Nauhaa
by
Faiz Ahmed Faiz
Mujhko shikwaa hai mere bhai, ki tum jaate-jaate
Le gaye saath meri umr-e-guzishtaa ki kitaab
Ismein to meri bahut keemti tasveerein thi
Isme bachpan tha mera aur mera ahd-e-shabaab
Iske badle de gaye mujhe tum jaate-jaate
Apne gham ka yeh dehektaa hua khoonrang gulaab
Kya karoon bhai, yeh aizaaz main kyonkar pehnoon
Mujhse le lo meri sab chaak kameezon ka hisaab
Aakhri baar ab lo maan lo ek yeh bhi sawaal
Aaj tak tumse main lautaa nahin maayoos-e-jawaab
Aake le jaao tum apnaa yeh dehektaa hua phool
Mujhko lautaa do meri umr-e-guzishtaa ki kitaab
Elegy
translated by
Mustansir Dalvi
I have a grouse, mere bhai, that while leaving
you took away with you my book of remembrance.
There were so many priceless images within.
My childhood and youth lay secure in its pages.
And upon departing, instead, you left for me
the pulsating, bloodshot rose of your own sorrow.
Well, what do I do with this?
Why should I wear this at all?
Here, take account of all my rent raiments,
but consent, one last time, to give me an answer,
for you have never turned me away without a response.
Come! Take back from me your throbbing bloom,
only return to me my book of remembrance.
Translation and Transliteration © Mustansir Dalvi, 2012, All rights reserved.