Ghazal

 (Makhdoom Moinuddin)

Translation by L K Atheeq

aap kii yaad aatii rahii raat bhar
chashm-e-nam muskuraatii rahii raat bhar

raat bhar dard kii shammaa jalatii rahii
Gam kii lau tharatharaatii rahii raat bhar

baansurii kii surilii suhaanii sadaa
yaad ban ban ke aatii rahii raat bhar

yaad ke chaand dil me.n utarate rahe
chaandanii jagamaatii rahii raat bhar

koii diivaanaa galiyon mein phirtaa rahaa
koii aavaaz aatii rahii raat bhar

*********

Your memory keeps me awake through the night.

A happy tear lingers in the eye through the night.

 The lamp of pain is aglow,

the flame of sorrow flickers through the night.

The lovely melodious flute, your thought,

haunts me through the night?

 The moons of remembrance endear my heart

Moonlight shines through the night

 Is there a vagabond roaming the street?

Is there a voice filtering through the night?

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

 

Maqdoom Moinuddin, a revolutionary Urdu poet during the 1940s to 1960s, was born in Medak district of Andhra Pradesh and studied in the Osmania University. He later taught Urdu literature at Osmania. His primary interest however was working for peasants and workers. Maqdoom fought against the Nizam of Hyderabad. He was one of the heroes of the Telegana agrarian movement of 1946-1951. He spent years in jail or in exile from home and family. His romantic poetry is very sensitive and rich in imagery.

He became Leader of Opposition in the Andhra Legislative Council during the 1958-63 period.

The above Ghazal of Maqdoom has been sung by many singers. Chaya Ganguli sang the Ghazal for the film "Gaman": a haunting rendition indeed.  You may watch and listen on this youtube link -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlFXtzd4o38

  

Potomac

November 10, 2013