Ghazals of Ghalib
Translated by
84. Marham naheen haye thoo hee navahaaye raaz kaa
Here otherwise in what veil, is concealment of secrets.
This is the time cheerful rose alas! Its splendour is.
Me and sorrow of yours a sigh extended it is.
A lure I am of one sensation of life consuming it is.
Every corner is a carpet of revellers of wine drinking .
Devastated, searching sorrows deserter ‘Asad’ became.
The breast, it was hidden treasure of gems of secrets.
*****
85. Laraztha haye maera-dil zahmatha-mehre durkhashaan par
I am that drop of dew, which is attached to thistle in the desert.
That Majnu used to write alphabets on the walls of the school.
That in separation from you, fire was raining in the rose garden.
Besides the zeal to fly what whims would be left out
‘khayamath’s’ fierce winds are there on the ruins of martyers.
Do not fight the moralist Oh Ghalib, what if he were to use violence ?
Hamaara bhee tho aakhir zoar chaltha haye giraebaan par!
Our power after all has a reach, only upto our own collar!
*****
86. Fariyaad kee koyee layae naheen haye
Of complaint sympathy there isn’t
Naala paaband-ye-nayye naheen haye
Lamentation obedient to flute isn’t
Kyoon boathae hain baag baan thoonabae
Why do gardners grow hollow gourd
Gar baag gadaaye-mayae naheen haye
If garden to the beggars wine isn’t.
Harchand har yek shayye mae thoo haye
Although in every lyric you are present
Par thujh-see thoe koyee shayye naheen haye
However like you lyric there isn’t.
Haan khaayiyoe mat farebe hasthee
Indeed receive not deceitful cowardly gains
Harchand kahaen keh haye, naheen haye
Although of some where those are, isn’t
Shaadie sae goozar keh gam-na-hoayae
Having gone through marriage sorry did not feel
Urdee joe na hoe thoe dayae naheen haye
‘Urdee’ (Persian second month) were not to be ‘Dayee’ (Persian month) there isn’t.
kyoon radde-khadooh kare haye zaahid
Why smash the goblet does the preacher
Mayae haye yeh maghaz kee kayae naheen haye
Wine it is honeybees honey isn’t.
Hasthee haye na kuch adam haye ‘Ghalib’
Existence it is and not non existence ‘Ghalib’
Aakhir thoo kya haye, ayae naheen haye!
After all what are you, O! you! “isn’t!”
*****
87. Aa keh maeree jaan koe kharaar naheen haye
Now in my life tranquility there is not
Thaakhathe-baedaade-inthezaar naheen haye
The strength to bear oppression of waiting there is not.
Daethae hain jannath hayathe-dahar kae badlae
Offer they heaven life’s achievement in return
Nashshaa ba-andaaza-ye-khoomaar naheen haye
Inebriety with measure of intoxication there is not.
Giriyaa nikaalae haye thaeree bazm sae moojhko
Weeping removed from your assembly I am
Haaye keh roanae pae iqthiyaar naheen haye
Alas on crying control there is not.
Hamse abas haye ghumaane-ranjishae-khaathir
From me in vain for pride of oppressions sake
Khaak mae ush-shaaq kee ghubaar naheen haye
In the dust lovers vexation there is not.
Dil sae uthaa loothfe-jalwah-haye-maanee
With heart take pleasure splendour of meaning
Gaire-ye-gul aayinaa-ye-bahaar naheen haye
Without rose mirror of spring there is not.
Khathl kaa maere kiyaa haye ahad thoe baare
Execution of mine what obligation at last
Vaaye-agar-ahad oosthwaar naheen haye
Woe to you in the obligation firmness there is not.
Thoone khasam maikashee kee khayee haye ‘Ghalib’
You have taken a pledge to be a drunk ‘Ghalib’
Thaeri khasam ka kooch aithbaar naheen haye
In your promises confidence there is not.
*****
88. Phir kooch yek dil koe baekharaaree haye
A heart seeking a mortal wound there is.
Advent of harvest of obeisance to master there is.
The heart is the buyer of shameful pleasure there is.
Voh hee sadgoona ashakbaaree haye
The same hundred times weeping there is.
Day of resurrection’s restlessness there is.
Daily marketing object surrender there is.
Once again we desperately love the ungrateful
Phir wahee zindagee hamaaree haye
Once again the very same our life there is .
For shedding tears proclamation of decree there is.
*****
89. Hoovi thaaqeer thoe kooch baayise-thaaqeer bhee thaa
In that a little foulness of virtuous destiny was there.
In prison of yours, to your savage, the same locks memory.
Yes there was an agony of weight of chains was there.
Yousuf (beautiful) I call him and he does not reply, let it be
If sat offended I was deserving punishment was there.
Dekhkar gair koe hoe kyoon na kalaeja thandaa
Lamentations I was making yet desire for impressioning was there.
In the profession there is nothing lacking, do not give name to Farhad
Ham hee aashuftha-saroan mae voh jawaan meer bhee thaa
I am among deranged people that adolescence was there
Ham thoe marnae koe khadae, paas na aayaa, na sahee
We are standing for execution, no one came near, let it be
Aakhir oos shauq kae tharkash mae koyee theer bhee thaa?
After all in that zealots quiver some arrow was there?
Pakdae jaathae hain farishthoan kae likhae per naahaq
We are being arraigned on the complaint of angels unnecessarily.
Aadmi koyi hamaara dame-thahreer bhee thaa?
Is any man acquitted in self confessed innocence was there ?
Raeqthee kae thumheen oosthaad naheen hoe ‘Ghalib’
In urdoo you have no teacher they say ‘Oh Ghalib’
Kahthae hain aglae zamaane mae koyi Meer bhee thaa
It is said in the age gone by some one called Meer was there.
*****
90. Jab thak dahaane-zaqm naa paidaa karae koyee
Till then, there, wound is not created by some one
Mushkil keh thujhse raahe-sukhan wa karae koyee
Difficult it is for you the path of lamentation open by some one
Aalam ghubaare-vahshathe-majnu haye sar-basar
Mankind in the mist of grief of majnu are entirely
Kab thak khayaale-thurra-ye-laila karae koyee
Till when thoughts of locks of Laila create by some one.
Afsurdagee naheen tharab inshaa-ye-ilthifaath
Dejection is not, to hilarious composition respect
Haan dard ban kae dil mae magar jaa karae koyee
Yes, pain concentrated put into heart by some one.
Roanae sae aye nadeem malamath na kar mujhe
From crying oh friend rebuke me not
Aakhir kabhee thoe uqdaye-dil wa karae koyee
After all some time entangled heart open by some one.
Chaakae jigar sae jab rahae-pursish na wa huvee
With torn lungs when the path of enquiry open did not
Kya faaidaa kae jaeb ko ruswaa karae koyee
What is the profit that to pocket dishonour some one
Laqthae jigar sae haye rage-har khaar shaaq-ye-gul
From cursing heart fiber of every thorn bearing bunch of roses
Thaa chand baagh baaniye-sahraa karae koyee
How long? gardening of desert perform by some one.
Naakamiyaan-ye-nigaah haye barqe nazaaraah souj
Failure is in sight of lightning’s striking heat
Thoo voh naheen keh thoojh koe thamaasha karae koyee
You are not that one, that poke fun of you by some one.
Har sange-khishth haye sadafaye-gauhare-shikasth
Every stone or brick is shells protecting pearls failure
Nuqsaan naheen, junoon sae joe sauda karae koyee
No losses, with the insane if business do by some one.
Sarbar hoovi na na vaadaye-dabr aazmaan sae oomr
Free of obligation did not a promise testing patience the whole life
Fursat kahaan keh thaeri thamanna karae koyee
Where I have the leisure that your ardent desire do by some one.
Haye vahshathe-thabeeathe-eejaad yaas khaez
There is loneliness in nature to invent arid rise
Yah dard voh naheen keh-na-paida karae koyee
This is not that pain cannot create by some one.
Baekariye-junoon koe haye sar peetnae kaa shugl
Unemployed is fury to beat the head is the occupation
Jab haath toot jaayen thoe phir kyaa karae koyee
When the hands are broken what can do by some one.
Husne-faroage-shmaaye-sookhan door haye’Asad’
Beauty of brightness of candle poetry is far away ‘Asad’
Pahlae dilae-gudaakhtha paidaa karae koyee
First melting heart do create by some one.
*****
91. Kyoon na hoe chashme-buthaan mahve-thagaful kyoon na hoe
Why it should not be image in the eyes, absorbed in expectation, why not
Yaani iss beemaar ko nazzare sae parhaez haye
Meaning, to this patient from the panorama abstinence there is
Marthae marthae, daekhnae kee aarzoo rah jaayegee
While dying, a lounging to see will remain
Vaaye naakaamie keh oos kaafir ka khanjar thez haye
Alas! failure, that atheists dagger is sharp
Aaarizae-gul dekh roo-ye-yaar yaad aayaa ‘Asad’
Complaining rose seeing wept friends did you remmeber ‘Asad’
Goshishae-faslae-bahaarae ishthiyaaq angaez haye
Overflowing spring time! Is rousing yearning.
92. Calcattae kaa joe zikr kiyaa thoonae hamnasheen
Of Calcutta the mention you have made oh associate
Yek theer maere seenae mae maara kae haaye-haaye
An arrow in my breast is struck oh Alas!
Voh sabzah-zaar-haaye-mutharra keh, haye gazab!
That green gardens oh rain pouring so violant!
Voh naazneen buthaane-khudaara keh haaye-haaye
Those delicate women so self decorated Ah Alas!
Sabr aazmaa voh oonkee nigaahaen keh, haf nazar
Trying your patience is their eyes, that evil eye
Thaakhath rubaa voh unka ishaara keh, haaye- haaye
Power to pretentious those signals Ah Alas!
Voh maeva-haaye-thaazah-sheereen keh, vaah-vaah
That fruit oh so fresh and so sweet Ah Alas!
Voh baada-haaye-naabe-gawaara keh, haaye-haaye
That wine oh so pure so agreeable Ah Alas!
*****
93. Aaiina kyoon na doon keh thamaasha kahaen jisae
Mirror why not offer that joke it be called
Aisaa kahaan sae laevoon keh thujh-saa kahaen jisae
From where do I bring that like you be called.
Hasrath nae laa rakhaa thaeri bazmae-khayal maye
Longing has placed me in association of your thought
Gooldasthaye-nigaah suvaida kahaen jisae
Bouquet of looks the heart’s core be called.
Phoonka haye kisnae goashe-muhabhath mae aye khuda
Blown me who has in beloveds attachment Oh god!
Afsaane-inthizaar, thamanna kahaen jisae
In a spell of waiting longing be called.
Sar par hujoome-darde-gareebie sae daaliyae
On the head wandering lust mendicant do place
Voh yek mushthe-khaak keh sahraa kahaen jise
That one handful of dust desert be called.
Haye chashme-thar mae hasrathae-deedar sae nihaan
The damp eyes from longing to see more
Shaukhae-inaan-gusekhtha, dariyaa kahaen jisae
Very intense zeal ocean be called
Darkaar haye shagufthane-gul-haaye ayesh koe
Comprehension for splendid roses to bloom
Subhe-bahaar, pambaye-meenaa kahae jisae
Morning of spring, cotten placed on decanter be called
‘Ghalib’ buraa na maan joe waaiz burra kahae
‘Ghalib’ do not take ill if preacher wicked say
Aysaa bhee koyee haye keh sab achcha kahaen jisae
Is there any one that every one good be called.
*****
94. Hawas koe haye nishaathe-kaar kya-kya
Ambition has the springtlines to do what activities
Na hoe marna tho jeenae kaa mazaa kyaa
Without death what charm there is in life
Thajaahul paeshgee sae muddaa kya
Knowingly pretend ignorance what compliant there is
Kahaan thak aye saraapa naaz, kya-kyaa?
Till when oh coquettish pride, what all ?
Nawazish haaye-baejaa daekhtha hoon
Politeness of compassion I do see
Shikaayath-hoaye-rangeen kaa gilaa kyaa
Accusations of such elegance, what complaint.
Nigaahe-be muhaaba chahatha hoon
Observation of irresponsibility I desire
Thagaaful-haaye-thankeen-aazma kyaa
The inclination for testing what power.
Faroagae-sholaye-khas yek nafs laye
Illumination from fire of burning husk is momentary
Hawas koe paase-naamoose-wafa kyaa
To lust what respect for fidelity there is
Nafs maujae-muheethae-baekhudee haye
Breath like waves of mindless ocean is
Thagaaful haaye saaqi ka gilaa kyaa
Neglect of saaqui what grievance there is
Mukaaba kyaa haye, main zaamin, idhar daekh
Respect what there is, I am a surety, look at me
Shahee daane nigah kaa khoon bahaa kya
A martyr of glances what blood did flow.
Sun aye gharathgharae-jinse-wafa, sun
Listen, oh robber of human fidelity, listen
Shikasthae-kheemathe-dil kee sadaa kyaa
Conquered heart’s price what value is
Kiya kisnae jigardaari kaa daawaa?
Who has the courage’s made a claim?
Shikaebe-khathirae-aashiq bhalaa kyaa
Patience and tranquility of lover what it is.
Balaye-jaan haye, ‘Ghalib’ ooski har baath
Calamity of life it is ‘Ghalib’ her every talk
Ibaarath kyaa, ishaarat kyaa, adaa kyaa!
What style, what sighs, what coquetry!
*****
95. Naheen keh mujh koe khayamath ka aethiqaad naheen
Nay, to me the doomsday faith in it I have not
Shabe firaaq sae roaze jazaa ziyaad naheen
The night of separation, the day of retribution greater it is not.
Koyee kahae keh shabe-mah mae kya buraayee haye
Some people may say in the moonlit nights what evil there is
Balaa sae, aaj agar din ko abro baad naheen
Calamity it is, if today during day cloud or breeze there is not.
Joe aavoon saamnae oonke thoe marhabaa na kahaen
If I come before them, welcome! they will not say
Joe jaavoon vaan sae kaheen ko thoe khair baad naheen
If I go away to some other place from there, fare well! they say not
Kabhee joe yaad bhee aatha hoon maye tho kahthae hain
If remembered even I am sometimes they say.
Keh aaj bazm mae kuch fithna vo fasaad naheen
That, today in the assembly, disturbance or brawl there is not !
Alaedah eid keh milthee haye aur din bhee sharaab
Other then on ‘Eid’ on other days too liquor you get
Gadaaye koocha-ye-mayae khana na muraad naheen
From the beggars abode the tavern unfortunate it is not.
Jahaan mae hoe gam-vo-shaadi baham, hamain kya kaam!
In the world do happen grief and joy together, to us what matters!
Diyaa haye humko khudaa nae voh dil keh shaad naheen
Given to us has God that heart which pleased it is not
Thum ounkae vaadae kaa zikr oonsae kyoon karoe ‘Ghalib’
You their promise to them remind, why do you oh ‘Ghalib’
Yeh kya keh thum kahoe aur voh kahaen keh yaad naheen
It is like this, you tell them and they say, remember I do not.
*****
96. Voh maeri cheene jabeen sae ghame pinhaan samjhaa
He, from my wrinkles on the forehead concealed grief understood
Raaze makthoob bah bae-rubthayee unvaan samjhaa
Secret message of epistle from incoherence of the heading understood.
Yek alif baesh naheen saikhalae-aayina hanooz
One superior glance is not like polished mirror, still
Chaak kartha hoon maye jab sae keh garaebaan samjhaa
Rent do I since when the beggars collar understood.
Sharhe asbaabe girifthaari-ye-khaathir math pooch
To explain the incarceration of heart what occurs to mind do not ask
Is khadar thang huva dil keh maye zindaan samjhaa
In this manner constricted was heart that a prison understood.
Badgamaanee nae na chaaha oosae surgarame khiraam
Suspicious did not desire his hot headed elegant walk
Rookh peh har khathrah arq deedah hairaan samjhaa
On the face every slight vein a sight of wonder understood.
Aij sae apnae yeh jaana keh voh badkhoo hoagaa
From wretchedness of mine thought he would be evil minded
Sabze-khas sae thapish shoala soazaan samjhaa
From fresh green grass heat of blaze exciting understood
Safare-ishq mae kee zuaf nae raahath thalabee
In the journey of love feebleness tranquility did demand
Har khadam saaye koe maye apnae shabisthaan samjhaa
Every step my shadow I bed chamber understood
Thaa guraezaan misrah-yaar sae dil thaa-damae marg
Was a fugitive from beloved’s eyelashes the heart till death
Dafye payekaane-khazaa iss khadar aasaan samjhaa
Warding off arrows fatality so easy understood
Dil diyaa jaan kae kyoon oos koe wafaadaar ‘Asad’
Gave away life why did I knowingly, faithful ‘Asad’
Ghalthee kee keh joe kaafir koe musalmaan samjhaa
Mistake I did, that an atheist (Kaafir) a believer (mussalmaan) understood.
*****
97. Shabnam-ba-gulae-laala na khaalee-ze-adaa haye
Dew upon rose or tulip is not additional elegance there is
Daage dil bae-dard, nazar gaahe-hayaa haye
The wound in heart without pain, viewing place of shame there is
Dil khoon-shuda hae kashmakashae hasrathae deedaar
Heart blood filled turbulent pining for interview
Aayina bah dasthae buthae bad-masthe heena haye
The mirror in the hand of naughty playful beloved with ‘henna’ there is
Shoaulae sae na huvee hoathee, hawase-shoalah nae joe kee
From blaze does not happen, the passions flame that did.
Jee kiss khadar afsardagee dil pae jalaa haye
Soul in what manner on dejected heart burns there is.
Thamshaal mae thaeri haye voh shaukhee keh ba-sad zaukh
In your portrait is such ardour that hundreds of delights
Aayina ba-andaaze gul aagoash-kushaa haye
The mirror in manner of flowers open bosom there is.
Khamree kafae khaakisthar vo-bulbul khafse-rung
Khamree (a bird) like handful of ashes is imprisoned in colourful cage
Aye naala! nishaanae jigar sookhtha kya haye?
Oh lamentation! the aim on the burnt out heart there is?
Khoo sae thaeri afsardah kiya vahshathe dilkoe
Habit of yours has how depressed the lonely heart
Maashooquie-vo-bae-howsalgee thurf-balaa haye
Being beloved and spiritless a new distress there is.
Majbooree-vo-daava-ye- girafthaariye ulfath
Forced accusation of destinies intimacy
Dasthae-thahae sang aamadah paimaane wafaa haye
The hand crushed under the stone, ready for fidelity to goblet there is.
Maaloom hoova haale shaheedaane guzishthaa
Came to know about the state of martyrs of past
Thaege sitham aayinah thasveer-numaa haye
Sword’s cruelty is mirrored in the picture there is.
Aye parthawae-khursheede-jahaan thaab! idhar bhee
O sun’s rays receiving world’s pride! this way too
Saayae kee tharah ham-pae ajab waqth padaa haye
Like shadow on us odious time engulfed there is
Naa kardhah gunaahoan kee bhee hasrath kee milae daad
Unfulfilled sins even if hankered should have forgiveness
Yaa rab agar in kardah gunaahoan kee sazaa haye
Oh God for these committed sins if punishment there is.
Baegaangee khalaq sae bae-dil na hoe ‘Ghalib’
With the alien world do not be dejected ‘Ghalib’
Koayee naheen thaera, thoe maeri jaan, khudaa haye
Even if no one is yours, oh my dear, Almighty god there is.
*****
98. Dahar mae naqshe wafa wajah thasallee na huvaa
In lifetime the picture of fidelity reason satisfactory did not.
Haye yeh voh lafz keh sharmindah maani na huvaa
It is that word which ashamed of its meaning did not.
Sabzah-ye-khath sae thaera kaakul sar-kash na dabaa
With blade of grass your ringlets rebelled press did not
Yeh zumurroo bhee hareefe damae afee na huva
This emerald too rival of hiss of serpant did not.
Dil guzargaahe khayaale mayae vo saagar hee sahee
Heart a highway of thoughts of wine and cup be it
Gar nafs-jaadahe sar manzilae-thaqvee na huva
If breath a pathway leading to house of abstinence did not.
Maye nae chaaha thaa kae andohae wafa sae chootoon
I did desire that from anxiety of fidelity relieved
Voh sithamgar maere marnae pae bhee raazee na huva
That tyrant on my death too compromise did not.
Hoon thaere vaada na karnae mae bhee raazee keh kabhee
I am even in your refusal to promise agreed that some time
Gosh minnath-kashae gool-baange thasallee na hoova
The ear under obligation to notes of nightingale console did not.
Kis sae mahroomee kismath kee shikayath kee-jae
To whom do we complain about the damned fate
Ham-nae chaaha thaa keh mar jaayain, voh bhee na hoova
I welcomed death, even that happen did not.
Mar-gaya sadmaa yek jumbish lab-sae ‘Ghalib’
Died from shock of shaking of lips ‘Ghalib’
Naathwanee sae hareefe dame aisee na huva
From infirmity rival’s life of Jesus did not.
*****
99. Payae nazrae karam thohfa haye sharmae-naar-saayee kaa
The feet offering of devotion gift of shame of failure
Ba-khoon ghaltheedah sae-rang daavayee paar saayee kaa
By hundred ways bloodless claim of chastity
Na hoe husne thamaasha doasth ruswaa bae-wafayee kaa
Unlikely elegant sight of friends disgrace of infidelity
Bah mohrae sad-nazar saabith haye daawayee paarsaayee kaa
With stamp of hundred looks proved the claim of chastity
Zakaathe hoosn dae, ayae jalwah-ye-baneesh, keh mahr aasaa
Charity of beauty give, oh glowing eyes resembling sun
Chiraage khana-ye-darwaesh hoa kaasar gadaayee kaa
The lamp of beggars home is the bowl of mendicant.
Na maara jaan kar bae-jurm, ghaafil! Thaeri gardan par
Did not knowingly assault guiltless but carelessly! on your neck
Rahaa maanindae khoonae bae-goonah haq aashnaai kaa
Became like guiltless of murder of claim of a friend.
Thamannayae zabaan mahve-sipaese bae-zabaanee haye
The longing tongue absorbed in thanks is speechless
Mitaa jis sae thakhaaza shikwah-ye- bae-dasth vo-paayee kaa
Ended from whom demand for payment on plea of inability to pay.
Wahee yek baath haye joe yaan nafs vaan nikhath-gul haye
That is the one talk which in here is breath and there scent of rose.
Chaman kaa jaleah baa is haye maari rangeen nawayee kaa
The garden’s splendour is the cause for my muted voice.
Dahaane-har-buthae paighaarah joe zanjeere-ruswayee
Quarrelsome every lovers face is in chains of disappointment.
Adam thak bae-wafa charchaa haye thaeree bae-wafayee kaa
Till the next world is the discussions of your infedility.
Na dae naamae koe ithnaa thoal ‘Ghalib’ mukhthasar likh dae
Do not give to the letter so much length ‘Ghalib’ short do write.
Kae hasrath sanj hoon urze sitham haayae judaayee kaa
That grief stricken I am petitioning injustice due to seperation.
*****
100. Rashk kahtha haye keh ooska gair sae iqlaas haef
Envy tells she has with stranger intimacy Ah alas!
Aql kahthee haye keh voh bae-mahr kis kaa aashnaa
Reason is telling, that unkind, whose can be intimate
Zarrah zarrah saaghare mayae-khaana naerang haye
Bit by bit the assembly of drunkards are becoming fickle
Gardishae Majnoo bah chashm- kahaaye Laila aashnaa
Wandering of Majnu near ardour of Laila how can be intimate.
Shaukh haye saamaan tharaaze naazishae arbaabe ajz
Fondness is preparing adornments boasting weak minded nobles.
Zarrah, sahraa dasthagaah vo khathrah, dariyaa aashnaa
Little, wilderness of intellect is a drop in the ocean how can be intimate.
Maye aur yek aafath kaa tukdaa, voh dil wahshee keh haye
Me and a piece of calamity, that barbaric heart it is
Aafiyath kaa dushman aur awaargee kaa aashnaa
Prosperities enemy and wagabond’s how can be intimate.
Shikwah sanje rashke hamdeegar na rahna chaahiyae
Reproachfulness and malice combind should not co-exist
Maera zaanoan-moanish aur aayina thaera aashnaa
My lap is my intimate friend and mirror yours, how can be intimate
Koahakan naqaashae yek thamashaale Sheereen thaa, ‘Asad’
Kohakan (Farhaad) a sculptor of figure of Sheereen ‘Asad’.
Sang sae sar maar kar hoe-vay na paidaa aash naa
Against stone battering the head are not evolved who can be intimate.
*****
101. Naala, juz husne thalab, aye sitham eejaad, naheen
Lamentation, factor of seekers of elegance oh suppression, invention is not
Haye thaqaazaaye-jafa, shikwah baedaad naheen
It is a demand for satisfaction of oppression, complaint of injustice is not.
Ishq vo muzdooree ishrath-gah Khusroo, kya khoob
Love and labour delight of palace slave of king Khusroo, how excellent
Ham-koe thasleem niko-naamee Farhaad naheen
To us salutation to good name of Farhaad is not
Kam naheen voh bhee kharaabee mae pahe dusat maalloom
Wanting he is not in desolation feet’s dimensions know
Dashth mae haye mujhae voh aish keh ghar yaad naheen
In desert there is for me the joy that my home’s recollection is not.
Ahle baneesh koe haye thoofaane hawaadis makthab
For the people of discernment storms of desolation are an academy
Lathma mauj kam azseeliye usthaad naheen
The buffeting waves lesser then a slap of the teacher is not.
Waaye mahroomee thasleem vo bada haale wafaa
Alas! wretched salutation to fates condition of fidelity
Jaantha haye keh hamain thaakhathe faryaad naheen
He knows that to us strength to complain there is not.
Rangae thamkeen gul-vo-lala parae shaan kyoon hain
Colour of authority of rose and tulip distressed why they are
Gar charaagaane sare rahaguzare-baad naheen
If the lamp in the path of wind there is not.
Sabade gul kae thalae band karae haye gulcheen
Underneath the basket of flowers have trapped the gardner
Musardah! aye murgh, keh goolzaar mae sayyaad naheen
Be thankful! oh bird, in the garden the hunter there is not.
Nafyee sae karthee haye isbaath tharaadish goyaa
From negation does the corroboration of guilt as it were
Dee haye jaaye dahan oos koe, damae eejaad, naheen
Given to it is the place of mouth at the time of creation is not.
Kam naheen jalwah-giree mae thaere koochae sae bihishth
Lesser it is not in splendour your residence is from heaven
Yahee naqshaa haye, valae iss khadar aabaad naheen
This picture is, however like it populated it is not
Karthae kis munh sae hoe ghurbath kee shikaayath ‘Ghalib’
With what face of the alien land you complain ‘Ghalib’
Thum-koe bae maehree-ye-yaaraane wathan yaad naheen?
To you unkind memory of your country men is not?
*****
102. Vaan pohanch kar joe khash aathaa payae ham haye hamkoe
Reaching there that do I swoon pursuit of anxiety is to us
Sadrah aahange zameen boase khadam haye ham koe
Hundred paths of ways of earth prostrating is to us.
Dil-koe maye aur moojhae dil mahve wafa rakhtha haye
Heart to me and me to the heart is attachment to fidelity there is.
Kis khadar zauqe girifthaaree ham haye ham koe
In what manner delight of captivity anxiety is to us.
Zuaf sae naqshe paye-moor haye thauqe gardan
From infirmity prints of feet peacock chained on the neck
Thaere koochae sae kahaan thaaqathe ram haye hamkoe
From your alley where strength to flight is to us.
Jaan kar keejae thagaaful keh kooch ummeed bhee hoe
Knowingly do be indifferent so that some hope be there
Yeh nigaahae ghalath andaaz thoesam haye hamkoe
This look of fallacious style, there, poison is to us.
Rashkae ham tharhee vo darde asre baange khareen
Jealous anxious invitation that painful effect of cry of melancholy
Naala murge sahr-thaeghe doe-dam haye ham koe
Call of morning bird sword for few days of life to us.
Sar udaanae kae joe vaadae koe mukarrar chaahaa
To sacrifice the head that promise I repeatedly wished
Hans kae boalae keh thaerae sar kee khasam haye ham koe
Smilingly she said that your heads oath is to us
Dil kae khoon karnae kee kyaa wajah, voh laikin naachaar
Hearts rendering into pieces what reason, that is so helpless
Paas bae-raunaqee deedah aham haye ham koe
In possession lack lustre eyes important is to us
Thum voh naazuk keh khamooshee koe faqaan kahthae hoe
You so delicate that silence you clamour say
Ham voh aajiz keh thagaaful bhee sitham haye ham koe
We those powerless that neglect too tyranny is to us.
Lucknow aanae kaa baa is naheen khulthaa yaani
Lucknow to visit the occasion does not arise, meaning
Hawase sairoe thamasha, soe voh kam haye ham koe
The desire to tour and enjoy, that direction rare is to us.
Maqthayae silsilah shauq naheen haye yeh shahr
Solemn and tradition bound is not this city
Azmae sairae Najaf vo thaufe haram haye ham koe
Ambition to tour Najaf ( Tomb of Hazrath Ali) and pilgrimage to Kaaba is to us
Liyae jaathee haye kaheen yaek thawaqqa ‘Ghalib’
Takes me somewhere one expectation oh Ghalib
Jaadah rah kashish kaafe karam haye ham koe
Right path, way of allurement sufficient fortune is to us.
* * * *
103. Bisaathe ajz mae thaa yaek dil, yek khathrah khoon voh bhee
In capacity powerless was one heart, one drop of blood that too
Soe rahthaa haye ba-andaaze chakeedan sar nigoon voh bhee
In sleep does it lie drooping bowed head that too
Rahae oos shaukh sae aazardah ham chandae, thakalluf sae
Remaining from that longing we sometime, with formality
Thakalluf bar tharaf, thaa yaek andaaze-junoon voh bhee
Formality on extremity, was a degree of madness that too.
Khayaale marg kab thaskeen dil aazardah koe bakhshae
Thoughts of death till when consolation to dejected heart bestow
Maere daame thamanna mae haye yek saide-zaboon voh bhee
In my everlasting wish there is one wicked prey that too.
Na karthaa kaash naala, moojh koe kya maaloom thaa hamdam
If were not to compose poetry, what I know oh friend
Keh hoagaa baaise afzaaishe darde-daroon voh bhee
That it will be cause of augmenting internal pain that too.
Na ithnaa burrishe-thaege jafaa par naaz farmaavoe
Do not so much on sharpness of the sword of violence pride affirm
Maere daryaaye bae-thaabee mae haye ek mauje khoon voh bhee
In my ocean of agitation it is a wave of blood that too.
Mayae ishrath kee khwaahish saaqi gardoan sae kya keejae
Wines pleasure from saaqui of heaven what to expect
Liyae baithaa haye ek doe chaar jaame vaasgoon voh bhee
Taken has he one, two, four measures of wine from inverted cup that too.
Maere dil mae haye ‘Ghalib’ shauqe vasl-vo-shikwa hijraan
In my heart is ‘Ghalib’ wish of union and complaint of seperation
Khudaa voh din karae, joe oos sae maye yeh bhee kahoon voh bhee
May God create that day, that with her I say this and that too.
*****
104. Har khadam dooree-ye-manzil haye numaayaan mujh sae
Every step far from destination is evident from me
Maeri rafthaar sae, bhaagae haye bayaabaan moojh sae
With my very speed, running is desolation from me.
Darse unwaanae thamaasha ba thagaaful quoshthar
Learning from the title of show neglect is better.
Haye nigah rishthah shairaazah misrgaan moojh sae
Is sights relationship with binding of book flowing tears from me.
Wahashthe aathishe dil sae shabe thanhaayee mae
In dread from fire of heart in the lonely nights
Soorathae dood rahaa saaya guraezaan mujh sae
Like smoke remained shadow fugitive from me.
Ghamae ushshaaq na hoe saadgee aamooze buthaan
From sorrow be not silenced you teacher of gracious beauties
Kis khadar khaanah aayinah haye veeraan moojh sae!
In what manner is glass house deserted from me!
Asre aablah sae jaadah saharaaye junoon
By virtue of wounds pathway of desert cause madness
Soorathae rish tha goahar haye charaagaan moojh sae
Like the relationship of gems is illumination from me.
Bae-khudee! bisthare-thamheede-faraagath hoe joe!
Mindlessness bed of leisurely respite were to be!
Par haye saayae kee tharah maera shabisthaan mujh sae
Full is like shadow my bed chamber from me.
Shauqe-deedaar mae gar thoo moojhae gardan maarae
Fondness to see me if you were to break my neck
Hoe nigah, masle gulae shamaa paraeshaan moojh sae
Will become like whick of the lamp, perplexed from me
Baekasee haaye shabae hijr kee vahshath haaye haaye!
Helplessness oh grief of night of partings ferocity ah alas!
Saaya khursheede-khayaamath mae haye pinhaan mujh sae
Shadow from sun of the day of doom (khayamath) to me is hidden from me.
Gardishae-saaghare sad jalwah rangeen thujh sae
Revolving goblets reflect hundreds of colours from you
Aayinah-daaree yek deedah hairaan mujh sae
Holder of mirror at a glance of me is astonished from me .
Nigah garm sae yek aag tapakthee haye ‘Asad’
Warm glances do a fire drop, oh ‘Asad’
Haye charaagaan khas-vo-shaaqe gulishthaan mujh sae
The illumination of light dust and rubbish of garden from me.
*****
105. Shab keh barqe soaze-dil sae zaharahe abr aab thaa
Night due to lighting of flaming heart very distressed it was
Shoalaye jwaalah har yek halqaye girdaab thaa
Encircling frame in every circle of whirlpool it was.
Vaan karm koe uzre-baarish thaa enaan-geer khiraam
There for action excuse of rain, a rain for stately stride
Giriyae sae yaan pamba baash kafae sailaab thaa
Due to weeping here upto cotton of pillow flood it was
Vaan khud-aaraayee koe thaa moathee puroanae ka khayaal
There for self decoration threading the pearls was the thought
Yaan hujoomae-ashk mae thaare-nigah naayaab thaa
Here in the rush of tears electricity of looks scary it was
Jalwah-gul nae kiya thaa vaan chiraagaan aabajoo
Display of roses had done there illumination of rivulets
Yaan rawaan misrgaanae chashm thar sae khoonae-naab thaa
Here current of rushing tears filled with pure blood it was
Yaan sarae-purs-hoer bae-khwaabee sae thaa deewaar joe
Here the head dreamless blocked of whom so ever
Vaan voh farqe-naaz mahve-baashe-kamkhwaab thaa
There that pride of discordance absorbed living unimaginative it was
Yaan nafs kartha thaa roashan, shamye-bazme baekhudee
Here respiration was illuminating a lamp of congregation of mindless
Jalwah-gul vaan bisaathe-sohabathae ahbaab thaa
The splendour of roses there indulgence of society of lovers it was.
Farsh sae thaa arsh waan thoofaan thaa maujae-rang kaa
From pavement to the throne of God there was tempest billowing of colours
Yaan zameen sae aasmaan thak soaqthan kaa baab thaa
Here from earth to the sky burnt up matter it was.
Naagahaan iss rang sae khoonnaabah tapkaanae lagaa
Suddenly in this manner slaughtering blood dripping became
Dil kae zaukhe-kaawashe naakhun sae lazzath yaab thaa:
Heart ecstatic as if joy from tearing with nails it was:
Naala-dil mae shab andaaze asar naayaab thaa
In lamenting heart nights deadly effect deadly it was’
Thaa sapinde-bazme-vasle-gair, goe bae-thaab thaa
Was wild rue assembly united of foreigners, speech powerless it was.
Maqdame-sailaab sae dil kya nashaath aahang haye
Preceding of the deluge what heart cheering melody there is
Khaanah aashiq,magar saaze-sadaayae aab thaa
Dwelling of lover, however filled with echo from jaltharang it was.
Naazishe-ayyaame-khaakisthar nasheenee, kya kahoon
Pride of days of aimless bantar, what do I say
Pahlooye-andaeshah waqfe-bisthare sanjaab thaa
Comforts from reflections legecy due to fur of bedding it was
Kuch na kee apnae junoone-naarsaa nae, varna yaan
Nothing was done by our impulsive unworthies, otherwise here
Zarrah-zarrah rookashae-khursheede-aalamthaab thaa
Atom by atom resembling sun’s globe-warming it was.
Aaj kyoon parwaa naheen apnae aseeroan kee thujhae ?
To day why you are not concerned with your prisoners?
Kal thak thaera bhee dil mahroo-wafa kaa baab thaa
Till yesterday your heart too affection and fidelities door it was.
Yaad kar voh din keh har yek halqa thaere daam kaa
Remember those day when every one in the circle of your esteem
Inthezaare-sayed mae yek deedah bae-khwaab thaa
Looking out for prey of the hunter unblinking eye it was
Maye nae roaka raath Ghalib koe, vagarna daekhthae
We tonight stopped ‘Ghalib’ otherwise we would have noticed
Oos kae seele-giriya mae gardoan kafe sailaab thaa
In his flooded dwelling froth choaking deluge it was.
*****
106. Zulmath-kadae mae maere shabe-gam ka joesh haye
In my dark dwelling my night lamentation’s zeal it is
Yek shama haye daleel sahar sau khamoash haye
One lamp is flickering since morn silent it is.
Nay mussardahye-visaal na nazzaarah-ye-jamaal
No greetings of union nor amorous glances of elegance
Muddath huvee keh aashthi-ye-chashm-vo-goash haye
It is ages since concord between eye and ear it is.
Mayae nae kiya haye husne khud-aaraa koe bae-hijaab
Wine has made beauties self decoration shameless
Aye shaukh yaan ijaazathe-thasleem hoash haye
Oh ardour here permissiveness homage to sense it is.
Daekhoe mujhae, joe deedah-ye-ibrath nigaah hoe’
Do see me, that eye-warming look it be
Maeree sunoe, joe goeshe-naseehath nayoesh haye
Do listen to me, which ear is seeker of good advise it is.
Saaqi ba-jalwah dushmane-eemaan-vo-aagahee
Wine server in splendour enemy of faith and insight
Zinhaar agar thumheen hawase naaye-vo-naush haye
The singer with song executioner of majesty and sense it is
Yaa shab koe daekhthae thae keh har goeshah-ye-bisaath
O! at night we used to see that every ear’s capacity
Daamaane baagh-baan-vo-kafe-gul faroash haye
Sweepings of the gardner or waste of flower seller it is.
Goahar koe iqde-gardane-khoo-baan mae daekhna
Diamond in the necklace of beloved should be seen
Kyaa auj par sithaarah-ye-goehar faroash haye
What, at the zenith the star sparkling gem it is.
Deedaar baadah, howsalah saaqi, nigaah masth
Sight of wine, capacity of server, glances inebriate
Bazmae-khayaal maikadah-ye-bae-kharoash haye
Feasting assemblies thoughts, tavern deserted it is.
Aye thaazah vaardaane-bisaathe-hawaaye-dil
O! fresh approaching carpeted breezy heart
Zinhaar agar thumhain hawase-naaye-vo-naush haye
Take care! for you lust for water of life it is.
Luthfae-khiraame-saaqi-vo-zaukhe safaaye chang
Pleasure of stately gait of wine-server, joy of notes from harp
Yeh jannathe-nigaah voh fardause-goesh haye
This heavenly sight, that garden of paradise to the ear it is
Yaa subah dam joe daekhiyae aakar thoe bazm mae
Either at dawn that you see coming to assembly
Nay voh suroor-vo-soaz na joesh-vo-khuroesh haye
None that intoxicated passion nor zeal of clamour (of judgement day) it is.
Daaghe-firaaq suhbathae shab kee jalee huvee
Wounds of separation, association of burnt-up nights
Ek shamaa rah gayee haye soe voh bhee khamoesh haye
One lamp is left, even that too silent it is
Aathae hain ghaeb sae yeh muzaa meen khayaal mae
Coming are invisibly these examples in my thoughts
‘Ghalib’ sareerekhaamah nawaayae-suroash haye
Ghalib in scratching sound of the pen opulance of voice of heaven (Gabrail) it is.
*****
107. Jis bazm mae thoo naaz sae gufthaar mae aawae
In any assembly you with pride in discourse appear
Jaan kaalubde-soorathe-deewaar mae aawae
Knowledge in human shape on the wall appear
Saayae kee tharah saath phiraen saroo-vo-sanoobar
Like shadow were to follow cypress (saroo) and pine (sanoobar) trees
Thoo iss khadae-dilkash sae joe gulzaar mae aawae
You in this alluring stature were in a garden appear.
Thab naaze-giraan maayegi-ye-ashk baja haye
Since proud of your invaluable tears in place
Jab laqthe-jigar deedahe-khoonbaar mae aawae’
Then darling child in blood shedding eyes appear
Dae mujh-koe shikaayath kee ijaazath keh sithamgar
Give me permission to complain oh oppressor
Kuch thujh-koe-mazaa bhee maere aazaar mae aawae
Somewhat to you enjoyment from my malady appear
Oos chashme-fusoon gar kaa agar paayae ishaarah
Of that sorcerer if were to receive signals
Thoethee ki tharah aayinah gufthaar mae aawae
Like a parrot in mirror in speech appear
Kaantoan ki zubaan sookh gayee pyaas sae yaarab
Thorn’s tongues dried up from thirst oh God
Ek aabalah paa waadi-ye purkhaar mae aawae
On a blistered foot obstinately thorny path appear
Mar jaavun na kyun rashk sae, jab voh thanae naazuk
Die do not why out of jealousy, when that delicate body
Aaghoeshe-khamae-halqa-ye-zunnaar mae aawae
On the bosom a noose of curls like a rosary (of hindu’s) appear
Ghaarath-gare naamoas na hoe gar hawase zar
Plundering of chastity were not to be passion of pollen
Kyoon shaahide-gul bagh sae baazaar mae aawae
Why should the beloved rose from garden in the market-place appear
Thab chaake gareebaan ka mazah haye dile-naalaan!
There is the taste of beggars apparel in the heart of lamentation!
Jab ek nafs uljha huva har thaar mae aawae
When a throb entangled in every thread appear
Aathishkadah haye seenah maera raaze-nihaan sae
A furnace is my breast compressed with secrets
Aye-waayae, agar ma-arzae izhaar mae aawae
Oh alas! If summons to testify appear
Ganjee na maani kaa thilsim uskoe samjhiyae
A treasure of meaning enchanting do observe
Joe lafz keh ‘Ghalib’ maere ish-aar mae aawae
Which words oh Ghalib in your verses appear,
*****
108. Jis jaa-naseem shaanah-kashae zulfe-yaar haye
That enveloping fragrant breeze drawing a comb through the curls of beloved is
Naafah dimaaghe aa-hoaye dashthe thathaar haye
Musk-bag is brain of forest dear called tha thaar is
Kis-kaa suraaghe-jalwah haye hayrath koe ayae khuda
Whose searching splendour there is astonishing oh God
Aayeena farshe shash jihathe-inthizaar haye
Reflections of six directional pavements expectation is
Haye zarrah-zarrah thangiyae-jaa sae ghubaare shaukh
Exists little by little narrowness of space misty ardour
Gar daam yeh haye dus-athe sahara-shikaar haye
If that is the price width of Sahara (desert) hunting is
Dil muddayee-vo-deedah bana muddayee alayh
Heart is the complainant the eye became the respondent
Nazzaarae kaa muqaddamah phir roobkaar haye
Amorous glances’ law secret then deceitful is.
Chidkae haye shabnam aayinah barge-gul par aab
Sprinkled did the dew on the mirror of rose-petals glow
Aye andaleeb waqthe vadaaye bahaar haye
Oh nightingale it is time for bidding farewell to spring is
Pach aa padee haye waadaaye dildaar kee mujhe
Support has arrived from promise of beloved to me
Voh aayae yaa na aayae pa yaan inthezaar haye
She comes or does not here look out there is.
Bae parwah soayae waadee Majnu guzar na kar
Unconcerned sleeping is the valley, Majnu do not pass
Har zarre kae niqaab mae dil baekharaar haye
In every atom’s veil the heart restless is.
Ayae andaleeb yek kafae khas bahare aashiyaan
Oh nightingale without handful of husk there is no nest
Thoofaane aamad aamade fasle-bahaar haye
Storm’s announcement of arrival springtime it is.
Dil math ganwaa, khabar naa sahee. sayer hee sahee
Do not loose heart, there be no news, strolling let it be
Aye bae-dimaag aayinah thamshaal-daar haye
O! mindless mirror, full of picturous reflection it is.
Ghaflath kafeele umr-vo-Asad zaamine-nishaath
Drowsy guarantor of life Asad’s surety of joy
Aye marge-naagihaan thujhe kya inthezaar haye
Oh sudden death to you what waiting is.
*****
109. Rafthaare umro-khatha-ye-rahae-iztheraab haye
Pace of span of life segment of anxieties path has become
Iss saal kae hisaab koe burq aafthaab haye
For this years account lightning sun has become.
Meenaaye-mayae haye sarve nishaathe bahaare-mayae
Goblet of wine creation of saroo (cypress tree) is bloom of wine
Baale-thadru jalwahe mauje sharaab haye
Wings of thadroo (chakore bird) lustre of waves of wine has become.
Zakhmee huwaa haye paashunah paayae sabaath kaa
Wounded have become heels of steady legs
Nae bhaagnae kee gauvn na iqaamath kee thaab haye
No courage to run nor staying prowess has become.
Jaadaade-baadah noashi-ye-rindaan haye shash jihath
That place of restrictions to drink wine everywhere
Ghaafil gumaan karae haye keh geethi kharaab haye
Unmindful fancies that the world depraved has become.
Nazzaarah kya hareef hoe oos burqe-husn kaa
Panorama what rival would be of that lightning of beauty (beloved)
Goeshae bahaar jalwae koe jis kae niqaab haye
Overflow of spring’s splendour wrapped in veil has become.
Maye, na-muraad dil ki thasallee koe kyaa karoon
Me, dissatisfied hearts consolation what do I do
Maana keh thaere rukh sae nigah kaamiyaab haye
Granted that from your face glance successful has become.
Guzraa ‘Asad’ masarrathe paigaame yaar sae
Passed ‘Asad’ from rapturous mission of beloved
Khaasid peh mujh-koe rashke sawaal-vo-jawaab haye
With the messenger me jealous argument has become.
*****
110. Ishq thaaseer sae naumeed naheen
Passionate love from impression hopeless it is not
Jaan-sipaaree shajre-baid naheen
Resignation jejune tree it is not
(Baid-splendid tree which does not bear fruit).
Salthanath dasth-ba-dasth aayaee haye
Kingdom hand to hand is handed down
Jaame-mayae khaathame Jamshed naheen
Goblet of wine conclusion of Jamshed it is not.
Haye thajallee thaeri saamaane wujood’
This splendour of yours is means of existence
Zarrah bae-parthavae khursheed naheen
An atom without rays sun it is not.
Raaze-ma-ashooq na ruswaa hoe jaayae
Secret of beloved let not disgrace be
Warnah mar jaanae mae kuch bhaed naheen
Otherwise in dying secret it is not.
Gardishe-rang tharab sae dar haye
Of vicissitudes colourful joy I am agreed
Ghame-mahroomee jaaveed naheen
Sorrows wretchedness eternal it is not.
Kahathae-hain, jeethae hain ummeed pae loag
It is said that people live on hope
Ham-koe jeenae kee bhee ummeed naheen
To us even of living hope it is not.
*****
111. Maaniye dashth navardee koyee thadbeer naheen
Hindrance to travelling in forests prudence it isn’t
Yek chakkar haye maere paanv mae, zanjeer naheen
A ring it is in my foot, a chain it isn’t
Shaukh oos dashth mae daudaaye haye mujhkoe keh jahaan
Longing in that wilderness is chasing me where
Jaadah gairaaz nigah-ye-deedah-ye-thasweer naheen
A pathway of foreigners sight an image in the eye it isn’t
Hasrathe lazzathe aazaar rahee jaathee haye
Longing of taste for torment would have remained
Jaadahe-raahe-wafaa, juzdame shamshaer naheen
A pathway road to fidelity, except edge of sword it isn’t.
Ranje naumeediye jaaveed! gawaara rahiyoe
Grief of despair undying! agreeable do remain
Khush hoon gar naala zaboonee-kashae thaaseer naheen
Happy I am if poetry faulty enduring influence it isn’t
Sar khujaatha haye, jahaan zaqme-sar achcha hoe jaayae’
Head itches, where wound on the head has healed
Lazzathe-sang ba-andaazah thaqreer naheen
Pleasure of being stoned according to measure oratory it isn’t.
Jab karam rukhsathe bae-baakee vo gusthaagee dae
When deeds leave boldness and arrogance give
Koyi thaqseer baijuz khajlathe thaqseer naheen
Any sin without shameful sin it isn’t
Ghalib apnaa yeh aqeedah haye baqaule Naasiq
‘Ghalib’ my creed is singing of Naasiq.
“Aap bae-baharah haye, joe muthkhade Mir naheen”
“In itself unsuccessful it is, ancient Mir it isn’t”
*****
112. Gilah haye shaukh koe dil mae bhee thangayee jaa kaa
Reproach is for desire, in the heart too sanctiness of space is
Guhar mae mahoe huwaa izthraab dariyaa kaa
In pearl is distilled turbulence of oceon is
Yeh jaantha hoon keh thoo aur pa-sukhae-makthoob!
I know this that you and regard for letter writing!
Magar sithamzadah hoon zaukhe khaamah farsaa kaa!
However oppressed I am joy in rubbing writing reed is
Hinaaye-paaye-khizaan haye bahaar agar haye yahee
Henna leaves fallen under the feet if spring this be
Wadaame-kulfathe khaathir haye ayesh duniya kaa
Perpetual affliction favour of pleasure seeking world is
Ghame firaaq mae thakleef saire-baagh na doe
In the grief of separation hardship of strolling in the garden do not give
Mujhe dimaagh naheen khandah haaye bae jaa kaa
To me pride there isn’t of laughter alas’ misplaced is.
Hanuz mahrami husn koe tharastha hoon
Hitherto, beauty of bosom friend I am hankering for
Karae haye har bune-muh kaam chashm beena kaa
Does every loud-mouth work of discerning critic is.
Dil ooskoe, pahlae hee naaz-vo—adaa sae, dae baithae
Heart to her from the beginning in pride and coquetry, gave away
Hamae dimaag kahaan husn kae thakhaaza kaa
Where I had the brain for beauties pressing settlement is
Na kah keh girya ba maqdaare hasrathe dil haye
Do not say that lamentation measure of grieving heart it is
Maeri nigaah mae haye jamaa-vo-kharj dariyaa kaa
In my view it is collection of revenue of oceon is.
Falak koe daekh kae karthaa hoon oos koe yaad ‘Asad’
Looking at heaven do, her I, reminisce ‘Asad’
Jafaa mae iss kee haye andaaz kaar-farmaa kaa
In oppression of her is manner of administrator is.
*****
113. Ham sae khul jaavo-ba-waqthe mayae parasthee yek din
From me blossom in time love of wine one day.
Warnah ham chaedaenge rakh kar uzre-masthee yek din
Otherwise we would excite keeping aside excuse for intoxication one day
Gurrahe-auje-banaaye aalame-imkaan na hoe
Pride of reaching the summit in entire world were not to be.
Iss bulandee kae naseeboan mae haye pasthee yek din
To these heightened fortunate too downfall there is one day.
Kharz kee peethae thae mayae laikin samajhthae thae keh haan
Used to drink borrowed wine, but consoled myself well!
Rang laayegee hamaaree faaqa-masthee yek din
This concealment of hunger will sparkle colourful beams one day
Naghma haaye gham koe bhee aye dil ghaneemath jaaniyae
Verses of pain and sorrow oh heart think as blessings.
Bae-sada hoe jaayega yeh saaze-hasthee yek din
Barren it soon will be, this sound of music one day.
Dhol-dhappa oos saraapa naaz kaa shaevah naheen
Thumping and slapping that head to foot airs, method it is not.
Ham hee kar baithae thae ‘Ghalib’ paesh-dasthee yek din
We our self did perform Ghalib taking the lead one day.
*****
114. Nikoehish haye sazaa-faryaadi-ye baedaade-dilbar kee
Rebuke is punishment, complaint of unjust sweet heart.
Mabaada khanda-hae dandaan-numa hoe subahe-mahshar kee
Perhaps ironical smile (displaying teeth) be morn of day of resurrection was.
Ragae-Laila koe khaake dashthe Majnu raeshgee bakhshae
To sinew of Laila dust of deserts Majnu frequented strings bestow.
Agar baudae bajaayae daana dahqaan nauk nashthar kee
If low spirited farmer instead of sowing seeds is to test point of lancet was
Pare-parwaanah shaayad baad-baane kashthiye mayae thaa
Wings of butterfly (lover) perhaps sail boat of wine it was.
Hoovee majlis kee garmee sae rawaanee daure saagar kee
Because of the warmth of assembly fluency of orbit of goblet was.
Karoon bae daade-zaukhe-par fishaanee-urz, kya khudrath
What do I of unjust joy of shedding feathers request, what existence
Keh thaaqath ood-gayee, oodnae sae pahlae, maere shahpar kee
That strength flew away, even before flying, of my royal wings was.
Kahaan thak roe-oon oos kae kheemae kae peechae, khayaamath haye!
Till when do I weep behind his tent, day of khayaamath it is!
Maeri khismath mae yaarab kyaa na thee deewaar path-thar kee?
In my destiny oh God where did not wall of stone was?
*****
115. Yek yek khathrae kaa mujhae daena padaa hisaab
Of each one drop to me it became incumbant to give account.
Khoonae jigar wadee-athae misrgaan-yaar thaa
Blood from heart deposit of eye lids of beloved it was.
Ab maye hoon aur maathame-yek-shahre-aarzoo
Now I am and mourning of one city of yearning.
Thodaa joe thoo nae aayinah, thimshaal-daar thaa
Broke did you the mirror full of picture it was.
Galiyoan mae maeri na-ash koe kheenchae-phiroe, keh maye
In lanes my coffin dragging do wander, so that my soul.
Jaan-daadah hawaaye-sare rahguzaar thaa
Life desirous, blowing like wind, in bye lanes it was.
Mauje saraabe-dashthae wafaa kaa na pooch haal
Joy of illusions in fidelities deserts do not ask the conditons.
Har zar-rah, misle jowhare-thaeg aabdaar thaa
Every atom, like shining sword, bright it was.
Kam jaanthae thae ham bhee ghame-ishq, par ab
Hardly did we know grief of love, but now.
Daekhaa thoe kam huvae pa ghamae roazgaar thaa
When they did subside, grief employment it was.
*****
116. Juz Khais aur koyi na aayaa ba rooye kaar
Except Khais no one else came to challenge
Sahra magar ba-thangee chashme-husood thaa
Sahra (desert) however was narrow from eyes of the jealous was.
Aashufthagee nae naqshe suwaeda kiya durusth
Due to weariness picture of heart’s core was rectified
Zaahir huwa keh daag ka sarmaaya dood thaa
Evident became the misfortunes capital smoke filled was.
Thaa khwaab mae khayaal koe thujh sae ma-aamilah
Was in dream the thought the business with you.
Jab aankh khulgayee, na ziyaan thaa na sood thaa
When eyes opened neither loss or profit there was.
Laetha hoon makthabe ghame-dil mae sabaq hanooz
I take from academy of sad heart lessons still
Laikin yahee keh rafth, gaya aur baud thaa
Nevertheless the same departed, past and existence was.
Dhaanpa kafan nae daaghe uyoobe-birhangee
Covered did the shroud vices of nakedness
Maye warna har libaas mae range-wujood thaa
I was otherwise in every dress naked being was.
Theeshae bagair mar na sakaa Kohkan, ‘Asad’
Without axe (of carpenter) could not die kohakan ‘Asad’
Sar gashtha khumaare rusoom vo khayood thaa
Confounding customs traditions and restrictions was.
*****
117. Bas kae fa-aal ma-yareed haye aaj
Poisoned is generosity merciless today
Har silahshoor englisthaan kaa
Every armoured soldier of England
Ghar sae baazaar mae nikalthae huwae
From home to market while proceeding
Zehraa hoatha haye aab insaan kaa
Poison becomes pride of every human being.
Chowk jiskoe kahaen voh makhthal haye
Public square which they call is slougher house
Ghar bana haye namoona zindaan kaa
House has become a model of prison
Shahar Dehlee kaa zarra-zarra-ye-khaak
City of Delhi is bit by bit reduced to ashes
Thashna-ye-khoon haye har mussalmaan kaa
Thirsty of blood is every one of muslims
Koyee vaan sae na aa sakae yaan thak
None shall come from there to here
Aaadmee vaan na jaa sakae yaan kaa
People should not go there from here
Maye nae maana kae mil gayae phir kyaa
I agree what did we get then
Wahee roana thanoe-dilon-jaan kaa
The same crying, body heart and of life.
Gaah, jal kar kya kiya shikwae
Some time, wounded make up complaints
Soajishe-daagaha-ye-pinhaan kaa
Burning of wounds concealed within.
Gaah, roakar kahaa kiyae baaham
Some time, weep do they together
Maajra deedah-ye-giriyaan kaa
Happenings of sighted attrocities.
Iss tharah kae visaal sae yaarab
Of this type of meeting oh God
Kya mitae daag dil sae hijraa kaa
What erasing of scars possible from heart of separation.
*****
118. Baagh paa kar khafkhaanee yeh daraatha haye mujhe
Receiving an orchard a hysteric in this manner frightens me
Saaya shaaghe-gul afayee nazar aathaa haye mujhe
Shadow of bough of roses a serpant appears to me.
Jowhare-thaegh ba-sar-chashmaye deegar maaloom!
Gems of sword on head exalted of another do you know!
Hoon maye voh sabzah keh zahraab ugaatha haye mujhe
I am that herbage venomous water does grow me.
Muddaa mahve thamaashaaye shikasthe dil haye
Desierous absorbed in enjoying the pain of broken heart I am
Aayina khaanae mae koyee liyae jaathaa haye mujhe
In mirrored house does some one pursuadingly takes me.
Naalah sarmaayah yek aalam-vo-aalam-kafe khaak
Lamentation stock-in-trade of humanity a handful of dust.
Aasmaan baizaye khumree nazar aathaa haye mujhe
Sky the abode of khumri named bird appears to me.
Zindagi mae thoe voh mahfil sae uthaa daethae thae
In life they used to lift me from congregation.
Daekhoon ub mar gayae par kaun uthaatha haye mujhe
Let me see that I am dead who does lift me.
*****
119. Maye unhaen chae doon, aur kuch na kahaen
I do flirtation with her, still nothing does she say
Chal nikalthae joe mayae piyae hoathae
I would have walked away were hemlock had I consumed
Khahar hoe yaa balaa hoe, joe kuch hoe
Chastisement it be or misfortune it be, what ever it be.
Kaash-kae thum maere liyae hoathae
May it so happen you were to be for me.
Maeri khismath mae gham gar ithnaa thaa
In my destiny grief was if so much
Dil bhee yaa–rab kayee diyae hoathae
Hearts too oh God many had you given me
Aa hee jaathaa voh raah par Ghalib
He too would certainly amend his manners ‘Ghalib’
Koyee din aur bhee jiyae hoathae
Some more days were he too lived.
*****
120. Kal kae liyae kar aaj na khishth sharaab mae
For the sake of tomorrow do not today stinginess in drinks
Yeh sooye-zan haye saaqi-ye kausar kae baab mae
This is doubting oh wine server, in kausar’s topic of abundance
[Kausar: River in paradise dedicated to prophet Mohammed]
Hain aaj kyoon zaleel, keh kal thak na thee pasand
Are today why abase, till yesterday abased
Gusthaagi-ye farishthah hamaari janaab mae
Arrogant apostle is challenging our exalted presence.
Jaan kyun nikalnae lagthee haye than sae dame-samaa
Life why starts leaving the body while hearing music
Gar voh sadaa samaaee haye chang-vo-rubaab mae
If that is ever so attached in harp or violin
Roo mae haye rakhshe-umar, kahaan daekhiyae thamae
Speeding is (Rustom’s) horse the span of life, let us see where it slows
Nae haath baag par haye na paa haye rikaab mae
Neither hands are on bridle nor feet are on stirrup
Oothna hee mujh koe apnee haqeeqath sae bu-ad haye
So much I am in my own condition far from reality.
Jithnaa keh vahme-ghair sae hoon paecho-thaab mae
As much I am from opinion of others in vexation.
Aslae shuhood vo-shaahid-vo-mashhood yaek haye
Present reality and witnesses attestation is the same.
Hairaan hoon phir mushaahidah haye kis hisaab mae
Astonished I am then contemplation is in which account.
Haye musthamil namoode suwar par wujoode-bajar
It is comprising display of countenances of sea of existence.
Yaan kya dhara haye khathrah-vo-maujoe-habaab mae
What here is re-duplicated in drop wave or bubble.
Sharm yek adaaye-naaz haye, apnae hee sae sahee
Shame is a manner of coquetry, with one’s own it be.
Hain kithnae bae-hijaab keh hain yoon hijaab mae
How many shameless there are who are in this way in veil.
Aaraaishe-jamaal sae faariq naheen hunooz
From adornments of elegance free I am not still
Paeshe-nazar haye aayinah daayim niqaab mae
In view is looking glass eternally in veil.
Haye ghayb-ghayb jis koe samajhthae hain ham shahood
Is invisibly hidden which we consider is present.
Hain khwaab mae hanooz joe jaagae hain khwaab mae
Are in dreams still which have awakened in dreams.
‘Ghalib’ nadeem doasth sae aathee haye booye doasth
Ghalib from companion friend comes fragrance of friend ship
Mashgoole-haq hoon bandagi-ye boo-tharaab mae
Engaged in just duty I worship the fragrance of earth.
*****