Friday, December 23, 2011

A Dream Conversation

Tonight
My 3rd dream
Will meet your 4th (you sleep earlier than me)
Over cups of cloud
They will chat about
Their hopes and dreams
Then they will move on
To the reality of our lives
As the night fades into a new dawn

A rough translation in Urdu follows...

Aaj Raat
Mera Teesra Khaab
Milega Tumhaare Chauthe Se
Baadalon Ki Pyaliyon Ke Saath
Baatein Hongein Hamaari
Ummeedon Ki Aur Khaabon Ki
Phir Haqueeqat Ka Saamna Hoga
Jab Raat Subah Ki Taraf Jaane Lagegi


Friday, December 02, 2011

Nanhi Si Jaan

Sometimes, you wake up in the night with something in your head.

Nanhi Si Jaan

Ek Baar Jab Neend Na Aayi
Jaa Pahucha Taaron Se Milne
Balcony Mein Hava Sard Thi
Traffic Ki Awaaz Bhi Nahin Thi

Saamne Lamppost Ke Neeche
Khadi Thi Ek Nanhi Si Jaan,
Thand Me Thartharati
Zindagi Se Haar Maanti

Maine Awaaz Dekar Kaha
‘Aao Oopar Ghar Mein
Baahar Ki Thand Mein
Bimaar Padne Ka Dar Hai’

Halke Paanv Oopar Aayi Woh
Thand Se Safed Hua Chehra Liye
Sehemte hue Baithi Arm-chair Pe
Maine Chai Aur Chaadar Badhaai

Chehre Ki Laali Thodi Waapas Aayi
Toh Maine Poocha, ‘Kaun Ho Tum, Kahanse Aayi?’
Ussne Kaha, ‘Main Is Raat Ki Beti Hoon,
Zara Raasta Bhool Gayein Hoon’

Waqt Guzra Aur Chidyon Ne Kaha
Ke Seher Hone Hi Waali Hai
Woh Uthke Badhi Darwaaze Ki Or
Maine Poocha, ‘Phir Kab Milogi?’

Boli, 'Shaayad...Jab Tumhein Neend Na Aaye Agli Baar’