(Bang-e-Dra-024) Mah-e-Nau

Mah-e-Nau
The New Moon

Toot Kar Khursheed Ki Kashti Huwi Gharqab-e-Neel
Aik Tukra Tairta Phirta Hai Rooye Aab-e-Neel

The day’s bright launch has floundered in the whirlpool of the Nile,
On the river’s face one fragment floats eddyingly awhile;

Tasht-e-Gardoon Mein Tapakta Hai Shafaq Ka Khoon-e-Naab
Nashtar-e-Qudrat Ne Kya Kholi Hai Fasd-e-Aftab

Into the bowl of heaven the twilight’s crimson blood‐drops run—
Has Nature with her lancet pricked the hot veins of the sun?

Charakh Ne Bali Chura Li Hai Uroos-e-Shaam Ki
Neel Ke Pani Mein Ya Machli Hai Seem-e-Khaam Ki

—Is that an earring, that the sky has thieved from Evening’s bride,
or through the water does some silvery fish, quivering, glide?

Qafla Tera Rawan Be-Minnat-e-Bang-e-Dra
Gosh-e-Insaan Sun Nahin Sakta Teri Awaz-e-Pa

Your caravan holds on its way, though no trumpet be blown;
Your voice still murmurs, though no mortal ear may catch its tone.

Ghatne Barhne Ka Saman Ankhon Ko Dikhlata Hai Tu
Hai Watan Tera Kidhar, Kis Dais Ko Jata Hai Tu

All shapes of life that wanes and grows before us you display:
Where is your native land? towards what country lies your way?

Sath Ae Sayyara-e-Sabit Numa Le Chal Mujhe
Khar-e-Hasrat Ki Khalish Rakhti Hai Ab Be Kal Mujhe

You who still wander yet still keep your path, take me with you,
Take me now while these throbbing thorns of torment pierce me through!

Noor Ka Talib Hun, Ghabrata Hun Iss Basti Mein Main
Tiflak-e-Seemab Pa Hun Maktab-e-Hasti Mein Main

I grope for light, I anguish in this earth‐abode, a child
In the schoolroom of existence, like pale mercury quick and wild.