S. R. Faruqi:

(1) I don’t know what there is about the red lips of the idol-like beauties.
The sound of that silent fire roars through the whole world.

(2) Why shouldn’t the bazaar slow down and grow dull when Joseph makes an
appearance?
That merchandise is not to be found with every dealer.

(3) A scrap of paper with my verses on it sewed up the mouths of all.
It was as if the tip of my pen’s tongue had magic in it

(4) My broken heart is not without its subtle delights.
Come and stay here a bit in this ruined house.

(5) On the bank of the stream I hugged it and wept my heart out.
The cypress had a style much resembling my swaying, walking cypress.

[The Urdu and Persian word for “metrical, within the meter” is ‘mauzun’, which mean “measured/weighed [and found correct].” Since the beloved’s stature is a thing of beauty, it is often described as ‘mauzun’, which also means “suitable, proper.” A line of verse is ‘mauzun’, “metrical.” So is the beloved’s stature (suitable, proper, and hence measured/weighed [and found correct]). The cypress tree is always straight like a line. Hence the cypress also is ‘mauzun’.]

(6) What deadly grievous sin did I commit in giving my heart away to the boys?
Why is everyone in the city, young or old, gossiping about it?

(7) They can hardly be found in a newly blossomed jasmine, oh Mir,
the elegance and grace in the impressions left by her feet.

 

FWP:

(inspired by SRF's translation)

(1) No telling what there is in the red lips of the idols!
Their silent fire is noised abroad in the world.

(2) Having seen Joseph, why shouldn't the bazaar shut down?
Not every shop has merchandise like this.

(3) With a single sheet of verses, I shut up everyone's mouth--
So to speak, the tongue of my pen had magic in it.

(4) This ruined heart is not unenjoyable.
Come and stay for a bit in this broken-down house.

(5) I embraced it and wept my heart out.
The cypress resembled my tall slim beloved.

(6) What a disaster, that I gave my heart to the boys!
Now the whole city is gossiping about it.

(7) They can hardly be found in a newly blossomed jasmine, Mir--
the elegance and grace in the impressions left by her feet.

 

Zahra Sabri:

Zahra Sabri is a special guest translator for this site.

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