Who is looking out?
Who sees inside from outside? Who finds hundreds of mysteries even where minds are deranged? See through his eyes what he sees. Who then…
Jaipur, Faiz and Ali Sethi
Ali Sethi recently attended the Jaipur literary festival and his extraordinary performance is now accessible to those who were not there. I should thank…
The priest thrives on self promotion
A Bait from Sultan Bahu “Haafiz parh parh karan takabbur, mullaan karan vadaaee hoo Saavan maah de badalaan vaangoon phiran kitaabaan chaaee hoo Jithe…
“I have never become less from dying”
Rumi departed earthly life on 5 Jumadi II, 672 A.H (according to the Islamic lunar calendar; Dec 17, 1273 A.D., according to the Christian…
How rarely these few years (Seth)
How rarely these few years, as work keeps us aloof, Or fares, or one thing or another, Have we had days to spend under…
Crimson Gharara – tragedy in Rawalpindi
I am posting a lovely poem by Foqia composed after the horrible tragedy in Rawalpindi. Crimson Gharara I queuing at the Bank, for my…
Tau kiya yeh tay haye… (Gulbahar Bano singing)
A piece of Urdu poetry that has remained with me through seasons, years and all the vicissitudes… This is an extraordinary ghazal (rhymed poem…
It Has Been Written
Last night I stumbled upon this translation of Parveen Shakir’s poem (Navishta) rendered by C M Naim. This is where she addresses her only…
Weave not, like spiders..
There was a tragedy in my family recently. It has been a sobering week, reflective as well as chaotic. Last night, I read this…
Mir in Lucknow
Special mention may be made of Mir Taqi Mir. On arrival in Lucknow, he went to a Mushaira (Symposium) dressed in his outdated attire…
I will take you to the depths of spirit
I am the Spirit Moon with no place. You do not see me for I am hidden inside the soul. Others want you for…
I never knew it
By day I praised you And never knew it. By night I stayed with you And never knew it. I always thought that I…
Let’s adore one another
come on sweetheart let’s adore one another before there is no more of you and me a mirror tells the truth look at your…
spiritual windowshoppers
These spiritual windowshoppers, who idly ask, “How much is that?” “Oh, I’m just looking.” They handle a hundred items and put them down, shadows…
Sahir Ludhianvi’s Taj Mahal
Sahir Ludhianvi’s immortal poem Taj Mahal has always fascinated me. Ipoetry t takes a most unconventional take at this beautiful monument where the poet…
Turn your face toward your own face
The medicine of all intellects is just a picture of Love, the faces of all sweethearts are but His veil. You who are devoted…
Words that come on my tongue – Bulleh Shah
Shahidain has sent this lovely translation of Bulleh Shah’s verse. moonh aaee baat na rehndee ey Words that come on my tongue cannot be…
You have escaped from the city
From these depths depart towards heaven; may your soul be happy, journey joyfully. You have escaped from the city full of fear and trembling;…
Flames from that wine
I saw my Beloved wandering about the house: He had taken up a rebeck and was playing a tune. With a touch like fire…
A call from the unseen
A baby pigeon on the edge of the nest hears the call and begins his flight. How can the soul of the seeker not…