So many desires overwhelm my heart,
Many have been fulfilled, some still remain.
I heard a lot about Adam being cast out of Eden,
But ah, the disgrace, when you threw me out!
Any difference if I live or die in love?
My life you have become and soon my death too.
For God's sake let the Kaaba* remain veiled,
What if even there a "Sanam" is still worshiped?
Author's Notes/Comments:
*KAABA: The cubicle built by Prophets Abraham and Ismail as the "First House of God's Worship" centuries ago. It is still there in Saudi Arabia.
*SANAM: Hindi/Persian/Urdu for idol. It is a beautiful and poetic way of Describing one's beloved.
Translated on July 3, 2002. The original begins thus: "Hazaron Khawahishen Aisi", a popular ghazal written by Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib.