Searching for Sahill

Can I be your angel?

2008-03-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

When things go round and round
And never seem to come around
Can I be your angel? Can I stay?

When life seems to pass by
Tears on your cheeks never dry
Can I be your eyes? Can I stay?

When this cold night bleeds
Your skin with icy knives
Can I be your cloak? Can I stay?

When you fall on your knees
And remember all HIS blessings
Can I be your prayer beads? Can I stay?

-- Toufeeq/SaHiLL

Benaam Sa Ye Dard, Thehar Kyon Nahi Jata

2007-07-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

Benaam Sa Ye Dard, Thehar Kyon Nahi Jata
Jo Beet Gaya Hai, Woh Guzar Kyon Nahi Jata

Sab Kuch To Hai, Kya Dhundti Rehti Hai Nigaahein
Kya Baat Hai, Mai Waqt Pe Ghar Kyon Nahi Jata

Woh Ek Hi Chera To, Nahi Sare Jahan Mein
Jo Door Hai Woh Dil Se Utar Kyon Nahi Jata

Main Apni Hi Uljhi Hui, Raho Ka Tamasha
Jate Hain Jidhar Sab, Main Udhar Kyon Nahi Jata

Woh Naam Jo Na Jane Kab Se, Na Chehra Na Badan Hai
Woh Khawaab Agar Hai To Bikhar Kyo Nahi Jata”

By: Nafees khan

You can listen to Jagjit Singh here.

Lagta Nahin Hai Dil Mera Ujde Dayaar Mein

2007-05-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

In memory of the last shah of dilli (Delhi), Bahadur Shah Zafar and India's first war of independence, 1857.... lest we forget, 150 years ago... we fought together ... for independence.. for freedom....

Lagta Nahin Hai Dil Mera Ujde Dayaar Mein
Kiski Bani Hai Aalam-E-Napaydaar Mein

Keh Do In Hasraton se Kahin Aur Ja Basein
Itni Jageh Kahan Hai Dil-E-Daagdar Mein

Umr-E-Daraaz Mang kar Laye The Chaar Din
Do Aarzoo Mein kat Gaye Do Intezaar Mein

Kitna Hai Badnaseeb 'Zafar' Dafan Ke Liye
Do Gaz Zameen Bhi Na Mili Kuch-E-Yaar Mein

Lagta Nahin Hai Dil Mera Ujde Dayaar Mein
Kiski Bani Hai Aalam-E-Napaydaar Mein

-- [Bahadur Shah Zafar]

My heart is not happy, in this barren city
Who has ever felt fulfilled, in this mortal world

Please tell my wishes to go away somewhere else
There is not enough room for them in my sorrowful heart

I had requested for a long life of four days
Two were spent in praying/wishing and two were spent in waiting

How ill-fated Zafar is! For his own burial
He couldn't even get two yards of earth in land of the beloved

-- [Rough translation, Courtesy: Unknown]

Listen to Mohd. Rafi here or Habeeb Wali Mohammed here

Why Don't We

2007-03-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

When rain drops fall on window glass
Like thousand beats from African drums
Get the cup that holds love
And drink from it
Why don't we.

Bonfire, we two, sitting close to it
Night starry, cold and dry
Blowing wind kissing leafs good night
Let's cuddle up and breathe
Why don't we.

Ocean's winds revealing mysteries inside
And stories of lovers struck on other side
Lets build a boat and offer a free ride
Why don't we.

Drops of blood that fall on ground,
Are like mothers tears for her dead son
Everybody is from same womb
Everybody got to learn
Why don't we.

Raahon Pe Nazar Rakhna Honton Pe Duwaa Rakhna

2007-02-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

Raahon Pe Nazar Rakhna Honton Pe Duwaa Rakhna
Aa Jaaye Koyi Shayaad Darwaaza Khoulaa Rakhna
Ehsaas Kee Shamma Ko Iss Tarha Jalaa Rakhna
Aapni Bhi Khabar Rakhna Uss Ka Bhi Pata Rakhna

Tanhaai Ki Mausam Mein Saayon Ki Huqoumat Hain
Yaadon Ke Ujaalon Ko Seene Se Lagaa Rakhna

Raaton Ko Bhatakne Ki Deta Hain Sazaa Mujh Ko
Dushwar Hain Pahlu Mein Dil Tere Binaa Rakhna

Logo Ki Nigaahon Ko Parh Lene Kee Aadat Hain
Haalat Kee Tahreere Chehre Se Bachaa Rakhna

Bhuloun Main Agar Aye Dil To Yaad Dilaa Denaa
Tanhaai Ke Lamhon Ka Harr Zakhm Haraa Rakhna

Ik Bound Bhi Ashqon Ki Daman Na Bheegon Paaye
Gham Uss Ki Amaanat Hain Palkon Pe Sajaa Rakhna

Iss Tarha “Qateel” Uss Se Bartaav Rahein Aapnaa
Wo Bhi Na Boura Maane Dil Ka Bhi Kahaa Rakhna
Raahon Pe Nazar Rakhna Honton Pe Duwaa Rakhna
Aa Jaaye Koyi Shayaad Darwaaza Khoulaa Rakhna

-- Qateel Rajasthani

Singers: Bhupinder & Mitalee [ Listen to song here]

[I will translate it as soon as I get some time]

Someday, someday soon

2007-01-29T13:18:00.000-08:00

Someday, someday soon
Bright yellow winged
Sun will rise again
In the east.

Someday, someday soon
Tulip, Rose the love
Flowers will be home again
Beautifully dressed.

Someday, someday soon
Thirsty and Bereft
Desert soil will smell again
First monsoon's rain.

Someday, someday soon
A bride dressed in red
Palanquin will bear again
Through the streets.

-- Sahill

dostii jab kisii se kii jaaye

2006-10-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

Before calling someone your friend,
Also do consult your foes.

Winds are filled with death's poison,
Now where can one go to breathe.

In this thought, Am drown
How do I cross this river.

Wounds of yore are almost dry
Lets do some mistake today.

Been drinking wine bottles full
Lets drink, today, to heart-ful
------------------------------------------

dostii jab kisii se kii jaaye
dushmano kii bhii raaye lii jaaye

maut kaa zahar hai fizaao.n me.n
ab kahaa.N jaa ke saa.Ns lii jaaye

bas isii soch me.n huu.N Duubaa huaa
ye nadii kaise paar kii jaaye

mere maazii ke zaKhm bharane lage
aaj phir koii bhuul kii jaaye

botale.n khol ke to pii baraso.n
aaj dil khol ke bhii pii jaaye

-- Rahat Indori

When darkness tears/ Please knock not

2006-10-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

When darkness tears
----------------------

Let me fall
In the dark
With eyes closed
And wings and All.

Let me kiss
This sun once
Light so sweet
And lips left burns.

Go look for
A street called joy
When darkness tears
And moon still coy.

-- Toufeeq/SaHiLL

----------------------------------------------------

Please knock not
-----------------

At the end of desert
When you reach
Sahill's tavern
Please knock not
And ask for a drink.

But sit by his door
Until moon goes down
And moorish winds
blush you cold.

Please knock not
And ask for a drink
But saddle your horse
And leave for East.

When you reach
A fork of the road
And there, commoners speak
A language unknown
Take Sahill's name,
But not in vain.

Let them guide you
To a place you have known
In your morning dreams
And in evening thoughts

Please knock not
But softly call
Your lover's name
And wait by the door
Until moon goes down.

-- Toufeeq/SaHiLL

Where the streets have no name

2006-09-30T02:52:00.000-07:00

I want to run
I want to hide
I want to tear down the walls
That hold me inside
I want to reach out
And touch the flame
Where the streets have no name

I want to feel sunlight on my face
I see the dust cloud disappear
Without a trace
I want to take shelter from the poison rain
Where the streets have no name

Where the streets have no name
Where the streets have no name
We're still building
Then burning down love
Burning down love
And when I go there
I go there with you
It's all I can do

The city's aflood
And our love turns to rust
We're beaten and blown by the wind
Trampled in dust
I'll show you a place
High on a desert plain
Where the streets have no name

Where the streets have no name
Where the streets have no name
We're still building
Then burning down love
Burning down love
And when I go there
I go there with you
It's all I can do
Our love turns to rust
We're beaten and blown by the wind
Blown by the wind
Oh, and I see love
See our love turn to rust
We're beaten and blown by the wind
Blown by the wind
Oh, when I go there
I go there with you
It's all I can do

-- U2 ["Where the Streets Have No Name" , from U2's 1987 album, The Joshua Tree. ]

I saw with you, when we walked, together. / Deekha sung terai, hamnai chaltai chaltai

2006-09-22T01:10:00.000-07:00

[Dekha Sung Teray, Ali Zafar]

Deekha sung terai, hamnai chaltai chaltai
Deekha sung terai, hamnai chaltai chaltai
Keh rahtai terai merai, Kahin nahi miltai, kahien nahi miltai
Deekha sung terai, hamnai chaltai chaltai
Keh rahtai terai merai, Kahin nahi miltai, kahien nahi miltai
Tu pyar hai mera, kab mainai inkaar kia
Mujh sai kab milo gai, kitna intezar kia
intezar main karon kiyun, tum jo nahi miltai
Keh rahtai terai merai, Kahin nahi miltai, kahien nahi miltai
Khizan ka yeh kaam hai, ujaar dai gulshan ko
Bahar ka mukaam hai, sanwaar dai gulshan ko
Bahar kiya karai jo, sab phool nahi khiltai
Keh rahtai terai merai, Kahin nahi miltai, kahien nahi miltai
Deekha sung terai, hamnai chaltai chaltai
Keh rahtai terai merai, Kahin nahi miltai, kahien nahi miltai
Kahin nahi miltai, kahien nahi miltai
[Courtesy, Urooj Khan]

-----------------------------------------------
I saw with you, when we walked, together.
I saw with you, when we walked, together.
Paths, yours and mine, don't cross each other.

I saw with you, when we walked, together.
Paths, yours and mine, don't cross each other, don't cross each other.

You are my love, when did I deny.
You meet me when, How long I waited.
I should wait why, you never come.
Paths, yours and mine, don't cross each other, don't cross each other.

Wind's job is to ruin the garden,
Spring's destiny to decorate the garden.
Spring can do what, when flowers don't bloom.
Paths, yours and mine, don't cross each other, don't cross each other.

I saw with you, when we walked, together.
Paths, yours and mine, don't cross each other, don't cross each other.

[From 'Huqa Pani' by Ali Zafar, translated by SaHiLL / Toufeeq]

Listen to song here.

[It is a good song, the guy has a good voice, which reminds of Kishore Kumar. Lyrics are not really impressive, but thats me. Others may like it. They have been done to death, in bollywood music.]

It feels as if you are with me, when no one else is.

2006-09-14T00:21:00.000-07:00

Tum mere paas hote ho goya
Jab koi doosra nahin hota.

It feels as if you are with me,
when no one else is.

-- Momin Khan Momin

[According to legend, Mirza Ghalib (his contemporary and also a rival) offered Momin
his entire diwan (collection of poetry) in exchange for this partcular verse ]

The Woman I Love

2006-09-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

Because the Woman I love lives

Inside of you,

I lean as close to your body with my words
As I can -

And I think of you all the time, dear pilgrim.

Because the One I love goes with you
Wherever you go,
Hafiz will always be near.

If you sat before me, wayfarer,
With your aura bright from your many
Charms,

My lips could resist rushing to you and needing
To befriend your flushed cheek,

But my eyes can no longer hide
The wondrous fact of who
You Really are.

The Beautiful One whom I adore
Has pitched His royal tent inside of you,

So I will always lean my heart
As close to your soul
As I can.

-- Hafiz [Translated by Daniel Ladinsky]

The one love lost or the most red rose.

2006-07-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

Bring me back,
The one love lost
Or the most red rose.

...

Sun on his back,
Face on the sand,
Lay a slave from Nile,
Who destiny crossed

Saving a rose
Under his breast
From leering desert eyes
And early dawn's frost
....

.......remaining part will follow.. summary is .... [ he stays in same positon for days and and days and weeks... until Sun and heat burns his body and desert sand covers him and what remains is a small mount of sand there... after few months a rose shrubs grows in that place in the middle of desert.... and flowers the most red rose across the whole Sahara ]

Iris

2006-07-01T00:37:00.000-07:00

And Id give up forever to touch you
cause I know that you feel me somehow
Youre the closest to heaven that ill
Ever be
And I dont want to go home right now

And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
cause sooner or later its over
I just dont want to miss you tonight

And I dont want the world to see me
cause I dont think that theyd
Understand
When everythings made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

And you cant fight the tears that aint
Coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything feels like the movies
Yeah you bleed just to know youre alive

And I dont want the world to see me
cause I dont think that theyd
Understand
When everythings made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

-- Goo Goo Dolls (from "City of Angels" Soundtrack)

Indian Love-Song

2006-06-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

SHE

Like a serpent to the calling voice of flutes,
Glides my heart into thy fingers, O my Love!
Where the night-wind, like a lover, leans above
His jasmine-gardens and sirisha-bowers;
And on ripe boughs of many-coloured fruits
Bright parrots cluster like vermilion flowers.

HE

Like the perfume in the petals of a rose,
Hides thy heart within my bosom, O my love!
Like a garland, like a jewel, like a dove
That hangs its nest in the asoka-tree.
Lie still, O love, until the morning sows
Her tents of gold on fields of ivory.

-- Sarojini Naidu [from The Golden Threshold]

ai mohabbat tere anjaam pe ronaa aayaa

2006-06-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

ai mohabbat tere anjaam pe ronaa aayaa
jaane kyo.n aaj tere naam pe ronaa aayaa

yuu.N to har shaam ummiido.n me.n guzar jaatii thii
aaj kuchh baat hai jo shaam pe ronaa aayaa

kabhii taqdiir kaa maatam kabhii duniyaaa kaa gilaa
manzil-e-ishq me.n har gaam pe ronaa aayaa

[gaam=step]

jab huaa zikr zamaane me.n mohabbat kaa 'Shakeel'
mujh ko apane dil-e-naakaam pe ronaa aayaa

-- Shakeel Badayuni

[I will translate it to english soon, the picture is digitally colored
poster of Mughal-E-Azam, a classic hindi/urdu movie, by K. Asif.
Dilip Kumar (Yusuf khan) and Madhubala (Mumtaz Jehan Begum)]

Trueness of Life

2006-06-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Everything, one could for ask for, lies on my palm,

Yet I look at my empty other.

Lush meadows, fresh breeze abundant,
Yet I long for Sahara and desert rocks.

A sailor reached his shore (Sahill), after seven years at sea,
Yet, he looks at the Pacific and longs for that sea thirst.

-- Toufeeq

[Picture is of Puget-Sound sunset]

There is not gold in every mine

2006-06-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Not every heart is capable of finding the secret of God's love.
There are not pearls in every sea; there is not gold in every mine.

-- Baba Farid

Wake me up when september ends

2006-06-14T23:35:00.000-07:00

Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
wake me up when september ends

like my fathers come to pass
seven years has gone so fast
wake me up when september ends

here comes the rain again
falling from the stars
drenched in my pain again
becoming who we are

as my memory rests
but never forgets what I lost
wake me up when september ends

summer has come and passed
the innocent can never last
wake me up when september ends

ring out the bells again
like we did when spring began
wake me up when september ends

here comes the rain again
falling from the stars
drenched in my pain again
becoming who we are

as my memory rests
but never forgets what I lost
wake me up when september ends

Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
wake me up when september ends

like my father's come to pass
twenty years has gone so fast
wake me up when september ends
-- Green Day [Album: American Idiot]

In my arms forever

2006-06-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

Let me hold you

In my arms forever
And let this be a ever young night

Let me kiss
You this night forever
And let veiled sky look down and sigh

Let me rest
In your eyes forever
And Sun, an early riser, let him be

Let your name
Be my smile forever
And let those stars envy and fall

Let me live
In your heart forever
And let every moment sing HIS praise

-- Toufeeq

Shakespeare on Love

2006-06-04T23:49:00.000-07:00

Love is a smoke made with the fumes of sighs;
Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes;
Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers' tears;
What is it else? A madness most discreet,
A choking gall, and a preserving sweet.

Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.

They do not love that do not show their love.

The courses of true love never did run smooth.
-- William Shakespeare

So I love you not? Let it be solitude / Ishq mujh ko nahin, vahshat hi sahi

2006-05-05T03:10:00.000-07:00

ishq mujh ko nahin, vahshat hi sahi
meri vahshat, teri shohrat hi sahi

qata kije nah taluq ham se
kuchh nahin hai to adavat hi sahi

ham bhi dushman to nahin hain apne
ghair ko tujh se muhabbat hi sahi

umr har chand kih hai barq khiram
dil kih khun karne ki fursat hi sahi

ham koi tark-e-vafa karte hain
nah sahi ishq, musibat hi sahi

ham bhi taslim ke khu dalen ge
be niyazi teri adat hi sahi

yar se chher chali jae Asad
gar nahin vasl to hasrat hi sahi

-------------------------------------------

So I love you not? Let it be solitude.
My solitariness bringing you fame, so let it be.

Break-off not the connection with me;
If nothing else, enmity, let it be.

I, too, am not my own enemy;
The rival may love you, so let it be.

No doubt, that life is like the swift lighting;
Enough time to bleed my heart, let it be.

Do I ever give up being faithful to you?
If it is not love, then any calamity, let it be.

We, too, will cultivate a habit of submissive resignation;
Obliviousness may well be your style.

Teasing should continue with the beloved, Asad;
If it is not union, then insistence on it, let it be.

-- Mirza Asadullah Khan 'Ghalib' [translated by Sarfaraz K. Niazi]

Listen to Chitra Singh here.

No I don't wanna fall in love -- Wicked Game

2006-05-05T02:36:00.000-07:00

The world was on fire
No one could save me but you.
Strange what desire will make foolish people do
I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you
And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you

No, I don't want to fall in love
[This love is only gonna break your heart]
No, I don't want to fall in love
[This love is only gonna break your heart]
With you
With you

What a wicked game you play
To make me feel this way
What a wicked thing to do
To let me dream of you
What a wicked thing to say
You never felt this way
What a wicked thing to do
To make me dream of you
And I don't wanna fall in love
[This love is only gonna break your heart]
And I don't want to fall in love
[This love is only gonna break your heart]

World was on fire
No one could save me but you
Strange what desire will make foolish people do
I never dreamed that I'd love somebody like you
I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you

No I don't wanna fall in love
[This love is only gonna break your heart
No I don't wanna fall in love
[This love is only gonna break your heart]
With you
With you

Nobody loves no one

Artist: Chris Isaak
Song: Wicked Game

Heart of mine, so worthless/ Dil Cheez Hai Kya Jaana

2006-04-28T02:27:00.000-07:00

Dil Cheez Hai Kya Jaana
Yeh Jaa'n Bhi Tumhari Hai
Teri Baahon Main Dam Niklay
Hasrat Yeh Humari Hai

Roti Hoon Tadapti Hoon
Bujhti Hi Nahin Zaalim
Ik Raat Judai Ki
So Raat Say Bhari Hai

Phoolon Ki Qadar Poocho
Us Dard Kay Maaray Say
Jis Shakhs Nay Kaanton Pay
Ik Umer Guzari Hai

Ghum Ishq-o-Mohabbat Kay
Chalo Pooch Layn Sadiq Say
Ik Bazi Mohabbat Ki
Us Shakhs Nay Haari Hai

Teri Baahon Main Dam Niklay
Hasrat Yeh Humari Hai
Dil Cheez Hai Kya Jaana
Yeh Jaa'n Bhi Tumhari Hai

---------------------------------------------------------

Heart of mine, so worthless,
This life too, belongs to you.
In your arms I breathe my last,
Is only wish this heart longs.

Weep and Wail, O'heartless,
Never seems To dry.
This night of seperation,
Longer than hundred nights.

What flowers are worth?
Ask the lamenting one.
A traveller, who walked
On thorns, all his life .

Pathos of love and passion,
Lets go and ask 'Sadiq'.
Lost a wager to love,
Who with his life.

In your arms I breathe my last,
Is only wish this heart longs.
Heart of mine, so worthless,
This life too, belongs to you.

-- SM Sadiq, [roughly translated by Toufeeq]

Poetry is not one of the best or 'deep' you will find, like the likes of Ghalib or Rumi. As usual the poetry in movie/pop songs is for everybody, and is kept 'light'. Nonetheless, the song is one of my fav. Nice tune, good singer (Shabnam Majeed?). Listen to this song here (remixed Bally Sagoo version)

The day winter snow melted.

2006-04-06T00:39:00.000-07:00

Frozen was the creek,
As winter winds danced.
Each drop imprisoned,
Icy blue their tears turned
At nowhere a sailor struck
Cursing northern winds.
When hit the first ray of shine
The little hearts came to life.
Forgetful ice, winter had turned them,
Divine ray of shine breathed soul in them.
Not have they forgotten their path.
Again they go where they belonged.
The day winter snow melted.

-- Toufeeq

[These are the thoughts that just came up, I know this does not sound quite poetic, probably I will rewrite it again.]

Haazaron kwaashen aisi ke har khwaish pe dam nikle / Thousands of desires, tantalizing one and all

2006-03-29T22:45:00.000-08:00

Haazaron kwaashen aisi ke har khwaish pe dam nikle,
Bahut nikle mere armaan, lekin phir bhi dam nikle.

Thousands of desires, tantalizing one and all,
Many a wish have I realised; yet I yearn for more.

Nikalna khuld se aadam, ka sunte aae the lekin,
Bahut be aabroo ho kar tere kuche se ham nikle.

Often have we heard about Adam's exile from Eden,
Humiliating much more was my exit from your door.

Mahabbat mein nahin hai farq jeene aur marne ka,
Usi ko dekh kar jeete hain, jis kaafir pe dam nikle.

There is little difference in life and death when we are in love,
The same infidel sustains our life, for whom we pine to die.

Kahaan maikhana ka darwaaza Ghalib, aur kahaan waiz,
Par itna jante hain kal woh jaata tha ke ham nikle.

The preacher and the tavern door are things wide apart,
Yet yesterday I saw him enter, as I was coming out.

Haazaron kwaashen aisi ke har khwaish pe dam nikle,
Bahut nikle mere armaan, lekin phir bhi dam nikle.

Thousands of desires, tantalizing one and all,
Many a wish have I realised; yet I yearn for more.

-- Mirza AsadUllah Khan 'Ghalib' [translated by Samir]

Zindagi aaee thi kal shaam dastak pe / Life knocked on my door last night

2006-03-24T17:31:00.000-08:00

Zindagi aaee thi kal shaam dastak pe,

Shayad kuch uDhaar tha uska,

Ya phir kuch lautane aaee thi.

Chota dil, kam zubaan, mein kya poochta Kyun aaee ho?.

KunDi koli and aur andhar aane ki dawaat di.

Ghareeb ke ghar mein diya nahi hai.

Bas aagan mein chandNi ki chadar hai.

Woh boli shaam sarD hai, thodi se aag jala do ge.

Mein fauran saari poonji aur Unke khat eKKhatta kiye

Aur apne dil ke saath unhe bhi aag laga di.

Ham dono khamoosh baiThe rahe.

Aag subho subho tak jalti rahi,

Subho jab aanKh khuli to aangan mein,

Mein ne sirf raaKh ka Dher aur ek Dil paya.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Life knocked on my door last night.

May be I had borrowed something from her,

Or she wanted to return some of mine.

Humble heart, poor peasant, How can I ask “What brings thee here?”

I opened the door, and invited the grace in my abode.

With nothing better to offer, I seated her on terrace, with moonlight as mat.

“Cold breeze is, Will thee lit a fire?” she asked slowly.

I ran inside with all might, brought out all my savings and Her letters to me.

All piled together, I lit the fire on top of my terrace.

And threw my heart into the fire, hoping it will burn longer.

With silence and fire between us we sat there looking into other’s eyes.

Fire burnt till early morning. When Sun said “Good morning”, I woke up.

And found nothing but a pile of ashes and a warm heart.

-- Toufeeq

KaThai aaNkhen teri/ Those brown eyes

2006-03-24T15:02:00.000-08:00

KaThai aaNkhen teri
MeeThi baaThen teri

Woh muskurana tera
Aise sharmana tera

Pheli baarish ka paani ho
Ya haseen ek kahani ho

Ek shayer ka qalm ho
Har sufi ka kalaam ho

Oonchi ek tasveer tu
Kissi ki takhdeer tu

Har dil habeeb tera
Koi to naseeb tera

--------------------------------------------

Those brown eyes
And your sweet talk

The way you smile
And your shy walk

First drop of rain you are
Or a beautiful fable you are

A poet’s quill you are
Or a mystic’s chanting you are

Yours a painting hung on the sky
You are the luck whole world can’t buy

Every heart beats with yours
Destiny’s walk ends with yours

-- Toufeeq

[ English version is not exact translation of Urdu’s, but more like inspired version of it]

And the people see me and call a dervish.

2006-03-22T22:17:00.000-08:00

Laden with my load of misdeeds, I move about in the garb of black garments. And the people see me and call a dervish.

My promise with my love, a long way to go and a muddy lane ahead. If I move I spoil my cloak; if I stay I break my word.

Drenched and smirched be the cloak; let God's cloud pour out all the waters: Go I must; I go to keep my word of love.

-- Baba Farid

Bullaya Ki Jaana Main Kaun/ Says Bullaya who knows who I am!

2006-03-22T21:43:00.000-08:00

Bullaya Ki Jaana Main Kaun
Bulleya ki jaanan mein kaun
bulleya ki jaanan mein kaun
na mein momin wich maseetein
na mein wich kufr di reetan
na mein paakan wich paleet aan
na mein moosa na firoan
bulleya ki jaanan mein kaun
bulleya ki jaanan mein kaun

aawwal aakhir aap nun jaanan
ne mein koi dooja aur pichaanan
mein tu wadd naa koi siyana
bulleya ho bulleya
bulleya ki jaanan mein kaun
bulleya ki jaanan mein kaun
na mein aabi na mein khaki
na mein aatish na mein poun
bulleya ki jaanan mein kaun
na mein paakan wich paleet aan
na mein moosa na firoan
bulleya ki jaanan mein kaun

Listen to 'Junoon' version of this song here

=======================================
Says Bullaya,
who knows who I am!
I am not in the mosque of the believer,
Nor in false rites.
I am not in the pure or the impure.
Neither Moses nor Pharaoh.
Says Bullaya, who knows who I am!

I am not in the vedas or holy books,
Not in drug or wine.
Not in the drunkards wasted intoxication,
Not in wakefulness or sleep.
Says Bullaya, who knows who I am!

I am not in sorrow nor in joy,
Neither in clean nor unclean.
I am not water, I am not earth,
I am not fire, I am not air.
Says Bullaya, who knows who I am!

I am not from Arabia or Lahore,
Nor from India or Nagaur.
Neither a hindu or muslim from Peshawar,
Nor do I live in Nadaun.
Says Bullaya, who knows who I am!
I cannot be unearthed in the mysteries of religion.

I was not born of Adam and Eve.
I am not the name I assume.
I am not in stillness, not in movement.
Finally, I only know myself.
I cannot know any other.
Who could be wiser than I?
Bullaya asks, who then, stands here?
Says Bullaya, who knows who I am!
-- Bulleh Shah [translated by Kartar Singh Duggal??]

Until

2006-03-17T00:48:00.000-08:00

I think we are frightened every

Moment of our lives

Until we

Know

Him

-- Hafiz

Come to the orchard in spring

2006-03-09T21:31:00.000-08:00

Come to the orchard in spring

There is light and wine

And sweethearts

In the pomegranate flowers

If you do not come

These do not matter

If you do come

These do not matter

----Rumi

Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shaayar / I'm a poet only for a second or two

2006-03-08T21:07:00.000-08:00

mai.n pal do pal ka shaayar huu.n	I'm a poet only for a second or two;
pal do pal merii kahaanii hai	my story will be over in a few seconds.
pal do pal merii ha.nstii hai	My laughter is only for a moment or two;
pal do pal merii jawaanii hai	my youth will be over in a few moments.
mai.n pal do pal ka shaayar huu.n	I'm a poet only for a second or two.
mujhse pahale kitne shaayar aaye aur aakar chale gaye	Many poets came before me, and after coming, departed;
kuchh aahe.n bharkar lauT gaye	some went filled with sighs,
kuchh nagme gaakar chale gaye	and some went singing songs.
voh bhii ek pal ka qissa tha	They were only the story of a moment in time;
mai.n bhii ek pal ka qissa huu.n	I too am only the story of a moment.
kal tumse judaa ho jaa'uu.nga	Tomorrow I will be separated from you,
voh aaj tumhaara hissa huu.n	but for today, I'm a part of you.
mai.n pal do pal ka shaayar huu.n	I'm a poet of a moment or two, no more.
kal aur aa'e.nge nagmo.n kii	Tomorrow new songs will arrive,
khiltii kaliyaa.n chunnevaale	freshly bloomed blossoms to be plucked.
mujhse behatar kahanevaale	There will be better storytellers than me,
tumse behatar sunnevaale	and better listeners than you.
kal koii mujhko yaad kare	Tomorrow, someone might remember me;
kyo.n koii mujhko yaad kare	but why should anyone remember me?
masaruuf zamaana mere li'e	For my sake, why should this busy world
kyo.n vaqt apna barbaad kare	waste its time?
mai.n pal do pal ka shaayar huu.n	I'm a poet only for a moment or two.

-- Sahir Ludianvi (One of the greatest poet of last century) , translation : unknown, Picture is from Movie "Kabhie Kabhie" in which this song was featured. Amitabh signs autograph for Rakhi, after this song.

Love, I don't know what it is.

2006-02-24T16:03:00.000-08:00

Love, I don't know
What it is, seed you
Sow for happiness to grow
To fill you up, when you are low.

Love, I don't know
What it is, we all go
In search of it, every noon
Hoping to find it, later or soon.

Love, I don't know
What it is, may be you
Feel the heart grow
Bigger, knees touch the low.

Love, I don't know
What it is, life so
Held in a cup called love
Warmly by the one above.

Can't Buy Me Love

2006-02-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

Can't buy me love, love,
Can't buy me love.
I'll buy you diamond ring my friend,
If it makes you feel alright,
I'll get you anything my friend,
If it makes you feel alright,
For I don't care too much for money,
For money can't buy love.
I'll give you all I've got to give,
If you'll say you love me too,
I may not have alot to give,
But what I've got I'll give to you,
For I don't care too much for money,
For money can't buy love.
Can't buy me love, ev'rybody tells me so,
Can't buy me love, no, no, no, no.
Say you don't want no diamond ring,
And I'll be satisfied,
Tell me that you want those kind of things,
That money just can't buy,
For I don't care too much for money,
For money can't buy love.
Can't buy me love, ev'rybody tells me so,
Can't buy me love, no, no, no, no.
Say you don't want no diamond ring,
And I'll be satisfied,
Tell me that you want those kind of things,
That money just can't buy,
For I don't care too much for money,
For money can't buy love.
Can't buy me love, ev'rybody tells me so,
Can't buy me love, no, no, no, no.
Can't buy me love, love,
Can't buy me love.

-- Paul McCartney

Friendship IXX

2006-02-11T21:02:00.000-08:00

Friendship IXX

And a youth said, "Speak to us of Friendship."

Your friend is your needs answered.

He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.

And he is your board and your fireside.

For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.

When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor do you withhold the "ay."

And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;

For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.

When you part from your friend, you grieve not;

For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.

And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.

For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable is caught.

And let your best be for your friend.

If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.

For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?

Seek him always with hours to live.

For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.

And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.

For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.

-- Khalil Gibran [from 'The Prophet']

Zindagii se baDii sazaa hii nahiin / No chastisement is harder than Life

2006-01-31T00:26:00.000-08:00

zindagii se baDii sazaa hii nahiin
aur kyaa jurm hai pataa hii nahiin

itane hisson men baT gayaa huuN main
mere hisse men kuchh bachaa hii nahiin

jaD do chaaNdii men chaahe sone men
aaiinaa jhuuTh bolataa hii nahiin

---------------------------------------------------
No chastisement is harder than Life
Don't know what's my crime

Been split into million parts
Don't have nothing of mine left

Golden frame or silver, around it
Mirror, still, doesn't tell a lie.

---- Krishan Bihari Noor [translated by Toufeeq]

Seeking life beyond

2006-01-25T21:57:00.000-08:00

Seeking life beyond
For thirsty soul
One drop of mercy
One foot of paradise
Far away, above seven skies
Seeking life beyond
O' Allah awaken us.

I wanna feel

2006-01-19T22:11:00.000-08:00

I wanna feel that sweet pain
She’s gone for a moment and I
Miss her like years years and on

I wanna feel that heartbeat
On my chest , like two hearts
Competing in a marathon

I wanna feel that tender hands
On my palms, makes Chicago winter
Look so warm

I wanna feel that oneness,
So beautifully she can say
All my thoughts

I wanna feel that moment
Hurt she gets slightly, and tears
Roll down my eyes

I wanna feel that smile
On her face, makes this messy world
A place worth to live

I wanna feel that calmness
In her eyes, makes this confusion around
Look like a silent calm lake

Don't sleep now

2006-01-08T03:16:00.000-08:00

Don't sleep now. Let the turning
night wheel through this circle.

Your brow, the moon, this
lantern we sit with.

Stay awake with these
lights. Don't sleep.
------------------

The way of love is not
a subtle argument.

The door there
is devastation.

Birds make great sky-circles
of their freedom.
How do they learn it?

They fall, and falling,
they're given wings.

-- Rumi

InshaAllah, I will post one of my poems, As soon as I feel one. Life is not poetic these days, it is lazily worrisome and boringly testing patience. InshaAllah my breath and breeze around me will soon rhyme again.

You came down from your throne

2006-01-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

You came down from your throne and stood at my cottage door.

I was singing all alone in a corner, and the melody caught your ear. You came down and stood at my cottage door.

Masters are many in your hall, and songs are sung there at all hours. But the simple carol of this novice struck at your love.

One plaintive little strain mingled with the great music of the world, and with a flower for a prize you came down and stopped at my cottage door.

-- Rabindranath Tagore [from Gitanjali, which got him nobel prize]

Miltii Hai Zi.Ndagii Me.N

2006-01-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

Milttii Hai Zi.Ndagii Me.N Mohabbat Kabhii\-Kabhii
Hotii Hai Dilbaro.N Kii Inaayat Kabhii\-Kabhii

Sharmaa Ke Mu.Nh Na Pher Nazar Ke Savaal Par
Laatii Hai Aise Mo.D Par Qismat Kabhii\-Kabhii

Khulate Nahii.N Hai.N Roz Dariche Bahaar Ke
Aatii Hai Jaan\-E\-Man Ye Qayaamat Kabhii\-Kabhii

Tanahaa Na Kat Sake.Nge Javaanii Ke Raaste
Pesh Aa_Egii Kisiikii Zaruurat Kabhii\-Kabhii

Phir Kho Na Jaae.N Ham Kahii.N Duniyaa Kii Bhii.D Me.N
Milatii Hai Paas Aane Kii Muhalat Kabhii\-Kabhii

Hotii Hai Dilbaro.N Kii Inaayat Kabhii\-Kabhii
Milatii Hai Zi.Ndagii Me.N Mohabbat Kabhii Kabhii ...

-- Sahir Ludhianvi [1968]

Wanna listen to this song :

http://www.musicindiaonline.com/p/x/WJfmF3m9X9.As1NMvHdW/

Movie Name: Aankhen (1968)
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Music Director: Ravi
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Year: 1968
Producer: Sagar Art International
Director: Ramanand Sagar

I died for beauty

2005-12-29T22:16:00.000-08:00

I died for beauty, but was scarce
Adjusted in the tomb,
When one who died for truth was lain
In an adjoining room.

He questioned softly why I failed?
"For beauty," I replied.
"And I for truth, -the two are one;
We brethren are," he said.

And so, as kinsmen met a night,
We talked between the rooms,
Until the moss had reached our lips,
And covered up our names.

-- Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)

That Shapes the Eye

2005-12-27T03:14:00.000-08:00

That Shapes the Eye

Children
Can easily open the
Drawer

That lets the spirit rise up and wear
Its favorite costume of
Mirth and laughter.

When the mind is consumed with
Remembrance of
Him (Allah)

Something divine happens to the
Heart

That
Shapes the hand and tongue
And eye into
The word
Love.

-- Hafiz
(translations by Daniel Ladinsky)

‘Tis my heart, not brick, nor stone / Dil Hi To Hai Na Sang-o-Khist

2005-12-16T22:52:00.000-08:00

‘Tis my heart, not brick, nor stone
Weeps like others; don’t you know?
It will cry, a thousand times
Why, do you, torture it so?

At temples, mosques, nor at his door
Not even, on, my beloved’s porch
I wait, along a distant road
Why do others, ask me to go?

His face, its beauty, lights my heart
Brighter than, the midday’s glow
His sight, it sears, with every gaze
Why is it, he veils it so?

Your tender glance, a fatal knife
Like haughty darts, from a deadly bow
Your image is, enough for me
My self, to you, I dare not show

Life, a prison; my anguish, its chain
Filled with sorrow; both, the same
Is my wish, for death, insane?
How else, do I, remove my pain?

Beauty does agree with you
Lust - ‘tis my carnal quest m
I must control, my inner thoughts
Why have you, put me, to this test?

There; a modest dignity
Here; a show of shy respect
Can we meet, along the way?
Will he call me, to his fest?

I know, he does not, fear God
Disloyal and faithless, he maybe
The loyal, the faithful, those two
They have never, interested me

Ghalib, the wretch; when he leaves
The world, without him, will not cease
So, when he dies, no need to mourn
So, when he dies, no need to grieve

----------------------------------

Dil Hi To Hai Na Sang-o-Khist
Dard Se Bhar Na Aaaye Kyon?
Royenge Hum Hazaar Baar
Koyee Hamein Sataye Kyon?

Dair Nahin, Haram Nahin,
Dar Nahin, Aastan Nahin
Baithe Hain Reh-Guzar Pe Hum
Gair Hamein Uthaye Kyon?

Jab Voh Jamaal-e-Dilfaroze
Surte-Mehre Neem-Roze
Aap Hi Ho Nazaar-Soze
Parde Mein Munh Chuppaye Kyon?

Dashne-e-Gamaz Jaan-Sitan
Naavke-Naaz Bepanah
Tera Hi Akse-Rukh Sahi,
Saamne Teray Aaye Kyon?

Qaide-Hayat-O-Band-e-Gam,
Asl Mein Dono Aik Hain
Maut Say Pehlay Aadmi
Gum Say Nijaat Paye Kyon?

Husn Aur Us Pe Husn-e-Zun
Reh Gayee Bulhavas Ki Sharm
Apne Pe Eitmad Hai,
Gair Ko Aazmaye Kyon?

Van Voh Garure-Izz-o-Naaz
Yan Yeh Hijabe-Paase-Vazan
Rah Mein Hum Milain Kahan
Bazm Mein Voh Bulaye Kyon?

Han Voh Nahin Khuda Parasat
Jaao Voh Baiwafa Sahi
Jisko Ho Din-o-Dil Aziz
Uski Gali Mein Jaye Kyon?

Ghalib-e-Khasta Kay Bagair
Kaunsay Kaam Band Hain?
Roeeye Zar-Zar Kaya?
Keejiye Haye-Haye Kyon?

-- Mirza Asadullah Khan 'Ghalib'

Let me not to the marriage of true minds

2005-12-16T22:43:00.000-08:00

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.
----William Shakespeare (Sonnet CXVI)

Everything about her wreaks havoc, Ghalib! / bala-e-jan hai, Ghalib us ki har baat

2005-12-10T02:28:00.000-08:00

Dil har qatra hai saz-e-an-al-bahaar
ham us ke hain, hamara puchhna kya

nigah-e be muhaba chahta hun
taghaful hai tamkin azma kya

Kiya kis ne jigar dari ka daava
shikeb-e khatir-e-ashiq bhala kya

bala-e-jan hai, Ghalib us ki har baat
ibarat kya, isharat kya, ada kya

-- [ Mirza Ghalib]

These are sonnets , every couplet (sher) makes a complete poem and whole thing some sense. For those who never heard of Ghalib, he is considered as shakespeare + Keats of Urdu.

The heart of every drop sings "I am the ocean."
what to ask of me? I belong to him (Almighty)

An uninhibited glance (from her) is what I long for
why then this indifference to test my patience

Who made the claim to be patient?
why then should there be testing of the lover's patience?

Everything about her wreaks havoc, Ghalib!
What to say of her expressions, her hinting and her coquettishness?

-- [Mirza Ghalib , translated by Sarfaraz Niazi]

I don't know why

2005-11-04T21:46:00.000-08:00

Some things that I do, I don't know why.
Keep staring at you, I don't know why.

I shy away from you, I don't know why.

Think about you all day long, I don't know why.
Dream about you all the night, I don't know why.

I want to be dead, I don't know why.
I want to be alive, I don't know why.

.............this poem is somewhere in my head. Missing parts, I forgot to note down. Will complete when I remember it (or feel it again).

Tumbhi bolo kuch aur saqi /It's your turn to talk

2005-08-06T03:55:00.000-07:00

Tumbhi bolo kuch aur saqi
Raat baDi hai aur baqi

Ittne khamosh kyun ho akhir
Baat koi hai zarrur saqi

Khamoshi ka sabab puuchoon
To na dek isstarah aur saqi

Tumhara dil meri amanaat tha
Kya khoaye kahin aur saqi

Aankhen banD beech samundar
Kab tak rahoge aur saqi

Kabhi aao 'sahill' ko to jaanoge
Koi apna hai ek aur baqi

Peena haram, peelana haram
Kar ghunah tuu ek aur saqi

------------------------------------

saqi = host, (sometimes used as metaphor for The-God)
baqi = remaining
sabab= reason
haram = sin

Tum mujhse duur kyun ho/ you are so far from my door

2005-07-18T03:32:00.000-07:00

Tum mujhse duur kyun ho
Tum dil ke kareeb kyun ho

Kaise karunn justjoo tumhari
Tum itne ajeeb kyun ho

Ek khayal, ek khawab ho
Tum mera naseeb kyun ho

Tumhe mein jaanta tak nahin
Tum mere habeeb kyun ho

Tum mujhse duur kyun ho
Tum dil ke kareeb kyun ho
--------------------------------------

You are so far from my door
You are so close to my heart

Where can I search for someone like you?
In this world, there is no-one like you.

You are a thought, you are a dream,
You are my life, you are my destiny

I never met you in my life, yet
You are the best thing in my life,

You are so far from my door
You are so close to my heart

English translation is not word to word , but is more like poetic translation.

Comments are welcome,

Aao to ek baar

2005-04-17T21:57:00.000-07:00

Talking to The-God or the beloved (use your interpretation).

Zulmat kade mein mere aao to ek baar
Charagh andhiyara mein mere jalao to ek baar

Honton pe har dam mere hai tera naam
Apne khayalon mein mujko laao to ek baar

Badi der tak rota raha 'Sahill' gham-e-zamaane ko
Banke ashk ankhon mein mere aao to ek baar

Zulmat kade mein mere / To my dark abode you come

2005-04-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

Zulmat kade mein mere kyun aate ho baar baar
Meri maut itne kareeb kyun aate ho baar baar

Agar pooch lete to darwaaza khula paate
Meri maut ko dastak kyun dete ho baar baar

Suboh se mein bani dulhan tha tera intezaar
Meri maut aate aate kyun rukte ho baar baar

Safar-e-zindagi ki abb koi nahi hai manzil
Meri maut yun 'Sahill' pe kyun khaDe ho baar baar

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An attempt to translate to angrezi (english) literally stanza by stanza :
My death is metaphor for (beloved or The-God or life). Use you own interpretation of it.

To my dark abode you come

To my dark abode you come - why so often, so often?
My death , so close you come - why so often, so often?

If asked, you would have found door open
My death, you knock on door - why so often, so often?

Waiting for you since dawn, all dressed up like a bride
My death , you stop on your way - why so often , so often?

Journey of life has destination no more,
My death, I see you on 'Shore' -, why so often, so often?

kuch na paaoogae tum

2005-03-22T21:08:00.000-08:00

tod ke dil kuch na paaoogae tum
wafa meri bhool na paaoogae tum

chaodke ke dar-o-dil mera aise
duur talak jaa na paaoogae tum

bharam hai tumhara so tuut jayega
akele ek din bhi jee na paaoogae tum

jab aayegi yaad meri bhooley se
ek aansu bhi rok na paaoogae tum

laout ke jab aaoogae iss gali

meri hasti ko fana paaoogae tum

tera mera saath

2005-03-22T21:07:00.000-08:00

tera mera saath
barsaat ki ho raat
phoolon bhari saughaat
pyar ki ho baat
tera mera saath

chaand pe ho mulaqaat
baadal ki ho bisaat (carpet)
mehndi ke tere haath
sitaron ki ho raat

tera mera saath

Yaad NaHi

2005-03-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

Khabhi Hasaata tha jo
Woh afsaana bhi yaad naH.i
Khabhi rulaata tha jo
Woh afsaana bhi yaad naH.i

BaDi duur se aaYe the
BaDi duur ko jaana tha
Dar - e - maNzil pe khaDe hain
Kahan tha jaana bhi yaad naH.i

LoG puuchTen hain haal - e - dil 'Sahill' ka
Jiss dil ko abb dhaDkna bhi yaad naHi

I wanna feel

2005-03-22T21:04:00.000-08:00

I wanna feel
I wanna feel

I wanna feel that sweet pain
She’s gone for a moment and I
Miss her like years years and on

I wanna feel that heartbeat
On my chest , like two hearts
Competing in a marathon

I wanna feel that tender hands
On my palms, makes Chicago winter
Look so warm

I wanna feel that oneness,
So beautifully she can say
All my thoughts

I wanna feel that moment
Hurt she gets slightly, and tears
Roll down my eyes

I wanna feel that smile
On her face, makes this messy world
A place worth to live

I wanna feel that calmness
In her eyes, makes this confusion around
Look like a silent calm lake

I wanna feel
I wanna feel her

Childhood

2005-03-22T20:42:00.000-08:00

Long gone are those days
When everyone liked me always

I used to play all day long
Night fairy came with bed-time song

Everything I saw belonged to mine
All the sand in park and also moon’s shine

On this starry night, I lay on my bed
Thinking of days gone and those ahead

Will this life be a blessed boon?
Or it will be a hot summer noon.

Will fairies live on moon again?
Or these are my dreams in vain.

Neeli Aankhen

2005-02-14T16:51:00.000-08:00

Hogayaii hai mohabbat neeli aankhon se
Churaii hai khusBoo shrmeeli bahaaron se

Ek saDi ke baaD kissii ne
Sajaaii hai zinDagi mahekTi saaNSon se

Rakhe the gulab kuch din phele
aaTi hai khusboo unn bhuuli kitaabon se

Haasta hai ‘sahill’ iss dillagi pe
aaya nahi hai woh muDDaTTon se