(Bang-e-Dra-014) Shama-o-Parwana

Shama-o-Parwana
Moth And Candle

Parwana Tujh Se Karta Hai Ae Shama! Pyar Kyun
Ye Jaan-e-Be-Qarar Hai Tujh Par Nisar Kyun

Why is the moth your lover, O flame,
Giving life in a yielding move?

Seemabwaar Rakhti Hai Teri Ada Isse
Adab-e-Ishq Tu Ne Sikhaye Hain Kya Isse?

You make its ways the quicksilver’s ways.
You taught it, what rites of love?

Karta Hai Ye Tawaf-e-Teri Jalwagah Ka
Phoonka Huwa Hai Kya Teri Barq-e-Nigah Ka?

The creature circles around your flare.
How burnt in your flash of sight!

Azaar-e-Mout Mein Isse Aram-e-Jaan Hai Kya?
Shaole Mein Tere Zindagi-e-Javidan Hai Kya?

Does it know life’s peace in the throes of death?
Life endures in your ardour bright?

Ghumkhana-e-Jahan Mein Jo Teri Zia Na Ho
Iss Tafta Dil Ka Nakhle-e-Tamana Hara Na Ho

Had your lustre not been in the world’s house of woe
The tree of hot love had not been green.

Girna Tere Huzoor Mein Iss Ki Namaz Hai
Nanhe Se Dil Mein Lazzat-e-Souz-o-Gudaz Hai

Moth sinks before you making its prayer,
Frail heart to feel scorching keen.

Kuch Iss Mein Josh-e-Ashiq-e-Husn-e-Qadeem Hai
Chota Sa Toor Tu, Ye Zara Sa Kaleem Hai

It must throb like one loving the beauty of old:
Small prophet! small mountain of fire!

Parwana, Aur Zauq-e-Tamashaye Roshni
Keera Zara Sa, Aur Tamanaye Roshni!

The moth with its urge to envisage the flame!
Poor worm, with its light’s desire!