Lazim tha ke dekho mera rasta koi din aur

You should have watched my path a little longer, You went alone, so be alone a little longer.

My head will wear away before your stone gives way; At your door, I’ll press my brow a little longer.

You came but yesterday, and now you say you’ll go? I grant that staying is not always best, but stay a little longer.

You say we’ll meet on Judgment Day as you depart— How fine! As if that Day could be some other day, a little longer.

O ancient sky, for Arif, youth was still in sway; What would you lose if he were not to die a little longer?

You were the full moon shining on my home’s domain; Why couldn’t that bright vision of my house remain a little longer?

Your dealings weren’t so honest, your accounts so plain, That Death could not have come to press his claim a little longer.

So you felt hate for me, and fought with all your might— But couldn’t you have watched the children’s play and light a little longer?

This time, for good or ill, had not yet passed away; The one who died so young just had to make his stay a little longer.

You’re fools to ask why Ghalib still draws breath; My fate is but to long for death, a little longer.