For AG

To put my lips to yours and die-

this is my whole desire!

To tell one's love,

the telling must posses a certain charm.

Unless I pass through the Kaba, I see nothing.

I set out to journey from

the temple, looking backwards all the way.

*************

Into my breast, into my heart,

you made your way and still

The glance that stirs men's love for you

Stirs mine and stirs it still.

Your wrath, your kindness-

I can no more tell

one from the other

The charm that kills men's

intellect killed mine and

kills mine still

Still drunk with last night's wine, my love-

and I would die for you

The sight of your unsteady gait

Charmed me and charms me still

You have not turned to God,

and that sarcastic wit of yours

which used to mock at Judgement Day

is mocking at it still

-Ghalib, translated by Ralph Russell

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