Ask Anyone but Me

Mujeeb Jaihoon’s poem on the silent suffering and unwavering hope that blossom in the face of unrequited love

Pain is not new in love
Why waste time crying about?

Hey the lovely rose
Who pricked my tender soul
Ask anyone but me:
How I bled in your longing

Ask my eyes about
The flood of tears

Ask my heart
How faintly it beat

Ask the mirror
About the strangers’ face

Ask the prayer rug
About my eager prayers

Ask the heavens
About my patience

Ah! Ask your Merciful Lord-
About the hope I hoarded.

Sep 24 2004. Edit March 2024