The Caravan of Life… زندگی کا کارواں

The Caravan of Life… زندگی کا کارواں

On an unseasonably warm day, the idea of a walk in nature is quite disturbing. Admittedly, on any other day where the temperatures hover around 20 and partly sunny conditions exist، I’d happily go on a trail or along a creek enjoying what nature has to offer.

However, on some days it is simply better to go for a walk through the mall. A place which is certainly as far as one can be from nature and in many ways, malls today are the cathedrals of capitalism but they still offer such a wonderful cross-section of life and what life has to offer that some of my best thoughts come to me in a mall. [Aside: It is also usually full of beautiful happy people which is good for the eyes and certain parts of the soul]. In any case, a walk through the mall once elicited this weak ghazal (as i reflected on Iqbal’s me nagreem o me raweem) that I present for you.

زندگی کا کارواں، زیست دریاِ رواں

ہم  بہتے  جاتے،  شعر کہتے جاتے

The caravan of life

A moving river

I flow with it

I say what I want to say

j

خدا بڑا مہرباں، ناصح ذرا بد زباں

ہم سنتے جاتے،  شعر کہتے جاتے

A merciful God

A furious pastor

I listen

I say what comes to mind

j

انجمنِ دوستاں، راز ہوے  ہیں  آیاں

دل دکھتے جاتے، شعر کہتے جاتے

A gathering of friends

Some secrets revealed

Some hearts hurt

I say what I had to say

j

میری قومِ مومناں، با حالِ بے کراں

ہم روتے جاتے، شعر کہتے جاتے

My people are full of hope

But remain in a poor condition

I weep

I say useless things

j

دل ہے بے ایمان، پر  ہے  رازدان

ہم ہنستے جاتے، شعر کہتے جاتے

I am dishonest

But I keep secrets

I smile

I speak when I need to

j

کوِ ملکِ دوستاں  تا رہِ  شہرِ دشمناں

اکیلے استاد جاتے، شعرکہتے جاتے

From the house of my friends

To the city of my enemies

I walk alone

I sing while I go to my death