Ghazal No. 15

I long for manly weapons – bow, dagger, spear and sword. O, do not come with me, for mine is Shabbir’s way.

Look at me gathering straw for a nest, and look at me again, wishing for fire to burn it off.

He said: ‘Keep your lips sealed. Let not My secret be betrayed.’ I said: ‘O no, I must proclaim that You are great.’

He said: ‘Ask for whatever is your wish.’ I said: ‘I wish to know the mystery of fate.’

All that I know about my life is this: A dream forgotten, which I wish to have interpreted for me.

O where is that alluring glance that captivated my heart first? God bless you, I desire that arrow once again.