On one of my aimless wanderings through the blogosphere, I came across the following poem by (his holiness) Gulzar. It is less commonly known than, say, "Dastak", but it has to be read to be believed- unforgettable imagery, almost unbearable pain and loss, and universal feelings expressed with a stunning intensity.
"ALAAV" by Gulzar
Raat bhar sard hawa chalti rahi
Raat bhar humnein alaav taapa
Maine maazi se kai khushk si shaakhein kaati
Tumne bhi guzre huye lamhon ke patte tode
Maine jebon se nikali sabhi sukhi nazmein
Tumne bhi haathon se murjhaaye huye khat khole
Apni in aankhon se maine kai maanze tode
Aur haathon se kai baasi lakeerein phenki
Tumne palkon pe nami sookh gayi thi, so gira di
Raat bhar jo bhi mila ugte badan par humko
Kaat ke daal diya jalte alaavon main use
Raat bhar phoonkon se har lau ko jagaye rakha
Aur do jismon ke indhan ko jalaye rakha
Raat bhar bujhte huye rishte ko taapa humnein...
Sigh.
Where would the world of poetry- and this poor, inarticulate society- be without people like Gulzar who can bring such velvety expressions to pain and loss?
