Kahoon jo haal to kehte ho mudda'a kahiye

I speak my heart, you say, “Don't just complain.” What can one say? If that is your reply, I speak in vain. What can one say?

Don't ask with scorn if you're the cause of pain. What can one say? My habit is to say you’re right again. What can one say?

Your glance, a scalpel, I will not arraign. What can one say? Once in the heart, it’s from a known domain. What can one say?

An arrow’s wound is just a source of pain. What can one say? The sword’s gash lets the locked-up spirit drain. What can one say?

Let your accuser make his case in vain. What can one say? To one who calls you low, do not explain. What can one say?

Sometimes, describe the soul-destroying strain. What can one say? Sometimes, the tragedy of cures in vain. What can one say?

Sometimes, lament the deep and constant pain. What can one say? Sometimes, tell how your patience starts to wane. What can one say?

If life is lost, then pay the killer’s gain. What can one say? If your tongue’s cut, then welcome the sweet pain. What can one say?

The idol has no love, but she holds reign. What can one say? Her flowing style, her gestures, still remain. What can one say?

The spring won't wait for you, that much is plain. What can one say? But praise the garden’s green, the sweet, cool rain. What can one say?

The ship is safe ashore, so Ghalib, why explain? What can one say? Why tell your God about the captain’s cruel reign? What can one say?