hawas ko hai nishaat-e-kaar kya kya

What endless tasks does worldly lust assay? If there's no death, what joy in life, I pray?

Your artful coldness—what does it convey? O perfect pride, what more is there to say?

I see the misplaced kindness you display; So why protest in some artistic way?

I seek a glance that looks without dismay; Why this neglect that wears my strength away?

A flame on straw will flash and then decay; What heed does lust to honor's promise pay?

Each breath, a wave on seas that self betray; Why then lament the Saki's cold delay?

My mind ignores the scent her robes convey; Why mourn the path the wandering breezes stray?

Each drop's heart plays the song, "I am the Sea," its lay; We are of It; of us, what can one say?

Why hesitate? I'll vouch for you, I say; For martyrs of your glance, what price to pay?

O plunderer of faith, you who betray, What is the sound a shattered heart can play?

Who ever claimed such fortitude to display? What good is patience that just wastes away?

This killer promise, why does it hold sway? This cruel affliction, stealing strength away?

Her every word, O Ghalib, is a blight to slay; Her turn of phrase, her glance, her artful way.