam-parasthoan kaa Do yourself say subsistence of loves worshippers
Buthoan kee hoe agar aisee hee khoo thoe kyoonkar hoe Of idols this if is the habit so what then
Oolajhthe hoe thum agar daekhthe hoe aayina Fret do you if you look into the mirror
Joe thumse shahar mae hoan yek-doe thoe kyoonkar hoe If like you in city be one two, so what then!
Jisae naseeb hoe roaze-siyaah maera-saa Whom destiny be dark days like mine
Voh shaqs din na kahae raath koe thoe kyoonkar hoe Such a person were not to say ‘day’ for ‘night’ so what then
Hamain phir oonsae ummeed aur oonhain hamaari khadr To us again from them hope and to them for us respect.
Hamaari baath hee poochain na voh thoe kyoonkar hoe Our subject itself they were not to broach so what then
Galath na thaa hamain khath par gumaan thasallee ka Wrong it was not, to us from your letter, suspicion of consolation
Na maanaen deeda-ye-deedaar-joo thoe kyoonkar hoe When the eyes do not agree, if face to face so what then
Bathaavo, oos migrah koe daekhkar kih mujhko kharaar Show, looking at that eyelashes, I am to be at ease
Yeh naesh hoe rage-jaan maen firoe tho kyoonkar hoe This thorn is to be in jugular vein so what then
Mujhe junoon naheen ‘Ghalib’ walae bakhaule-huzoor To me no madness ‘Ghalib’ but affirmation of sovereign
“Firaaqe-yaar mae thaskeen hoe” thoe kyoonkar hoe “In seperation from beloved comfort there is” so what then
*****
57. Dekhna khismath ki aap apne rashk aa jaaye haye See the luck to me from myself jealousy does befall
Maye oosae daekhoon bhala kab mujhse daekha jaaye haye I do see her, good, when by me looking befall
Haath dhoe dil sae yahee garmee gar andaeshe mae haye Relinquishing my heart the same heat if anxiety there is
Aabgeena thundae-ye-sahba sae piglaa jaayae haye Wine glass from the heat waves of wine melting does befall
Gair koe yaarab voh kyoonkar manaye-gusthaghee karae To stranger oh god why she inhibits arrogance
Gar haya bhee oosko aathee haye thoe sharmaa jaayae haye Even if modesty he feels shame does befall
Shaukh koe yeh lath keh hardam naala kheechae jaayae haye To avidity such bad habits that laments interminably
Dil kee voh haalath ki dam laenaesae ghabra jayae haye The heart is in such condition that fearing to breath do befall
Garchae haye tharze-thagaful pardadaare-roaze-ishq If there is manner of indifference veil of secrecy of love
Par ham aisae khoyee jaathae hain ki voh paa jaayae haye But I get so lost that to me still it befalls
Ooski bazm-aarayiyaan sunkar dile-ranjoor yaan Her associated views on hearing heart is afflicted, here
Masle-nakhshe-muddaa-ye-gair baithha jaayae haye Like a picture of secret love stranger hidden befalls
Hoe kae aashiq voh paree-rukh aur naazuk ban gayaa Becoming a paramour that angel faced more delicate became
Rang khultha jaaye haye jithna ki oodthaa jaaye haye The colour keeps brightening faded it befalls
Naqsh koe ooskae musavvir par bhee kya kya naaz haye To picture with his painter what all pride there is
Kheench tha haye jis khadar oothna hi khinchtha jaayae haye Draw so much in such a way that as much befalls
Saaya maere mujhse misle-doodh bhaagae haye ‘Asad’ Shadow of mine like milk flows away ‘Asad’
Paas mujh aathish-bazaan kae kisse taharaa jaayae haye! Near fire place like me who will standing befall!
*****
58. Ishrath-khathra haye dariyaa mae fanaa hoe jaana Pleasure is a drop in oceon destroyed to be
Dard kaa hudd sae guzarna haye dawaa hoe jaana Pain beyond the limit of endurance medication to be
Thumse khismath mae maeri soorathae-kuflae-abjad With you, in my destiny the count nance of a mystique lock
Thaa likhaa baath kae banthae hee judaa hoe jaana It was written on succeeding failure to be
Dil hoova kashmakashae-chaara-ye-zahmath mae thamaam Heart became drawn as under in disquietude completely
Mit gaya ghisnae mae iss ookhdae kaa vaa hoe jaana Disappeared on rubbing of that knot open to be
Ab jafa sae bhee hain mahroom ham allah-allah Now in fidelity too I am unlucky good gracious
Iss khadar dushmane-arbaabe-wafa hoe jaana In this manner enemies of supporters of fidelity to be
Zauf sae giriya mubaddal ba dame-surd huvaa In infirmity lamentations exchanged cool sighs became
Baawar aayaa hamain paani ka hawa hoe jaana Belief came to me water turning to air to be
Dil sae mitnaa thaeree angushthe-hinaayi ka khayaal From the heart erase thoughts of applying henna to your finger
Hoe gaya goesth sae naakhoon ka judaa hoe jaana From the flesh the nail seperated to be
Haye mujhe abre-bahaaree ka baras kar khulna To me in the rainy clouds pouring openly
Roathe roathe ghamae-furkhath mae fana hoe jaana Weeping bitterly sorrow of parting death to be
Gar naheen nakhathe-gul koe thaere koochae kee hawas If the scented rose has no desire for your lane
Kyoon haye garde-rahae jailaane-sabaa hoe jaana Why the dust of the road wandering gentle breeze to be
Thaakeh thujh par khulae eajaaze-hawa-ye-saekhal So that on you reveal sparkling breez’s secret
Daekh barsaath sae sabz aayinae ka hoe jaana Because of rain the mirror opaque to be
Bakhshae hain jalwaye-gul, zaukhe-thamaasha ‘Ghalib’ Nature has bestowed in bunch of flowers such joy oh ‘Ghalib’
Chashm koe chaahiyae har rang mae waa hoe jaana The eye should remain open to absorb every shade of colour to be
*****
59. Ishq mujhkoe naheen wahshath hee sahee Love is not for me madness it be
Maeri wahshath, thaeri shohrath hee sahee My madness, your reputation it be
Khathaa keejay na thaallukh hamse Cut off not, please relationship from me
Kooch naheen haye thoe adaavath hee sahee If nothing else enemity it be
Maere honae mae haye kya ruswaaii From my being what disgrace
Iyae! voh majlis naheen khalwat hee sahee O! that is no assembly solitude it be
Hum bhee dushman thoe naheen haye apnae I am not an enemy of my own
Gair koe thujhsae mohabbath hee sahee With stranger your affair it be
Apnee hasthee hee say hoe, joe kuch hoe From self desire you are, whatever you are
Aagahee gar naheen ghaflath hee sahee From insight if not drowsiness it be
Oomr harchand keh haye barq-khiraam Life long so much as, pace of lightning
Dil kae khoon karnae kee fursath hee sahee For bleeding the heart leisure it be
Ham koyee tharke-wafa karthae hain? Do we ever abandon fidelity?
Na sahee ishq museebath hee sahee If not love, calamity it be
Kuch thoe dae aye falak-ye-na insaaf At least give something O, unjust creater of world
Aah-vo-fariyaad kee rukhsath hee sahee Oh that complaints permission it be
Ham bhee thasleem kee khoo daalaenge We too obeisance’s custom make
Be niyaazi thaeri aadath hee sahee Being without want your habit it be
Yaar sae chaed chalee jaayae ‘Asad’ From paramour flirtation flow ‘Ghalib’
Gar naheen vasl thoe hasrath hee sahee If not union then longing it be
*****
60. Khafas mae hoon, gar achchaa bhee na jaanae maere shaevan koe In prison that I am, even if appreciation to my lamentation there is none
Maera hoana, buraa kya haye nava-sanjaane-goolshan koe My being how wrong it would be for birds of the garden!
Naheen gar hamdameen aasaan, na hoe, yeh rashk kyaa kam haye If not attachment easy, let it not, this jealousy how rare
Na dee hoathee khudaaya aarzoo-ye-dost dushman koe Were not to give oh god, desire for friendship to the enemy
Na nikla aankh sae thaeri ek aansoo oos jara hath par Did not come from your eyes even a drop of tear on this surgery
Kiya seenae mae jisnae khoonchakaan mishgaane-soazan koe Did in the heart who tasted beloved from piercing the needle\
Khuda sharmaaye haathon koe keh rakhthe hain kashakash mae God let shame the hands which are kept in dialemma
Kabhee maeri gareebaan koe kabhee jaanan kae daaman koe Sometimes on my caller sometimes beloved’s ‘pallav’!
Abhee ham qathlgah ka dekhna aasan samajhthe hain Already we think slaughter house’s sight easy to see
Naheen daekhaa shanawar joo-ye-khoon mae thaere thausan koe Did not see swimming in the rivers of blood your noble steed
Huva charcha joe maere paanu kee zanjeer ban-nae kaa When there was arguments of my feet tied in chains
Kiyaa bethaab kaan mae jumbishe-jowhar nae aahan koe Became powerless my ears with gems of magnet-irons
Khushee kya khaeth par maere agar sau baar abr aawae What happiness, upon my fields clouds spread hundred fold
Samajhtha hoon ki dhoondae haye abhee sae burq khirman koe I understand lighting is in search right now for pile of my unthrashed corn
Vafadaari basharthe-usthwaari asl-eemaan haye Fidelity to humans is the most powerful true faith
Maere buthkhaane mae thoe kaabe mae gaadoe brahman koe In my temple or in kaaba go burry the preacher (Brahmin)
Shahadath thee maeri khismath mae joe dee thee yeh khoo mujh koe Martyrdom was so inscribed in my fate, that gave me this disposition
Jahaan thalwarr koe daekha, jhuka daetha thaa gardan koe Whenever I saw a sword, my neck I offered naturally
Na loottha din koe thoe kab raath koe yoon bekhabar soatha Were not to be robbed in day light why at night carelessly sleep
Rahaa khatka na choree kaa duaa daetha hoon rahzan koe There would not be suspicion of steeling, would have blessed the highway robber
Sookhan kya kah naheen sakthae keh goeyaa hoa jawaahir kae? Poetry can I not recite from the world either to gems?
Jigar kya ham naheen rakhthae keh khoa daen jaa kae maadan koe? Do I not possess the heart that can loose an entire mine?
Maere shahae-sulaimaan jaah sae nisbath naheen ‘Ghalib’ With my sovereign lord’s rank I have no affinity ‘Ghalib’
Fareedoon-vo-jam-vo-kaikhusro-vo-daraab-vo-bahman koe As of Faraedoon, or Gam, or Khaikhusroo or Daarab or Bahman
*****
61. Shikwae kae naam sae bemehar khafa hotha haye Complaint, from the very name the unkind angry becomes
Yah bhee mat kah keh joe kahiye thoe gilaa hoatha haye Even this do not say, whatever be said in throat it becomes
Par hoon maye shikwae sae yoon, raag sae jaisae baaja But I am from complaint this way, melody from musical instrument
Ek zara chaediyae, phir daekhiyae kya hoatha haye Just lightly play, then see what it becomes
Goe samajhtha naheen par husne-thalaafee daekha Although comprehend not but beauty of relationship see
Shikwa-ye-joar sargamaen-jafa hoatha haye From grievance of tyranny hot headed offender becomes!
Ishq kee raah mae haye charqe-makaokab kee voh chaal In the path of love there is star studded skies that move
Susth-roe jaise koyee abala-pa hoatha haye Lazy motion like some blistered footed one’s become
Kyoon na taharaen hadaf-ye-naavake-bedaad keh ham Why not await unjust arrow’s target, that I
Aap uttha laathae hain gar theer khatha hoatha haye Myself pick up and bring the arrow offender it becomes
Khoob tha, pahle sae hoe thae joe ham apne badqaah Excellent it was, from beginning were we to be our malignant
Keh bhalaa chaahthae hain aur buraa hoatha haye That wish do we good but only bad it becomes
Naala jaatha tha pare arsh sae maera, aur ab Complaint used to go beyond throne of God, but now
Jeeb thak aatha haye joe aisaa hee rasaa hoatha haye Till tongue does it come, as it is, comprehensive it becomes
Khaama maera keh voh haye Barbude-bame-sookhan Pen of mine is that of Barbud (a famours poet) assembly of poets
Shah kee madah mae yoon nagma saraa hoatha haye Sovereigns appreciative poetry this way above head becomes
Aye shahanshahe-kawakib sipah-au-maehar-alam Oh king of kings of the constellations, soldier of knowledge of the sun
Thaere ikraam kaa huq kis-sae adaa hoatha haye Your honour’s claims from whom discharged becomes
Saath iqleem ka haasil joe faraham kee jae Of seven regions produce be brought together
Thoe voh lashkar kaa thaere naal-bahaa hoatha haye Then your armies horses shoe wear becomes
Hur maheenae mae joe yah badr sae hoatha haye hilaal Every month that full moon becomes the crescent
Aasthaan par thaere mah naasiyaan saa hoatha haye Of your doorstep the moon bends prostrating forehead becomes
Main joe gusthaagh hoon aayine-gazal-khwaani mae I am that arrogant that I come to recite ‘Ghazal’
Yeh bhee thaera hee karam zaukhe-fizaa hoatha haye This too is your benevolence of pleasure becomes
Rakhiyo ‘Ghalib’ mujhe iss thalkhoan navaaii mae muaaf keep ‘Ghalib’ in this acrimonious voice pardoned
Aaj kuch dard maere dil mae sivaa hoatha haye To day some pain in my heart additional becomes
*****
62. Zikr oos paree wash kaa, aur phir bayaan apna Mention of that beautiful angel, thereafter declaration of mine
Ban gaya raqeeb aakhir, tha joe raazdan apna Became my rival after all, who was intimate friend of mine
Mayae voh kyoon bahuth peethae bazme-gair mae yaarab Wine do they excessively drink sitting in the assembly of strangers oh god
Aaj hee huva manzoor oonkoe imthehaan apna To day itself gained approval to them trial of mine
Manzar yek bulandee par aur ham banaa sakthae Spectacle at an elevation one more I could have built
Arsh sae oodhar hoatha, kaash kae makaan apna Beyond the empyrean were, if only, the house of mine
Dae voh jis khadar zillath ham hanseen mae taalaengae Let her give in any manner disgrace, I will ward off smiling
Baare aashnaa niklaa oonka paasbaan apna Confidential friend, became her door keeper of mine
Darde-dil likhoon kab thak, jaavoon unko dikhlaa doon Affliction of heart do I write till when, let me go and show her
Oongliyaan figaar apni, khaana khoonchakaan apna Fingers wounded are mine, the writing blood tasted of mine
Ghisthe-ghisthe mit jaatha, aapnae abas badlaa Rubbing repeatedly would have erased, you in vain did change
Nange-sijdaa sae maere, sange-aasthan apna Prostrating I would your doorstep, with naked forehead of mine
Ham kahaan kae daana thae kis hoonar mae yaktha thae Where I was an expert, in which art I was exclusive
Besabab huva ‘Ghalib’ dushman aasmaan apna Without reason oh ‘Ghalib’ the sky became enemy of mine
*****
63. Roanae sae aur ishq mae bae baak hoe gayae By weeping and passionate love fearless we became
Dhoeyae gayae ham ithnae keh bas paak hoe gayae We were effaced so much that clean we became
Sarfe-bahaaye-mayae hoove aalaathe-maikashee The expenses for drinks became instruments to make wine
Thae yeh hee doe hisaab sae yoon paak hoe gayae These were the only two accounts that chaste we became
Ruswaa-ye-dahar goe huvae aawaargee sae thum In society became so infamous due to vagrancy that we
Baarae-thabeeyathoan kae thoe chaalaak hoe gayae In short by disposition very clever we became
Kahatha haye kaun naala-ye-bulbul koe be-asar Say who lamentations nightingale is not impressed
Pardae mae gool kae laakh jigar chaak hoe gayae In hiding the vitals of the rose lakhs of rents became
Poochae haye kyaa wujood-vo-adam ahale-shaukh kaa Questions what existence and non existence about people’s passions
Aap apni aag kae khaso-khaashaak hoe gayae By their own hatred useless rubbish they became
Karnae gayae thae oos-se thagaaful ka ham gilaa Had gone to her making grievance about indifference
Keh yaek hee nigaah keh bas khaak hoe gayae Just one look was enough that ashes we became
Iss rang sae oothaaii kal oosne ‘Asad” ki naash In such a way lifted yesterday was “Asad’s” coffin
Dushman bhi oosko daekh kae ghamnaak hoe gayae Even enemies looking there on sad they became
64. Thoo doasth kisee kaa bhee sithamgar! na hoova tha You were friend of any one oppressor you had not become
Auroan pae haye voh zulm keh mujh par na hoova tha On others was that tyramy on me it had not become
Choedaa mahae-naqshab kee tharah dasthe-khazaan nae Left like moon of Naqshab hands of death (a imposter in a town in Turkey caused moon to ascend from pit)
Khursheed hunooz ooske baraabar na hoova tha Sun hither to equal with it had not become
Thaufeeq ba-andaaze-himmath haye azal sae Divene guidance by estimate of courage is from origin
Aankhoan mae haye voh khathrah keh gauhar na hoova tha In the eye was that drop pearl it had not become
Jab thak kih na daekha tha khadareyaar ka aalam Untill then I had not seen height of paramour’s esteem
Maye mauthaakhide fithna-ye-mahshar na hoova tha Me a believer in tumult, day of resurruction it had not become
Maye saada-dil aazardagee-yaar sae khush hoon Me plain hearted with distressed love I am happy
Yaanae sabakh-ye-shaukh mukharrar na hoova tha Meaning, from education of love, a repeat I had not become
Dariya-ye-maasee thunak-aabee sae huava khushk The oceon of sin due to shortage of water had become dry
Maera sare daaman bhee abhee thar na huva tha Even my head scarf till then wet it had not become
Jaaree thee ‘Asad’ daage-jigar sae maere thahseel Continuing was ‘Asad’ from wounded heart’s attainment
Aathishkadah jaageere-samandar na hoova tha A furnace, a fief of ocean it had not become
*****
65. Thum jaanoe thumkoe gair sae joe rasmo-raah hoe You know, for you with stranger that custom and usage be
Mujh koe bhee poochthae rahoe thoe kya gunaah hoe To me too if you keep asking what sin it would be
Bachthae naheen muaakhaza-ye- roaze-hashr sae No escape from impeachment on the day of resurruction.
Khaathil agar raqeeb haye thoe thum gawaah hoe If the killer is rival you a witness be
Kya voh bhee baegunah-kush-vo-haq-naash naas haye What, he too is guiltless in killing and innocent of truth
Maana keh thum bashar naheen, khursheedo-maah hoe Granted you are not mortal, sun and moon be
Oobhra hoova nikhaab mae haye unke yaek thaar In the raised veil of her is one thread
Martha hoon maye keh yeh na kiseekee nigaah hoe Dying I am, it may not some one’s glance be
Jab maikadah choota thoe phir ab kya jagah kee khaid When from tavern let off now what place be a prison
Masjid hoe, madrasa hoe, koyee qaanqah hoe Mosque it be, school it be, a tomb of saint be
Sunthae hain joe bihishth kee thaareef sab durusth We hear of heaven’s praises of perfection
Laikin khuda karae voh thaera jalwa gaah hoe Oh god! I wish it were your nuptial throne be
‘Ghalib’ bhee gar na hoe thoe kuch ayesaa zarar naheen ‘Ghalib’ too if were not to be there is no such harm
Duniya hoe yaarab aur maera baadshah hoe The world be, O Lord be, and my Soveriegn be
****
66. Kahathae hoe na daenge ham, dil agar pada payaa Say you I will not give, heart if found lying unwanted.
Dil kahaan keh gum keejae, hamnae muddaa payaa Where can you conceal the heart, I received it as a wish
Ishq sae thabeeyath nae zeesth kaa mazaa payaa Love as obsession paved existence cestasy
Dard kee dawaa paayee, dard baedawa paaya Got pains cessation, but pain without any cause
Doasth-daare dushman haye, eithimaade-dil maaloom! Friends of enemies they are trust worthiness of heart you know!
Aah beasar daekhee, naala naarsaa paaya A sigh incosequential saw, lamentation unworthy became
Saadgee va poorkaree, bekhudee va hushiyaaree Simplicity or smartness, senselessness or sobriety
Husn koe thagaaful mae jurrat-aazmaa paaya Beauty in attention courage testing I found
Gooncha phir lagaa khilnae, aaj hamne apna dil The bud then started to bloom, today? I my heart
Khoon kiya huva daekha, gum kiyaa hoova paaya To be killed I saw, to be hidden I saw
Haale-dil naheen maaloom, laikin iss khadar yaanee The condition of heart I do not know, however in this way, meaning
Hamnae baaraha dhoonda, thumne baarah paaya I searched times without number, you bewildered found
Shoer-pasand naaseh nae zakhm par namak chidka Tumult loving preacher salt on wounds sprinkled
Aap sae koyee poochae, thumne kya mazaa paaya? If some one asks you, what pleasure did you taste?
*****
67. Yek zarra-ye-zameen naheen baekaar baagh kaa Not even a little earth is wasted of a garden
Yaan jaadahe bhee fatheela haye laalae kae daag kaa Here the pathway is the wick of tulips misfortune
Bae mayae kisae haye thaakhathe-aashoebe-aagahee Without drinks who has the strength to face tumult of worry
Kheenchaa haye ajze-hawsalah nae khath ayaagh kaa Drawn is impotant courage from mark on the goblet
Bulbul kae kaarobaar pae haye khanda-haaye-gul From the nightingales business depend the smile of rose
Kahthae hain jisko ishq, khalal haye dimaag kaa What is called passion is, confusion of the mind
Thazaah naheen haye nashsha-fikre-sukhan mujhae Fresh it isn’t my intoxication for composing poetry
Thiriyaaki-ye-khadeem hoon doodae-charaagh kaa Opiate in antiquity I am like smoke emanating from lamp
Sau baar bande-ishq sae aazaad ham hoovae Hundered times incarcerated by love liberated I was
Par kya karaen keh dil hee adoo haye faraagh kaa But what to do the heart itself is enemy of liesure
Be khoone-dil haye chashm mae maujae-nigaah ghubaar Without blood is heart in the eyes are waves of dust
Yeh maikadah kharaab haye mayae kae suraagh kaa This tavern is spoiled by the tracks of wine
Baage-shaguftha thaera bisaathe-nishaathe-dil The blooming garden of yours, carpet of joyous heart
Abre-bahaar khamkadah kiskae dimaag kaa The clouds of spring is tavern of whose brain it is
*****
68. Kabhee naekee bhee oos kae jee mae gar aajaaye haye mujhse If goodness in her heart were to be for me
Jafaayen karkae apnee yaad sharma jaaye haye mujhse Being faithful my memory is feeling ashamed for me
Khudaaya jazbe-dil kee magar thaaseer ooltee haye Oh god reign of heart’s penetration is inverted
Keh jithna khaenchtha hoon aur khichtha jaaye haye mujhse However much I pull more and more stretching is for me
Voh badkhoo aur maeri daasthaane-ishq-thoolaanee That bad habit my fable of love is so lengthy
Ibaarath mukhthasar, khaasid bhi ghabra jaaye haye mujhse Composition abridged, letter bearer too is agitated for me
Udhar voh badgumaanee haye, idhar yeh naathwaani haye There that mistrust is, here this weakness is
Na poochaa jaaye haye ussae, na bolaa jaaye haye mujhse Enquiery from her cannot, no convincing is possible for me
Sambhalnae dae mujhae yeh na-ummeedi kya khayaamath haye Composure let me have, oh hopelessness, what oppression it is
Keh daamaane-khayaale-yaar choota jaaye haye mujhse That even the comfort from thoughts of beloved’s parasol escaping for me
Thakalluf bartharaf, nazzaargee mae bhee sahee laikin Formality upon extremity in appearance right though
Voh daekha jaaye, kab yeh zulm daekha jaaye haye mujhse That can be seen, when this injustice is bearable for me
Huvae hain paanvu hee pahalae nabarde-ishq mae zakhmee The feet have become even before battle of love wounded
Na bhaaga jaaye haye mujhse na tahhra jaaye haye mujhse To run I am in no position, nor stopping is possible for me
Khayaamath haye ki hoavae muddaii kaa hamsafar ‘Ghalib’ The day of doom (khayamuth) that become accusers fellow traveller ‘Ghalib’
Voh kaafir joe khuda koe bhee na saunpaa jaaye haye mujhse That atheist whom even to God offering is not possible for me
*****
69. Jaur sae baaz aayae, per baaz aayaein kya From tyranny turned back, but turn back what
kahthae hain ham thumko mooh dikhlaayen kya I do tell you my face shall I show you what
Raath-din gardish mae hain saath aasmaan Night and day in revolution is seven spheres
Hoe rahaega kuch na kuch, ghabraayein kya Will be happening something or other, be agitated what
Laag hoe thoe ooskoe ham samjhaen lagaao Enemity if there is to which we will consider attachment
Jab na hoe kuch bhee thoe dhoakaa khaayein kya When nothing ever happens do I be decieved or what
Hoe liyae kyoon naamabar kae saath-saath Why did I the letter carrier kept company
Yaarab apne khat koe ham pohchaayaen kya? Oh god my letter I myself deliver or what?
Mauje-khoon sar sae guzar hee kyoon na jaaye The surge of blood over the head why not flow
Aasthaane-yaar sae oothh jaayaen kya? From threshold of beloved do I get up and leave what ?
Oomr-bhar daekha kiyae marnae ki roah The whole life did look out for the death’s passage
Mar gayae par, daekhiye dikhlaayaen kya Did die but, show me, show do I what
Poochthae hain voh ki ‘Ghalib’ kaun haye Asking they are, who is this ‘Ghalib’
Koyee bathlaavoe keh ham bathlaayaen kyaa Will some one tell me, I tell them what
70. Moosardah, aye-zaukhe-aseeree keh nazar aathaa haye Happy tidings oh desire to be imprisoned in sight appears
Daame khaalee khafas-ye-murge-girafthaar kae paas The price is free caged bird imprisoned close by.
Jigar-ye-thashnah-ye-aazaar thasallee na hoova The pain loving lungs with ailment was consoled not
Jooye khoon hamnae bahaayee bune-har-khaar kae paas The brook of blood I dripped every thorn’s tip close by.
Maond gayeen khoelthae hee khoelthae aankhaen haay haay! Closed did the eyes opening as opened ah alas!
Khoob vakhth aayae thum iss aashiqe beemaar kae paas Good time did you come this sick lover close by.
Maye bhee ruk-ruk kae na martha joe zubaan kae badlae I too would not faltering died, the promise in exchange
Dashna yek thaez-asaa hoatha maere ghamkhwaar kae paas A dagger sharp were to be with my tormentor close by.
Dahan-ye-shair mae jaa baithiyae laikin aye dil In the mouth of lion do go and sit but oh heart
Na khadae hoajiyae khoobaane-dil-aazaar kae paas Do not go near those beautiful heart tormentors close by.
Daekh kar thujh koe, chaman baskah-nam karthaa haye Looking at you, the garden starts blowing
Khud-bakhud pahunchae haye gul goasha-ye-dasthaar kae paas By themselves have reached the roses corner of turban close by
Mar gayaa phoad kae sar ‘Ghalib’-ye-vahashee haay-haay! Died breaking the head ‘Ghalib’ a savage ah alas!
Baithna ooska voh aakar thaeri deewaar kae paas Sitting by her after coming, at his wall close by.
*****
71. Yaad haye shaadi mae bhee hangaama-ye “yaarab!” mujhe Remember do I in marriage too uproar ‘Oh God” to me.
Subah-ye-zaahid huva haye khanda-zaere-lub mujhe In the morn abstinent has become laughing in undertones to me.
Haye kushaade-khaathire-wabasthaa dar rahnae sukhan Is opening hospitality door attachment to thoughtful poetry
Thaa thilismae-kufle-abjad khaana-ye-makthab mujhe Was a spell unlocking alphabetical chamber of academy to me.
Yaarab iss aashufthagee kee daad kis-sae chahiyae Oh god this distraction’s praise who requires
Rashk aasaaish pae haye zindaaniyon kee ab mujhe Jealousy of comfort of the prisoners is now to me.
Thabaa haye mushthaaqe-lazzath haaye-hasrath kyaa karoon Disposition is longing for taste of unsatisfied desire what I do
Aarzoo sae haye shikasthe-aarzoo mathlab mujhe For yearning is the conquest of desire is the purpose for me.
Dil lagaakar aap bhee ‘Ghalib’ mujhee sae hoe gayae ? By giving your heart you too ‘Ghalib’ like me become ?
Ishq sae aathae thae maanae mirza saheb mujhe ! From love’s obsession you used to come, meaning, princely gentleman to me !
*****
Masthee ba-zaukhe-gaflathe-saaqi halaak haye In toxication by delight of insensibility of wine server is lost
Mauje-sharaab yak mish-ye-khwaab naak haye Waves of wine in sleepy eye lids is lost.
Juz zakhme-thaege-naaz naheen dil mae aarzoo Except wounds from sparkling sword there is no desire in heart
Jaibae-khayaal bhee thaere haathon mae chaak haye The imaginary pockets in my dress by your touch is lost.
Joashe-junoon sae kuch nazar aathee naheen ‘Asad’ Due to passionate madness nothing is visible ‘Asad’
Sahraa hamaree aankh mae yek mushthe-khaak haye The dosert in my eyes is a handful of dust is lost
*****
72. Thapish sae maeri waqfe-kashmakash har thaare-bisthar haye Due to agitation my legacy of wrangling in every tread of mattress is
Maera sur ranje-baalain haye maera than bore-bisthar haye My head is the cause of my pillows misery, my body weight of mattress is.
Sishke-sur basahra dadah, noorul aine-daaman haye My tears that flow parasol’s (daaman) light of the eyes is
Dilae baedastho-pa ufthaadah, barkhurdaare bisththar haye Heart without hands or feet miserable, obedient of the mattress is.
Ba thoofaan gaahe-joashe-iztharaabe-shaame-thanhaayi Cought in the storm of frequently tumultous anxious evening of loneliness
Shuaaye-aafthaabe-subahe-mahshar thaare bisthar haye Rays of the sun like the morn of doomsday (mahsher) threads of mattress is.
Khushaa iqbaale-ranjoori, iyaadath koe thum aayae hoe Happy good fortune of illness, enquiring of a sick person you have come
Farooq-ye-shama-ye-baalaen thaale-bedaar-bisthar haye Brightness of lamps pillow rising fortunes watchful mattress is.
Abhee aathee haye boo, baalish sae uskee zulfe-mishkeen kee Even now comes the smeall in living, of her musk locks
Hamaari deed koe khwaabe-zulaikha aare-bisthar haye Our dreams of visions of Zulaekha shame of mattress is
Kahoon kya, dil kee kya haalath haye hijre-yaar mae ‘Ghalib’ What shall I say, what is the condition of heart in the seperation from beloved ‘Ghalib’
Ki baethaabi sae har-yek thaare bisthar khaare-bisthar haye Due to restlessness every thread of mattress is thorns of mattress is
*****
73. Ajab nashaath sae jallaad kae chalaen hain ham aagae With amazing cheerfulness, from executioner we are walking ahead
Keh apne saayae sae, sur paanv sae haye doe kadam aagae That from our shadow too, from head and foot two steps ahead
Khazaa nae thaa mujhe chaaha kharaabe baada-ye-ulfath Fatality had the wish for me lustful wine attachment
Fakhath kharaab likhaa, bus na chal sakaa khalam aagae Merely badly write, enough would not go pen ahead.
Ghamae-zamaana nae jhaadi nashaathe-ishq kee masthee The pains of age brushed aside cheerful loves lassitude
Vagarna ham bhee uthaathae thae lazzathe-alam aagae Otherwise we too would have lifted the flavour of agony ahead.
Khuda kae waasthae daad iss junoone-shaukh kee daenaa For god’s sake, praise, that lunacy of love do give
Kehooske dar pe puhanchthae hain naamabar kae hum aagae That we her door reach, even from the messanger ahead.
Yeh umr-bhar joe paraeshaaniyan uthaaii haye hamnae This life long troubles that I have borne
Thumhaare aayiyo aye thurrah-haaye-kham-ba-kham aagae Your curly eyelashes coil by coil ahead.
Diloe-jigar main per afshaan joe yek mauja-ye-khoon haye In the heart and lungs on diffusion one wave of blood there is
Ham apne zaam mae samjhae huvae thae isko dam aagae We in our pride used to think our breath is ahead.
Khasam janaaze pae aanae kee khaathae hain ‘Ghalib’ Oath on my funeral to come, do they take ‘Ghalib’
Hamaesha khaathe thae joe maeri jaan ki kasam aagae Always used to swear who used to swear on my life ahead.
*****
74. Bahuth sahee ghame-gaethee, sharaab kam kyaa haye? Many are the worlds sorrows, spirits why few be?
Gulaame-saaqi-ye-kausar hoon mujhko gam kyaa haye! Servant of server of kausar (river in paradise) I am, to me why sorrow be!
Thumhaari tharzo-rawish jaanthae hain ham, kya haye Your fasion and custom know do we, what they are
Raqeeb par haye agar luthf, thoe sitham kya haye ? On the rival is thy favour, then what oppression be ?
Katae tho shab kahae kaate tho saanp kahlaawae If KAT (passed) night it is called, if KAAT (bite) serpant to be called
Koyee bathaavo kaevoh zulfe-kham ba kham kyaa haye Some one show me what those coils and coils of curls be.
Likha karae koyee ahkaame-thaal-ye-maulood Write some one commands of rythmic gospels (Islamic maulood)
Kisae khabar haye ki vaan jumbishe-khalam kya haye Who has the information that what magnetic pen there be.
Na hashre-nashr ka kaayal na kaesho-millath kaa No day of resurruction’s conviction nor of customs and tradition
Khuda kae wasthe aisae kee phir kasam kya haye For heaven’s sake of such a person what oath would be
Voh daade-deed jiraamaaya sharth haye hamdam That priceless views praises condition campanion
Vagarna moohre-sulaimaani-jaamo-jam kya haye Otherwise seal of Solomon (propet) wine of Jamshed what be.
Sookhan mae khaama-ye-‘Ghalib’ kee aathish-afshaanee In poetry pen of ‘ghalib’ sparkling sprinkling of gold
Yaqeen haye hamko bhee, laekin ab oosme dam kya haye! Confidence I have, yet now in it what vitality be!
*****
75. Saadagi par ooski mar jaane kee hasrath dil mae haye On simplicity of hers to die longing in heart it is
Bas naheen chaltha keh phir khanjar kafae-khaathil mae haye To hold one in check again dagger in the hand of killer it is.
Daekhna thaqdeer kee lazzath keh joe oosnae kahaa See destiny’s flavour that she said
Mainae yah jaana keh goya yah bhee maere dil mae haye I too this I came to know as if this too in my heart it is
Garche haye kis-kis buraaii sae valae baa-ayen hamah If it is from which of my wickedness yet with all that
Zikr maera mujhse behthar haye keh oos mahfil mae haye Account of me better than myself in that assembly it is
Bas hujooma-na-ummeedee, khak mae mil jayaegee Enough host of disappointment, to dust it will return
Yah joe yek lazzath hamaari saii-bae haasil mae haye This one flavour in my failed efforts it is
Ranjae-rah kyoon kheechiye, vaamandgee koe ishq haye! Grief’s passage why draw, fatigue do I court!
Ooth naheen saktha hamaara joe khadam manzil mae haye! Can not be retraced is my step, in assembly it is!
Jalwa-zaare-aathishae-dozaq hamaara dil sahee! Splendour of groaning fire of hell my heart be!
Fithna-ye-shorae-khayaamath kiskae aab-vo-gul mae haye? The torture of doomsday (khayamath) in whose water and soil it is?
Haye dilae-shoereeda-ye-‘Ghalib’ thilisme-paecho-thaab It is heart disturbed of ‘Ghalib’ magician of perplexity
Raham kar apnee thamanna par keh kis mushkil mae haye Be merciful on his desire see in what difficulty it is
*****
76. Sargashthagee mae aalame hasthee sae yaas haye Due to madness with entire mankind terror it is
Thaskeen koe dae navaeed keh marnae ki aas haye To consolation give invitation that death wish it is
Laetha naheen maere dil-aawaara kee khabar I would not have taken my prodigal heart’s report
Ab thak voh jaantha haye keh maere hee paas haye Till now it knows that in my own possession it is
Keejae bayaan suroore-thabe-gham kahan thalak Do recount exhileration wretchedness of sorrow till when
Har moo maere badan pae zabaane sipaas haye Every hair on my body in spech of praise when it is
Haye voh guroore-hoosn sae baegane-ye-wafa She is due to pride of beauty stranger to fedility
Harchand ooske paas dilae-haqshanaas haye Although near her heart acquainted with truth it is
Pee jis khadar milae, shabe-mahthaab mae sharaab Do drink in whatever manner you get in the moon-lit night wine
Iss balgamee mizaaj koe garmee hee raas haye To this phlegmatic attitude heat alone peak it is.
Har yek makaan ko haye makeen sae sharf ‘Azad’ To every house. Oh ‘Asad’ its resident lends dignity
Majnu joe mar gaya haye tho jungal oodas haye Majnu is dead, the forest in mourning it is.
77. Gar khaamushee sae faayda iqfa-ye-haal haye If from silence profit concealment condition is
Khoosh hoon keh maeri baath samajhnee-muhaal haye Happy I am that my subject to comprehend impossible is
Kisko sunaavoon hasrathe-izhaar kaa gilaa To whom do I relate my grief expressions complaint
Dil fardae-jamaa-vo-kharje-zubaan nihaa-ye-lal haye Heart fragment collection and dumb tongues fiery attack is
Kis pardae mae haye aayina pardaaz aye khuda In which curtain she is decorating before looking glass oh god
Rahmat keh oozr-khwaahe labae-baesawaal-haye Mercy that apologetic lips not asking question is
Haye haye! Khuda na khwastha voh aur dush manee? Ah alas1 God forbid she and enemity?
Aye shaukh muhfail! Yae thujhe kya khayaal haye O impudent shame! To you what fancy this is
Mishkeen libaase-kaaba Ali kae khadam sae jaan Musky dress kaaba from Ali’s footstep alive
Naafe-zameen haye na keh naafe-ghazaal haye Centre of earth it is (kaaba) and not naval of gazelle is
Vahshath pae maeri arsa-ye-aafaakh thang thaa In feat my life’s horizon was limited
Dariya zameen koe araqye-infiaal haye For sea and earth perspiration of shame is
Hasthee kae math faraeb mae aajayiyae ‘Asad’ The desires of peculation you get in oh ‘Asad’
Aalam thamaam halka-ye-daame-khayaal haye The entire human faternity cost conscious is.
*****
78. Shaukh har rang raqeebe-saroa-saamaan niklaa Fondness, in every hue a manner of rival came out
Khais thasweer kae pardae mae ooriyaan niklaa Khais (majnu) even in the picture screen naked came out
Zakhm nae dad na dee thang-ye-dil kee yaarab The wound did not appreciate the narrowness of heart oh god
Theer bhee seena-ye-bismil sae par afshaan niklaa Arrow too from the wounded breast shaking the wings came out
Boo-ye-gul, naala-ye-dil, doode-chiraag mahfil Fragrence of flowers, lyrics from heart, milky light of assembly
Joe thaere bazm sae niklaa sau paraeshaan niklaa When passed our presence, hundred times embarrassed came out.
Chand thasweer-boothan chand haseenoan kae khathooth Some pictures of idols some beautiful women’s letters.
Baad marnae kae maere ghar sae yeh saamaan niklaa After my death from my house these things came out.
Aye nao-aamaaz-fanaa himmathe-dooshwaar pasand! O! from nine directional desolation, desirous to face difficulty
Saqth mushkil haye ki yeh kaam bhi aasaan niklaa Very difficult it is, this work too simple came out.
Dil mae phir giriye nae ek shoar oothaaya ‘Ghalib’ The lamenting heart then sent such a cry oh ‘Ghalib’
Aah joe khathraa na niklaa thaa sau thoofaan niklaa A sigh which had not surfaced storming hundred fold came out.
*****
79. Dil maera soaze-nihaan sae bae mahaaba jal gayaa Heart of mine from internal grief unaccountably burnt out
Aathishae khaamosh kae manind goya jal gayaa Silent fire in resemblance as if burnt out.
Dil mae zauqe-waslo-yaade-yaar thak baaqi naheen In the heart pleasure of union, memory of beloved too did not remain
Aag iss ghar mae lagee aisee keh joe thaa jal gayaa Fire in this house broke out in such a way that whatever was there burnt out.
Maye adam sae bhee parae hoon, varna ghafil! baaraha I am from beginning at a distance, otherwise unmindful!
Maeri aahe-aathisheen sae baole-ankhaa jal gayaa From my sighs flares wings of phoenix (a rare bird) burnt out.
Arz keejae jawhare-andaesh kee garmee kahaan? Do petition principles of agitation its heat where it is?
Kooch khayaal aaya tha vahshath kaa keh saharaa jal gayaa Some thoughts had come of savageness that the forest burnt out.
Dil naheen, thujhko dikhathaa varnaa daagoan kee bahaar There is no heart, otherwise I would have shown you the spring of wounds.
Iss charaagan kaa, karoon kya, kaarfarmaan jal gayaa Of this illumination, what do I do, its administrator burnt out
Maye hoon aur afsurdagee kee aarzoo ‘Ghalib’ ! keh dil I am there and meloncholies yearning ‘Ghalib’ that the heart
Dekhkar tharze-thapakae ahle-duniyaan jal gayaa Seeing the style of esteem the worldly people burnt out.
*****
80. Jahaan thaera nakhshe-khadam daekhthae hain Where ever your foot prints do we see
Khiyaaban-khiyaaban iram daekhthae hain Flower bed after flower bed paradise we see
Note: Iram – A famous garden in Arabia model of paradise built by SHADDAD, an ancient king of Yemen.
Dil aashuf thagaan khaale-koonjae-dahan kae Heart distracted a mole in the corner of the mouth
Suwaidaa mae sairae-adam daekhthae hain In the hearts core rhythm of amusement non existing we see.
Thaere survae-khamath sae yik khadde-aadam From your lifeless figure of the hight of man
Khayaamath kae fithnae ko kam daekhthae hain Resurruction days (khayamath) perfidy rarely do we see.
Thamaasha ! kehaye mahve-aayina daaree Fun ! The one absorbed in watching the mirror
Thujhe kiss thamanna sae ham daekhthae hain To you with what longing do we see.
Suraagae-thufa-naala lae daage-dil sae Searching shameful lamentation from spotted heart
Ki shabroo ka nakhshe-kadam daekhthae hain That night travellers foot prints do we see.
Banaakar fakeeron ka ham bhaes ‘Ghalib’ Making the beggars garb oh ‘Ghalib’
Thamaasha-ye-ahle-karam daekhthae hain The fun and frolics of the world do we see.
*****
81. Koyee din gar zindagaani aur haye Some more days of life if also there is
Apnae jee mae hamnae thaanee aur haye In my mind I have, the determination also there is.
Aathishae-dozakh mae yeh garmee kahaan In the hell-fire where there is such heat
Sauze-gam-haaye-nihaanee aur haye The heart of grief meaning in secrecy also there is.
Baaraha daekhee hain oonkee ranjeeshaen Often have I seen their indignation
Par kooch ab kae sargiraani aur haye Still of present some anger also there is.
Dae kae khath muh daekhthaa haye naamabar Delivering the letter the messenger looks at my face.
Kooch thoe paigaame-zabaanee aur haye Ever so little oral messages also there is.
Khathaye-aamaar haye aksar nujoom Terminators of life are ordinarily the stars
Voh balaa-ye-aasmaanee aur haye These misfortunes of the skies also there is.
Hoe chukaen ‘Ghalib’ balaayen sab thamaam Exhausted are, ‘Ghalib’ all misfortunes, completely
Yaek marge-naag-haanie aur haye One unnecessary death also there is.
*****
82. Mazae jahaan kae, apnee nazar mae khaak naheen Pleasures of the world, in my view they are worthless
Sivaaaye khoone-jigar, soe jigar mae khaak naheen Other than blood in the lungs, blood in every direction is worthless
Magar, gubaar hoova par hawaa lae jaaye However clouds of dust became, but winds blow it away
Wagarna thaabe-thawaan baalo-par mae khaak naheen Otherwise test endurance or stand against is worthless
Yeh kis bihishth shamaail kee aamad-aamad haye This of which heavenly qualities inspiration it is
Keh gaire jalwa-ye-gool rahguzar mae khaak naheen But for in effectual splendour flowers of the path are worthless.
Bhalaa oosae na sahee kooch mujhee koe raham aathaa Good if not her a little to me compassion were to come
Asar maere nafs-ye-be-asar mae khaak nahee Effect on my in effective respirations are worthless.
Khayaal jalwa-ye-gul sae khadaab hain mai kash The thoughts of splendour of flowers are wasted the drunkards
Sharaab khaane kae deewaro-dar mae khaak naheen The walls and doors of the tavern are worthless.
Hoova hoon ishq kee gaarathgaree sae sharmindaa I have become from loves plundering ashamed
Sivaaye hasrathe-thaameer ghar mae khaak naheen Other than longing to build the house is worthless.
Hamaare shahar mae ab sirf dillagee kae ‘Asad’ In our city except laugher oh ‘Asad’
Khula keh faayidaa arze-hunar mae khaak naheen The profits of exchange, any talent is worthless.
*****
83. Ghamae-duniya sae gar paayee bhee fursat sar oothaanae kee From sorrows of the world if were to get leisure to lift the head
Falak kaa daekhna thaqreeb thaere yaad aanae kee Heaven’s sight is almost like your memory coming to head.
Khulaega kiss tharah mazmoon maere makthoob ka, yaarab Start in what manner composition of my letter oh god!
Khasam khaayee haye oos kaafir nae kaagoz kae jalaanae kee An oath, that athiest, has taken to burn up the paper
Lipatna parniyaan mae shola-ye-aathish ka aasaan haye Wrapping up in silk, a flame of fire is easier
Valae mushkil haye hikmath dil mae souze-gham chipaanae kee Than concealing in a turbulant heart stoking misery.
Unhaen manzoor apne zakhmiyon kaa daekh aana thaa To them acceptable our wounded receiving visitation of solicitude
Oothae thae saire-gul koa daekhna shouqie bahanae kee Prepared to take a walk in the flower garden, to see pleasure seeking
Hamaari saadgi thee ilthifaathe-naaz par marnaa It was our simplicity to die for dignity of courtesy
Thaera aana na thaa zaalim magar thamheed jaanae kee Your coming was nothing but a preparation for your leaving
Lakhad koobae-hawaadis kaa tahammul kar naheen sakthae Kicking and pounding of misfortunes I cannot endure.
Maeri thaakhath keh zaamin thee buthoan kae naaz oothnae kee My strength was a surety to share the splendour of idols
Kahoon kya khoobi auzaaye abnaaye zamaan ‘Ghalib
What do I say about the collective human-kind of the age ‘Ghalib’
Badee kee oosnae jis sae hamne kee thee barah naekee
Mischief he did for whom I had done a dozen good deeds.