Friday, March 28, 2014

The Face of the Beloved--A Ghazal of Mirza Ghalib (Translated by Sunil Uniyal)--India

The Face of the Beloved - A Ghazal of Mirza Ghalib
(Translated by Sunil Uniyal) ~

The face of the Beloved is a candle eternally glowing
The fire of His rose is life-water giving

To the literary masters, death means silence-
The candle flame highlights this in their gathering

The end of their story is hinted by its flame
The candle reminds us of those no more living

The longing of the moth comes to nought, O flame,
The candle's remorse is seen in your quivering

The thought of the Beloved makes the soul dance
As if the breeze of glory has a candle fluttering

Sunil Uniyal ( born 1953-) is a poet and translator based in New Delhi, India. He has been writing haiku and poems for over thirty years and many of these have appeared in e-journals like Muse India, Kritya, AHA Poetry, Poetica Magazine, Sketch Book, Notes From the Gean, A Hundred Gourds and Haiku Dreaming Australia. His work in translation includes, The Target is Behind the Sky -Fifty Poems of Kabir, brought out by the Low Price Publications, Delhi in February 2012.

9 comments:

  1. Dear Sunil,
    Thank you for translating this thought-provoking poem by Mirza Ghalib. Every time we remember a loved one, their candle is lit again, albeit for a brief moment. Indeed, when I think of friends and family who have passed, it does make my "soul dance." It is sad to think of literary masters bound by silence. At least their words live on. Very nicely written and an excellent translation! Blessings, Carolyn

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    1. Thank you, Carolyn, for your kind comments. The candle indeed symbolises so many things, God, life, friends, family, love...and Ghalib has captured it spirit in the ghazal so beautifully. Thank you again for appreciating my poetic translation.
      Best regards

      Sunil

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  2. Dear Sunil, what an interesting poem that you have translated so well by Mirza. I really enjoyed the read. Thank you for sharing yours and Mirza's talent.
    Charlene

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    1. Thank you, Charlene, for liking this work in translation. I'm encouraged by your comments.

      Warm regards

      Sunil

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  3. Very profound poem Sunil, full of ways to give one's life meaning. Thanks for posting.

    Robert

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    1. Dear Robert, I am grateful to you for your comments.

      All the best
      Sunil

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  4. Sunil, the translation is exquisitely transcribed and the poem must be incredible! As always there is some depth lost in the translation but it is beautiful and soulful. Sheri

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  5. Sunil,
    Your poem is beautiful! Nothing like lighting a candle
    gives a person peace and calmness. Thank you for sharing.
    Mary

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  6. It is so delightful to see the work of poets such as yourself, Sunil. I enjoyed this read. Thank you for sharing and translating it. Continued blessings!

    -Maurice J. Reynolds, Owner / Editor
    TGBTG! Publications / Creative Inspirations
    www.tgbtgpublictions.com

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