Galib – A Translation

The starting point for this was the most recent poem on the galib fan page wall and a conversation that broke out amongst FB friends.

I made my home at your doorstep, without a word to you
Now you know everything about mine, without a word from me.

If, as they say, my soul is not of a poets
How can I read your heart, without a word from you?

The one I am in need of today –
They call him a tormenter, with every word they say.

I am but emptiness.
were there something in me, the words would pour out of me.

My devotion to the deity of disbelief endures,
The crowds call me a heretic. That word is their refrain.

I am deaf. Do this for me.
Repeat your message. Once more, say all your words to me.

Galib, why bring up my name again and yet again –
when they can see you, and see through you, without a word from you.

Original:
Ghar jab bana liya tere dar par kahe baghair,
Janega ab tu bhi mera ghar, kahe baghair !

Kehte hain jab rahi na mujhe taqat e sukhan,
Jaanu kisi ke dil ki main kyon kar kahe baghair !

Kaam us se aa para hai ke jis ka jahan mein naam,
Leway na koi naam sitamgar kahe baghair !

Ji mein hi kuch nahi hai hamare wagarna hum,
Sar jaye ya rahe, na rahein par kahe baghair !

Chhoronga main na us but e kaafir ka poojna,
Chhoray na khalq go mujhe kaafir kahe baghair !

Behra hun to chahiye douna ho iltefaat,
Sunta nahi hun baat mukarrar kahe baghair !

Ghalib na kar huzoor mein tu bar bar arz,
Zaahir hai tera haal sab un par kahe baghair !!