Friday, September 12, 2008

Faraz - III (Ab ke rut badalli to)

ab ke rut badalii to Khushbuu kaa safar dekhegaa kaun

ab ke rut badalii to Khushbuu kaa safar dekhegaa kaun
zaKhm phuulo.n kii tarah mahake.nge par dekhegaa kaun

dekhanaa sab raqs-e-bismal me.n magan ho jaaye.nge
jis taraf se tiir aayegaa udhar dekhegaa kaun

vo havas ho yaa vafaa ho baat maharuumii kii hai
log to phal-phuul dekhe.nge shajar dekhegaa kaun

ham chiraaG-e-shab hii jab Thahare to phir kyaa sochanaa
raat thii kis kaa muqaddar aur sahar dekhegaa kaun

aa fasiil-e-shahar se dekhe.n Ganiim-e-shahar ko
shahar jalataa ho to tujh ko baam par dekhegaa kaun


- Ahmed Faraz (text courtesy urdupoetry)


English translation (mine):


If the season changes, who will watch fragrance on its journey?
Wounds will sweeten the air like flowers, and no one will see.

Watch: the dance of the wounded will hold them entranced
No one will turn to look where the arrow came from.

Whether it’s desire or faith, it’s the wanting that counts –
People will see the fruits and flowers – who will notice the tree?

We are lamps that burn by night, why should we worry
Whose destiny the night was and who shall see the dawn?

Come, let us stand on the ramparts, watch the enemy approach
When the town burns, who will see you there, on the balcony?

No comments: