It Is Not Love It Is Madness

Ghalib

Ishq Mujhko Nahin, Vehshat Hi Sahi
Meri Vehshat Teri Shohrat Hi Sahi
Katta Keeje Na Taalluk Hamse
Kutch Nahin Hai To Adavat Hi Sahi
Mere Hone Mein Hai Kya Rusvayee
Ae Veh Majlis Nahin Khallat Hi Sahi
Hum Bhi Dushman To Nahin Hain Apne
Gair Ko Tujhse Mohabbat Hi Sahi
Apni Hasti He Se Ho Jo Kutch Ho
Aagahi Gar Nahin Gaflat Hi Sahi
Umr Harchand Ki Hai Barke-Kharam
Dil Ke Khoon Ki Fursat Hi Sahi
Hum Koyee Tarqe-Vafa Karte Hain
Na Sahi Ishq Museebat Hi Sahi
Kutch To De Ae Falke-Na-Insaaf
Aaho Fariyad Ki Rukhsat Hi Sahi
Hum Bhi Tasleem Ki Khoo Dalenge
Benayazi Teri Aadat Hi Sahi
Yaar Se Chedh Chali Jaye 'Asad'
Gar Nahin Vasl To Hasrat Hi Sahi
English Translation
(You say) It is not love, it is madness
My madness may be the cause of your fame
Sever not my relationship with you
If nothing then be my enemy
What is the meaning of notoriety in meeting me
If not in public court meet me alone
I am not my own enemy
So what if the stranger is in love with you
Whatever you are, it is due to your own being
If this not known then it is ignorance
Life though fleets like a lightening flash
Yet it is abundant Time to be in love
I do not want debate on the sustenance of love
Be it not love but another dilemma
Give something O biased One
At least the sanction to cry and plea
I will perpetuate the rituals
Even if cruelty be your habit
Teasing and cajoling the beloved cannot leave 'Asad'
Even if there is no union and only the desire remains





Last updated January 14, 2019