Woh firaaq aur woh visaal kahan

That joy of union, that long ache when apart, Where now are all those seasons of the heart?

Who has the leisure for the work of passion? Where now is that deep thirst for beauty's grace?

The heart is gone, the mind itself is lost, Where now the fever that her beauty cost?

It came from thoughts of one, and one alone, Where now is that bright grace my mind had shown?

It is not easy now to weep tears of blood, Where now is strength of heart or passion's flood?

I've quit the gambling-den where love holds sway, Where now the wealth with which I used to play?

I break my head on worries of the world, Where am I now? Where is this plague unfurled?

My powers are exhausted, Ghalib, all my force, Where now is that fine balance at my source?

She might not even now refuse a kiss, But where now is the strength to ask for this?

This wretched fate is reckless in its might, Where now is any shame to set things right?