I remember, even in joy, the commotion of 'Oh Lord!',
The rosary of the ascetic has become a smile beneath my lip,
The opening of the closed heart is pledged to speech,
The house of the school was a spellbound lock of abjad for me,
O Lord! From whom should I seek justice for this distraction/distress!
Now I envy the comfort of the prisoners,
My nature yearns for the pleasure of desires unfulfilled, what should I do!
From desire itself, my aim is the breaking of desire,
By falling in love, Ghalib, you too became like me,
Mirza Sahib used to dissuade me from love,
Mirza Ghalib's ghazal explores classic themes of love, longing, and existential paradox with his characteristic wit and philosophical depth. It delves into the nature of desire, suggesting that the ultimate aim of ardent longing is its own dissolution. The verses reflect on the human condition's inherent agitation, the power of poetic expression to unlock the heart, and a playful subversion of religious piety, all while weaving in his unique blend of worldly experience and profound introspection, culminating in his signature self-referential flourish.
love & longing (ishq, judāī) · wonder & existence · wit & rebuke