When a drop falls in the river, it becomes the river.
When a deed is done well, it becomes the future.
translated by Robert Bly
Ghalib
from Leftovers In The Cup by Ghalib
I don’t see why the so-called elite people are so proud
When the ropes of custom that tie them down are clear enough.
It’s hard for me to distinguish sacrifice from hypocrisy,
When the greed for reward in pious actions is obvious enough.
from When The Day Comes 2 by Ghalib
How long is our life? How long does an eyelash flutter?
The warmth of a poetry gathering is like a single spark.
O Ghalib, the sorrows of existence, what can cure them but death?
There are so many colors in the candle flame, and then the day comes.
translated by Robert Bly with Sunil Dutta
from When The Day Comes by Ghalib
Love requires waiting, but desire doesn’t want to wait.
The heart has no patience; it would rather bleed to death.
I know you’ll respond when you understand the state of my soul,
But I’ll probably be earth before all that is clear to you.
translated by Robert Bly
On writing love poems by Ghalib
While telling the story, if each eyelash does not drip with blood
You’re not telling a love story, but a tale made for kids.
Leonard Durso 