In search of an illuminating guide, questioning if hope remains.
The Guide I searched,
Day and night.
Such a Gem,
Never fell into hands.
The Cup-bearer,
I saw in dream.
Never did I see,
Near the Drink of Life.
To despair isn’t my habit,
Yet a question arises:
Is there no flower
Left in this world,
Whose deeds become
The envy of the hoor?
* * *
Doonda tha jo ek murshid ko din o raat
Kabhi gira hi nahi woh moti mere haat
Dekha tha jo saaqi ko khwaab mein
Piya hi nahi use’ zindagi ke sharaab mein
Mayoos hona Jaihoon ka kaam nahi
Lekin lab pe aata hai ek sawaal phir bhi-
ab baaqi na rahe kya is duniya mein koi gul
Amaal jiske dekh kar jale hoor-e-jannat ka dil?
August 14th 2003.
