Tag: shayari

Posted in Random Thoughts

Khushboo

Posted on by Shaily Agrawal

Tapti mitti khwabo me soundhi khushboo deti h.

Teri rehmat shayad khidhkiyo se dil tak aayi h.

Translation:

I dream of fragrant first rains

in hot and fiery lands–

Through the windows your blessings

sneak into my weary heart.

Author’s note: In Urdu, rains are considered a blessing since they are the harbinger of relief, growth, prosperity and plenty. When the first rain of rainy season touches dry land, the land becomes fragrant and touches the very soul of Indians. It beckons children and adults alike to rush out and feel the raindrops on their faces.

Posted in Random Thoughts

Sahil | Poetry | Urdu to English

Posted on by Shaily Agrawal

Na raah h, na rehbar h, na koi sitara h.

Is raahi ko toh bas Samandar ka hi sahara h.

Jo kashti h, jo toofan h, wo hi kinara h.

No path, no rose, no north star,

I drift around, at Sea, that is too

the Boat, the Storm, the Shore afar.

Author’s note: He is the journey and the destination.

Urdu poetry is rich in duel meaning, one of which almost always divine.

Posted in Poetry, Tiny stories

Unrequited | Urdu Poetry

Posted on by Shaily Agrawal

Qubool kar be hua nhi. Irshad kho gya zina me kahi.

Teri ashanai me hume fir bhi musalsal mukarrar ka hi irada h.

You said “I do” but you didn’t,

Inception of love eternal lost in the forbidden,

Love unrequited wishes still

For chances endless until you return.

Author’s note: An Urdu Sher (couplet) translated into an English Quatrain (verse with four lines)

Posted in Poetry

Mourning | Urdu poetry | Lantern

Posted on by Shaily Agrawal

Jinki yaad me shazar pe gulo ne ugna chood diya,

Unhi ne hikarat se sunsaan gulistaa chhod diya.

Trees

ceased flowering

mourning the one

who deserted ruined garden

in disgust.

Author’s note: An Urdu sher (couplet) translated into a Lantern (Japanese style of poetry with 1, 2, 3, 4, 1 words). Mine is “nearly a Lantern” because the last line has two words.

Posted in Poetry

Gum (Lost) | Urdu poetry

Posted on by Shaily Agrawal

Ab aaye ho? Mujhe dhoondhte jana.

Ek arse se kisi ki yado me gum hu.

___________

English translation:

So, you’ve finally returned? Find me before you leave again.

For ages, I’ve been lost in someone’s memories.

___________

Author’s note: Sher are couplets in Urdu that tell a complete story.

Posted in Random Thoughts

Samandar (The Sea): Sher

Posted on by Shaily Agrawal

Jis samandar ki lehero me tair ke laut aaye hum,

Suna he ki log usme doob ke paar ho gaye.

_________________________________________

Translation:

The ocean that I swam in and returned from unscathed,

I’ve heard, has drowned many and let them pass.

______________________________________

Author’s note: In Urdu poetry, a Sher is a couplet, where two lines present one thought or story.

Posted in Random Thoughts

Guroor (Pride): Sher

Posted on by Shaily Agrawal

Sir jhukaye, asman ko neelam lutaate dekhta hu,

Sharm he ki hatheliya dua me khulne nahi deti.

Translation:

Head bent, I look at the sapphires falling from skies above.

Pride forces my palms in pockets, ashamed to spread heavenwards and collect.

______________________________________

Author’s note:

In Urdu poetry, a Sher is a couplet, where two lines present one thought or story.

I run another site with urdu poetry and I’m moving my work here gradually. I will translate the pieces, but not verbatim since it seems impossible without breaking the spirit of the piece.