میں خواہش

I desire

Completion of your Love is what I desire

Look at my sincerity what little I desire

It may be oppression or the promise of

unveiling

Something testing my perseverance I desire

May the pious be happy with this Paradise

Only to see your Countenance I desire

Though I am but a tiny little heart I am so

bold

To hear the same Lan tarani I desire

O assembly’s companions! I am existing only

for a few moments

I am the dawn’s candle, I am about to be

extinguished

I have divulged the secret in the full assembly

I am very insolent, punishment I desire.

Allama Muhammad Iqbal

Translated by M.A.K. Khalil

(Picture: Autumn grasses in moonlight, Shibata Zeshin)