Ghazal - by Maulana Hasrat Mohani

Ghazal

By Maulana Hasrat Mohani

Silently, silently, crying day and night – I still remember
All those days of our love – I still remember 

With a thousand worries and even more fondness
I felt that first spark of love – I still remember 

At our first meeting when I was instantly taken
By the shy way you bit your finger – I still remember 

The time I yanked aside the curtain
And you hid behind your scarf – I still remember 

In the heat of the afternoon you tiptoed barefoot
Across the terrace and called to me – I still remember

Dodging every stranger’s glance and everyone’s wishes
You stole away at night – I still remember

That evening when the mere thought of separating
Made the tears pass from your eyes to mine – I still remember

And the place where you came to meet me, secretly, so secretly
And so long ago – but I still remember

At the moment of our parting, you said goodbye
With your lips dry and trembling – I still remember 

In spite of all your claims of piety, Hasrat,
That time of desire – I still remember

Translation from the UrduBy Hamida Banu Chopra, Nasreen Chopra, and Zack Rogow

Full essay on how the team translated this ghazal is HERE