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Allama Iqbal on Imam Hussain
Dr Iqbal had an abiding faith in Ahlul Bayt (the Chosen Descendants of the Holy Prophet). He was intensely moved by the tragic events of Karbala so much so that in many of his couplets he carried a universal message to the mankind for emulating Imam Husayn who sacrificed his life at the altar of Truth. His elegies on the martyrdom of Imam Husayn stand unmatched and are an eye-opener to all those who are giving a mere lip-service to Islam.
In the following couplets Dr Iqbal gives vent to his sentiments and feelings on Imam Husayn:
Jis tarah mujhko shahid-e-Karbala say piyâr hay
Haq ta’âla ko yatimon ki duâ say piyâr hay
Dr Iqbal expresses his extreme love for Imam Husayn. Just as Almighty Allah loves to listen to the invocation of the orphans, he also has the same kind of love for the martyr of Karbala.
Roney wâlâ hoon shahid-e-Karbala kay gham may mayn
Kyâ durrey maqsûd na daingay Sâqi-e-Kauthar mujhey
Dr Iqbal has a sincere and genuine faith in Imam Husayn. The hero of this episode Imam Husayn, the brave son of the bravest of the brave Ali and grandson of the Holy Prophet, took up a firm stand not to acknowledge Yazid as the Caliph of Islam. It is a fight for the preservation of the principles and tenets of Islam. Imam Husayn arrived in Karbala on the 2nd of Muharram 61 A.H. along with his small children, women, and some comrades numbering 72 only. On the l0th of Muharram he was brutally killed. This was the tragedy over which Iqbal sheds tears. He believes that mourning and wailing over him would lead to his (Iqbal’s) salvation. He also believes that Suqi-e-Kauthar Lord of Kauthar (Cistern in Paradise) Le. Imam Ali loves those, who weep for Imam Husayn. He hopes and prays that since he sheds tears out of grief for Husyan, Imam Ali would give him all the help he needs.
Gharib-o-sâda- o-rangi’n hay dâstân-e-Haram
Nihâyat iski Husayn ibtida hay Ismâil
Dr Iqbal says that the event of the construction of Kaba is very simple and interesting. Prophet Ismail suffered great pains in its construction. The Holy Prophet purged it from the idols that were in it, and so raised its glory. The first stone was laid by Ismail indeed. He offered for sacrifice his own life but the sacrifice was not completed as he was replaced by a ram and according to the Holy Qur’an the great sacrifice or Zibh-e ‘Azim was to come later and completed by one of his descendants, Husayn. So in fact culmination of the spirit of love for Allah was manifest when Imam Husayn sacrificed his life and preserved the dignity of the Holy Kaba.
Haqiqat-e-abadi hay maqâm-e-Shabbiri
Badaltay rahay hain andâze Kufio-Shâmi
Dr Iqbal here compares two things Shabbiri or Husayniyat, i-e. principles enunciated and adhered to by Imam Husayn, and Yazidiyat, i.e. worldly power and authority. Husayn was the symbol of devotion to and love for Allah, i.e. submission to none except Allah.
The spirit as shown by the rulers of Kufa and Syria, is always changing since it tries to gain strength through fraud, dishonesty, and political expediency and maneuvering as against this truth never changes. So .the place Imam Husayn has achieved, is a reality which shall be hailed and acknowledged for all times to come.
Qâfilâ e Hijaz may ek Husayn bhi nahin
Garche hai tâbdâr abhi wâdi ey Dajlao Furât
Dr Iqbal was distressed to note that Iraq was under the yoke of the British. He was disappointed that the Muslims had lost courage and were suffering humiliation. The land of Tigres and Eupharates called some staunch devotee of Islam who could relieve them of their serfdom. Iqbal only wished a man, a follower of Imam Husayn might come up to help the Muslims of Iraq!
Sidq-e-Khalil Bhi hay ishqe sabr-e-Husayn bhi hay ishq
Mârika-e-wujud maiyn Badr-o-Hunayn bhi hay ishq
Dr Iqbal says that love of Allah manifests itself in many ways. Prophet Ibrahim had to suffer many difficulties in the cause of Allah. He accepted being thrown into the fire, and the fire was turned into a blooming garden.
It showed his intense love for Allah. Our Holy Prophet conquered the Battles of Badr and Hunayn through his ardent love for Allah. Similarly Imam Husayn showed his patience in the battlefield of Karbala where he, with his family and comrades, not only suffered the pangs of three days’ thirst, but willingly sacrificed his life for the cause of Truth and love for Allah. Love for Allah is a quality, a force, an impetus, which creates in us extraordinary patience and forbearance.
Ek faqr hay Shabbiri es faqr mayn hay meri
Mirâs- e-Musalmâni, samâya-i-Shabbiri
Dr Iqbal says that the life of a dervish is a very noble way of living but it is different from the life of a mendicant or friar who lives on begging or in seclusion. We should learn from Imam Husayn who while passing the life of a dervish had no other consideration except love of Allah and submission to His will. Our treading the path practised by Imam Husayn will bestow on us the title of Chief among the people. A Muslim has inherited this wealth from Imam Husayn, and we should make the best use of it. Imam Husayn has given us the lesson of self-sacrifice, patience, and forebearance and submission to none except Allah.
Ân Imam-e-âshiqân pooray Batool
Sarvay âzâdi ze bustân-e-Rasul
Now Dr Iqbal opens his praises for the son of lady Fatima. He was the chief of the lovers of Allah, and an evergreen tree from the garden of the Prophet. Imam Husayn who stood against the forces of evil, refused to acknowledge Yazid as theCaliph of Islam, and upholding the dignity of Islamic principles sacrificed his life along with a small band of 72 of his followers, at the battlefield of Karbala.
Allah Allah Bâey Bismillah pidar
Ma’niye zibh-e-azim âmad pisar
In a state of supreme bliss Dr Iqbal says, “O’ Allah, what an exalted position Imam Husayn possessed, as his illustrious father (Imam Ali) was the first letter of the Qur’an! A tradition says that Imam Ali said, “What is in the Holy Qur’an is in the first chapter (Surah Fatiha); what is in this surah (chapter) is in the first verse (Bismillah); what is in Bismillah is in its first letter (Ba) and I am the dot below ba. Doubtless Imam Ali was acknowledged to be the best expounder of the Holy Qur’an. The Holy Prophet had himself declared: “Ali is with Qur’an, and Qur’an is with Ali”. Imam Husayn was the son of such an eminent personality. It is Imam Husayn’s Martyrdom which is referred to as Zibhe Azim the greatest sacrifice in the Holy Qur’an. Imam Husayn was the direct descendant of Prophet Ismail and had offered himself for sacrifice at Karbala to save Islamic principles from annihilation. The Holy Qur’an says that Zibhe Azim, the great sacrifice of Prophet Ismail was left over for the coming generation. Dr Iqbal alludes to this and says that Zibhe Azim in the Holy Qur’an means the sacrifice of Imam Husayn.
Bahray ân shahzâdaey Khayrul milal
Dosh-e-Khatmul mursalin ne’mul Jamal
Dr Iqbal here alludes to an event stated by Tirmizi and others. Once Imam Husayn mounted the shoulders of his grandfather, the Holy Prophet. Somebody said, “What a good carriage it is!” The Prophet said, “And what a good rider it is!” Dr Iqbal mentions this event to show what affectionate feelings the Holy Prophet had towards his grandson.
Surkh roo ishq-e-ghayoor az Khoon-e-oo
Surkhiye in misra az mazmoon-e-oo
Dr Iqbal says that it is because of Imam Husayn’s blood that the modest love has gained honor and dignity. This couplet can well serve a title for the episode of the Tragedy of Karbala which shows how piously and valiantly Imam Husayn defended the tenets of Islam, sacrificed his own life along with his kith and kin, sincere followers, and comrades, and raised the honor of love to its acme.
Darmiyân-e-Ummat ân Keywân janâb,
Hamchu harf-e-Qul Huwallah dar Kitâb
Dr Iqbal shows here the position of Imam Husayn. He says that among the followers of the Holy Prophet Imam Husayn is like the Divine phrase QuI huwallah (Say He is Allah) meaning that Allah is One, in the Holy Qur’an. Since the entire Holy Qur’an turns to this verse -QuI Huwallaho Ahad (Say that He is One) similarly the whole Islamic world turns towards Imam Husayn who is the source of our guidance. Dr Iqbal knows the tradition of our Prophet: “Husayn is from me and I am from Husayn” i.e. Husayn is his grandson and that he (the Prophet) would be made known by him, and his mission would be fulfilled by Imam Husayn who sacrificed his life to immortalize Islam and its tenets.
Musa o Firaun-o-Shabbir or Yazid
Een do quwwât az Hayât âmad padid.
Ever since the creation of life two opposing forces have been at war with each other- virtue and vice, Right and wrong. Musa (Moses) rose against Firaun (Pharoah) and Shabbir (Imam Husayn) rose against Yazid. These struggles were between the Right and the wrong. Consequently the Right prevailed upon the wrong and it was proved that Right is might.
Zindah haq az quwwat-e-Shabbiri ast
Bâtil âkhir dâgh-e-hasrat miri ast
Dr Iqbal says that Truth or Islam exists today because of the strength shown and the spiritual power exercised by Imam Husayn. In other words Imam Husayn made Islam immortal. The wrong was crushed to annihilation in spite of its apparent success. Yazidism or the principle enunciated by Yazid is looked down upon by all, but Husayn’s blood spilled at Karbala still enlivens our hearts and makes us feel that his sacrifice to support the Right against the wrong was unparalleled in the history of mankind.
Choon Khitlâfat rishtah az Qur’an gusikht
Hurriyat ra Zahr under Kâm rikht
Khâst ân sar Jatwaey Khairut Umam
Choon Sahabe Qibtah Bârân dar qadam
Bar zamin-e-Karbala Bârid o raft
Lalah dar wirânaha Kârid o raft
Tâ qayâmat qat’ay istibdâd kard
Mauje Khoone oo chaman ijâd kard
Dr Iqbal says that when the Islamic Government severed its relation with the injunctions of the Holy Qur’an the Muslims suffered moral degradation. It marred their freedom. When the rulers indulged in all sorts of vicious habits and satisfied their carnal desires against the clear-cut injunctions of the Holy Qur’an the whole social structure was impaired. Nobody could utter a word against the tyrant ruler and his associates. Then arose that chief of the Muslims (Husayn) like blessed cloud with rain of mercy under his foot. It rained blessings on the sands of Karbala and turned that desert into a garden. It is the place where Imam Husayn with his kith and kin, children and comrades, numbering 72 only, faced a huge army and courted martyrdom after three days starvation and thirst on the l0th of Muharram 61 A.H. Husayn was undoubtedly the savior of freedom and Karbala has become the symbol of struggle against tyranny.
Husayn’s role at Karbala was So magnificent that it eradicated for ever the savage idea of cruelty and cold-bloodedness. The wave of his blood has created a garden which is symbolic of his sacrifice for the preservation of freedom and Truth.
Bahre haq dar Khâk-o-khoon ghaltida ast
Pas binâ ey lâ illah gardida ast
Dr Iqbal says that Imam Husayn voluntarily gave his life at Karbala for the sake of Allah or Truth. So it goes without saying that Husayn laid the foundation of the cardinal Principle of Islam -the belief that there is no god except Allah. Since Islamic principles were being twisted, distorted and exterminated it was Husayn’s blood which gave it a new life.
Mudda â yash saltanat boody agar
Khud na hardy bâ chunin sâmmâne safar
That Imam Husayn’s only aim in refusing to accept Yazid as Caliph of Islam was to preserve Islam, can be borne out from the fact that while he left Madina for his journey towards Kufa he had a small band of his relations and followers, including women, and children. Had he the intention of fighting a political battle he would not have gone there with such people as he took with him. Those Who accompanied Imam Husayn included his sisters, wives, children ( even a six month old child was with him) and some followers, some of whom were more than eighty years of age.
Dushmanân chun rig-e-sahra la tu’ad
Dostân-e-oo bâ yazdân ham ‘adad
In the Battle of Karbala the number of the enemy was as countless as the particles of sand, but the number of Imam Husayn’s friends was only 72.
Tigh-e-lâ choon az miyan buroon kashid
Az rag-e-arbâbe bâtil khoon kashid
Naqsh-e-Illallâ h bar Sahra nawisht
Satre-unwân-e- najat-e mâ nawisht
Ramz-e-Qur’an az Husayn âmokhteem
Za Âtishe-oo Shoalahâ andokhteem
Imam Husayn took up his sword of ‘La’ or ‘No’ that is, there is no deity (except Allah) and crushed infidelity. He imprinted the mark of Illallah (Tawhid), or monotheism in the wilderness of Karbala. It was a title for our salvation. In fact we have learnt the lesson of Tawhid or monotheism from Imam Husayn, who taught us in a practical way the secret of Qur’an by sacrificing his life for the sake of Allah and for completing the mission of his grandfather, the Prophet. We have gathered warmth from the fire of love for Allah that Imam Husayn possessed. Dr Iqbal means that the love for Allah shown and the sacrifice made by Imam Husayn at Karbala should serve as the best lesson for all the people of the world.
Shawkat-e-Shâ m-o farray Baghdad raft,
Satwat-e-Ghamata ham az yâd raft
Târ-e-mâ az zakhma ash larzân hanooz,
Tazâh az takbir-e-oo Imân hanooz
Dr Iqbal says that kingly grandeur gained through political battles never survives. The pomp and vanity of the thrones of Syria and Baghdad which were once seats of great kings is no more present. Nobody remembers the splendor of Gharnata i which was the seat of Spanish Kings. But the reverential call of Husayn at Karbala -his call of La Illâhâ Illâllâh is still echoing in our ears and thrilling our hearts.
Ay sabâ ay payk-e-dûr uftâdagân,
Ashk-e-mâ bar khâk-e-pâk-e-oo rasân
Iqbal’s intense love for and faith in Imam Husayn is apparent from this couplet. Fondly addressing himself to the breeze, which proverbially carries the message of the lover to the beloved, who is at a remote place. Iqbal asks her to carry his tears to the sacred tomb of Imam Husayn. Dr Iqbal weeps in sad and blessed memory of Imam Husayn and wishes to place his tears over his Imam’s grave.
Bulleh Shah
Bulleh Shah‘s real name was Abdullah Shah, was a Punjabi Muslim Sufi poet, a humanist and philosopher.
Born: 1680 Uch, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
Died: 1757 (aged 77) Kasur, Punjab, Pakistan
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Early life and background
Bulleh Shah is believed to have been born in 1680, in the small village of Uch, Bahawalpur, Punjab, now in Pakistan. His ancestors had migrated from Bukhara in modern Uzbekistan.
When he was six months old, his parents relocated to Malakwal. There his father, Shah Muhammad Darwaish, was a preacher in the village mosque and a teacher. His father later got a job in Pandoke, about 50 miles southeast of Kasur. Bulleh Shah received his early schooling in Pandoke, and moved to Kasur for higher education. He also received education from Maulana Mohiyuddin. His spiritual teacher was the eminent Sufi saint, Shah Inayat Qadiri.
Little is known about Bulleh Shah’s direct ancestors, except that they were migrants from Uzbekistan. However, Bulleh Shah’s family was directly descended from the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH).
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Career
A large amount of what is known about Bulleh Shah comes through legends, and is subjective; to the point that there isn’t even agreement among historians concerning his precise date and place of birth. Some “facts” about his life have been pieced together from his own writings. Other “facts” seem to have been passed down through oral traditions.
Bulleh Shah practiced the Sufi tradition of Punjabi poetry established by poets like Shah Hussain (1538 – 1599), Sultan Bahu (1629 – 1691), and Shah Sharaf (1640 – 1724).
Bulleh Shah lived in the same period as the famous Sindhi Sufi poet , Shah Abdul Latif Bhatai (1689 – 1752). His lifespan also overlapped with the legendary Punjabi poet Waris Shah (1722 – 1798), of Heer Ranjha fame, and the famous Sindhi Sufi poet Abdul Wahad (1739 – 1829), better known by his pen-name, Sachal Sarmast (“truth seeking leader of the intoxicated ones”). Amongst Urdu poets, Bulleh Shah lived 400 miles away from Mir Taqi Mir (1723 – 1810) of Agra.
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Poetry Style
The verse form Bulleh Shah primarily employed is called the Kafi, a style of Punjabi, Sindhi and Siraiki poetry used not only by the Sufis of Sindh and Punjab, but also by Sikh gurus.
Bulleh Shah’s poetry and philosophy strongly criticizes Islamic religious orthodoxy of his day.
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A Beacon of Peace
Bulleh Shah’s time was marked with communal strife between Muslims and Sikhs. But in that age Baba Bulleh Shah was a beacon of hope and peace for the citizens of Punjab. While Bulleh Shah was in Pandoke, Muslims killed a young Sikh man who was riding through their village in retaliation for murder of some Muslims by Sikhs. Baba Bulleh Shah denounced the murder of an innocent Sikh and was censured by the mullas and muftis of Pandoke. Bulleh Shah maintained that violence was not the answer to violence.Bulleh Shah also hailed Guru Tegh Bahadur as a ghazi (Islamic term for a religious warrior) and incurred the wrath of the fanatic muslims at the time.
Banda Singh Bairagi was a contemporary of Bulleh Shah. In retaliation for the murder of Guru Gobind Singh’s two sons by Aurangzeb, he sought revenge by killing common Muslims. Baba Bulleh Shah tried to convince Banda Singh Bairagi to renounce his campaign of revenge. Bulleh Shah told him that the same sword which fell upon Guru Gobind Singh’s sons and innocent Sikhs also fell upon innocent Muslims. Hence killing innocent Muslim was not the answer to Aurangzeb’s reign of oppression.
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Humanist
Bulleh Shah’s writings represent him as a humanist, someone providing solutions to the sociological problems of the world around him as he lives through it, describing the turbulence his motherland of Punjab is passing through, while concurrently searching for God. His poetry highlights his mystical spiritual voyage through the four stages of Sufism: Shariat (Path), Tariqat (Observance), Haqiqat (Truth) and Marfat (Union). The simplicity with which Bulleh Shah has been able to address the complex fundamental issues of life and humanity is a large part of his appeal. Thus, many people have put his kafis to music, from humble street-singers to renowned Sufi singers like the Waddali Brothers, Abida Parveen and Pathanay Khan, from the synthesized techno qawwali remixes of UK-based Asian artists to the rock band Junoon.
Bulleh Shah’s popularity stretches uniformly across Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims, to the point that much of the written material about this philosopher is from Hindu and Sikh authors.
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Modern Renditions
In the 1990s Junoon, Asia’s biggest rock band from Pakistan, rendered such poems as Aleph (Ilmon Bas Kareen O Yaar) and Bullah Ki Jaana. In 2004, Rabbi Shergill successfully performed the unlikely feat of turning the abstruse metaphysical poem Bullah Ki Jaana into a Rock/Fusion song, which became hugely popular in India and Pakistan. The 2007 Pakistani movie Khuda Kay Liye includes Bulleh Shah’s poetry in the song Bandeya Ho. A 2008 film, ‘A wednesday’, had a song, “Bulle Shah, O yaar mere” in its soundtrack. In 2009, Episode One of Pakistan’s Coke Studio Season 2 featured a collaboration between Sain Zahoor and Noori, “Aik Alif“.
Bulleh Shah’s Poetry
- Makkeh Gaya, Gal Mukdee Naheen (Going to Makkah is not the ultimate)
Makkeh Gaya | Bulleh Shah
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Makkay gayaan, gal mukdee naheen
Pawain sow sow jummay parrh aaeey
Going to Makkah is not the ultimate
Even if hundreds of prayers are offered
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Ganga gayaan, gal mukdee naheen
Pawain sow sow gotay khaeeay
Going to River Ganges is not the ultimate
Even if hundreds of cleansing (Baptisms) are done
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Gaya gayaan gal mukdee naheen
Pawain sow sow pand parrhaeeay
Going to Gaya is not the ultimate
Even if hundreds of worships are done
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Bulleh Shah gal taeeyon mukdee
Jadon May nu dillon gawaeeay
Bulleh Shah the ultimate is
When the “I” is removed from the heart!
- Bulleya Ki Jana Main Kaun (Bulleya to me, I am not known)
Bulleya Ki jaana main Kaun
Bulleya to me, I am not known
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Na main momin vich maseetaan
Na main vich kufar diyan reetaan
Na main paakaan vich paleetaan
Na main moosa na firown
Not a believer inside the mosque, am I
Nor a pagan disciple of false rites
Not the pure amongst the impure
Neither Moses, nor the Pharoh
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Bulleya Ki jaana main Kaun
Bulleya! to me, I am not known
Na main andar ved kitaabaan
Na vich bhangaan na sharaabaan
Na vich rindaan masat kharaabaan
Na vich jaagan na vich saun
Not in the holy Vedas, am I
Nor in opium, neither in wine
Not in the drunkard’s intoxicated craze
Neither awake, nor in a sleeping daze
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Bulleya Ki jaana main Kaun
Bulleya! to me, I am not known
Na vich shaadi na ghamnaaki
Na main vich paleeti paaki
Na main aabi na main khaki
Na main aatish na main paun
In happiness nor in sorrow, am I
Neither clean, nor a filthy mire
Not from water, nor from earth
Neither fire, nor from air, is my birth
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Bulleya Ki jaana main Kaun
Bulleya! to me, I am not known
Na main arabi na lahori
Na main hindi shehar nagauri
Na hindu na turak peshawri
Na main rehnda vich nadaun
Not an Arab, nor Lahori
Neither Hindi, nor Nagauri
Hindu, Turk, nor Peshawari
Nor do I live in Nadaun
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Bulleya Ki jaana main Kaun
Bulleya! to me, I am not known
Na main bheth mazhab da paaya
Ne main aadam havva jaaya
Na main apna naam dharaaya
Na vich baitthan na vich bhaun
Secrets of religion, I have not known
From Adam and Eve, I am not born
I am not the name I assume
Not in stillness, nor on the move
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Bulleya Ki jaana main Kaun
Bulleya! to me, I am not known
Avval aakhir aap nu jaana
Na koi dooja hor pehchaana
Maethon hor na koi siyaana
Bulla! ooh khadda hai kaun
I am the first, I am the last
None other, have I ever known
I am the wisest of them all
Bulleh! do I stand alone?
Bulleya Ki jaana main Kaun
Bulleya! to me, I am not known
- Verhe Aa Varh Mere (Do come to me)
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Translation:
by Kartar Singh Duggal
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You may not take notice of me
But do come to me
I am a sacrifice unto you
Do come to me
I’ve looked around in fields and forest
There is none like you
Do come to me
Cowherd you are to others
You are my faith, my beau
Do come to me
Leaving my parents, I am tied to you,
Oh Shah Inayat, my beloved teacher
Do come to me
Bulleh enterd the great palace
And had a spledid treat
What have we gained in the world
A black face and blue feet?
- Main Jana Jogi De Naal (I’m going together with Jogi)
Lyrics with Translation:
translation by Fazeel Azeez Chauhan
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1) Makeh gaya gal mukde naheen
2) Pawain so so jummay parrh aeey
Going to Makkah is not the ultimate
Even if hundreds of prayers are offered
3) Ganga gaya gal mukde naheen
4) Pawain so so gotey khaeey
Going to River Ganges is not the ultimate
Even if hundreds of cleansing (Baptisms) are done
5) Gaya gaya gal mukde naheen
6) Pawain so so pand parrhaeey
Going to Gaya is not the ultimate
Even if hundreds of worships are done
7) Bulleh Shah gal taeyon mukdee
8 ) Jadon May nu dilon gawaeey
Bulleh Shah the ultimate is
When the “I” is removed from the heart
9) Parrh parrh alam fazal hoya
10) Kadee apnay aap nu parrhaya ye naeen
[He] Read a lot and became a scholar
But [he] never read himself
11) Ja ja warrda mandir maseetey
12) Kadi man apnay which warrya ye naeen
[He] goes enters into the temple & mosque
But [he] never entered into his own heart
13) Aewaien roz shaitan naal larrdaan
14) Kadee nafs apnay naal larrya ye naeen
He fights with the devil every day for nothing
He never wrestled with his own ego
15) Bulleh Shah asmani udeeyan pharrda
16) Jayrra ghar baitha onu pharrya ye naeen
Bulleh Shah he grabs for heavenly flying things
But doesn’t grasp the one who’s sitting at home
17) Ratee jagayn tay shaikh sada wayn
18) Parr raat nu jaagan kutay, tay to utay
Religious scholars stay awake at night
But dogs stay awake at night, higher than you
19) Ratee bhonkon bass na karday
20) Fayr ja larraa which sutay, tay to utay
They don’t cease from barking at night
Then they go sleep in yards, higher than you
21) Yaar da buha mool na chhad-dey
22) Pawain maro so so jutay, tay to utay
They [dogs] don’t leave the beloved’s doorstep
Even if they’re beaten hundreds of times, higher than you
23) Bulleh Shah utth yaar mana lay
24) Naien tay bazi lay gaay kutay, tay to utay
Bulleh Shah get up and make up with the beloved
Otherwise dogs will win the contest, better than you
25) Raanjha chaak na aakho kurryo
26) Nee aynu chaak kehndee sharmawan
O friends, don’t call Ranjha a shepherd
I shy away from calling him a shepherd
27) May jaee aan lakh heeraan iss nu
28) Tay may kiss gintee which aawan
I am like a thousand Heers to him
Who am I, like countless others
29) Takht hazaray da eh malik
30) Tay may Heer sayal sada waan
He’s the ruler of Hazara’s throne
And I am forever the plain Heer
31) Bulleh Shah Rub kook sunay
32) Tay may chaak dee chaak ho jawan
Bulleh Shah may God hear my wail
And I’ll become shepherded by the Shepherd
33) Raanjha jogi aa ban aya
34) Aey ney anokha bhayche wataya
Ranjha became a Jogi and arrived
He exchanged into a unique disguise
35) Ahdo-n Ahmad naam dharaya
36) Nee may jana Jogi dey naal
He changed his name from Ahad (One God) to Ahmad (Prophet Mohammad PBUH)
I’m going together with Jogi
37) Koi kissay day naal koi kissay day naal
38) May jogi day naal naal
Someone’s with someone else, this one’s with that one
I’m together with Jogi
39) Jidoon dee may jogi dee hoyee
40) May which may na reh gayee koi
Since I have become Jogi’s
I have no “I” left in me
41) Ranjha Ranjha kardee
42) Nee may aapay Ranjha hoee
Repeating Ranjha Ranjha
I became Ranjha myself
43) Sadyo nee maynu Peedo Ranjha
44) Heer na akho koi
Call me Ranjha
Nobody call me Heer
45) May naheen woh aap hay
46) Apney aap karay dil joi
It’s not me, it’s he himself
He amuses his own self
47) Jiss day naal may neun lagaya
48) Ohdey wargee hoye sayyon
The one with whom I connected my heart
I became just like him, O friends
49) Jogi meyrey naal naal
50) May jogi day naal naal
51) Nee may jana jogi day naal
Jogi is with me
I am with Jogi
I’m going together with Jogi
52) Kannee mundaran pa kay
53) Mathay tilak laga kay
After putting earrings in my ears
and decorating my forehead with Tilak
54) Nee aye jogi naeen
55) Koi roop hay Raab da
Hey he’s not [a] Jogi
He’s some form of God
56) Bhayce jogee da iss nu phab-da
57) Iss jogi mayra joorra khassya
He’s disguised as Jogi
This Jogi has attracted me
58) Aye jogi mayray munn which wasya
59) Such aakhan aye qasmay Quran ay
This Jogi has established residence in my heart
I swear by the Quran it’s true
60) Jogi mayra deen eman ay
61) Iss jogi maynu keeta rogee
Jogi is my belief and faith
This Jogi has marked me
62) Nee may iss jogi
63) Hun hore na jogee
Hey I belong to him
Now I’m not worth any one else (Now there’s no other Jogi)
64) Tarr gaye way may tarr gayee loko
65) Akh jogi nal larr gaye loko
I’m floating, I’ve drifted across, O people
My eyes inter-meshed with Jogi’s, O people
66) Maynu jogan jogee dee aakho
67) Heer salayte mar gaye loko
Call me Jogi’s female Jogi
Heer is dead, O people
68) Khayrray karday koorriyan gallan
69) Jogi dey mayrrhay may cir tay jhallan
In Khayrray they have deep talks
I have to listen to accusations about
70) Hore kissay nu kuj na janan
71) Janan tay jogi nu janan
I don’t know anything about anyone else
If I know anything, I only know Jogi
72) Iss da paya kissay na paya
73) Iss da hay do jug uttay saya
No one has attained what he has attained
His shadow is on both worlds
74) Iss diyan dhumman do jug dhummiyan
75) Iss diyan juttian arsh nay chummian
His fame is celebrated in both world
His shoes were kissed by Heaven
76) Aye jogi jogi mat wala
77) Hath which Ill’Allah dee mala
This Jogi is full of wonders
In his hand is the rosary of “There is Nothing But One God”
78) Nee naam hay iss da kamli wala
79) Jay jogi ghar away mayray
Hey, his name is [Mohammad] “The One With The Shawl”
If Jogi comes to my home
80) Muk jawun sub jhagray tayray
81) Nee may lavan seenay naal
82) Lakhan shagan mana kay
All your fights will end
I will embrace him
And celebrate a million praises
83) Bulleh Shah ik jogi aya
84) Dar saday aynay dhuan paya
Bulleh Shah a Jogi came
To our door….(… ?… )
85) Aynay lut layee Heer sayal
86) Aya bhayce wata kay
He stole away Heer of Sayal
He came in a disguise
- Aa Mil Yaar (Come my love)
Lyrics:
Meda Ishq Vi Toon Meda Yaar Vi Toon
Meda Deen Vi Toon Eeman Vi Toon
Meda Jism Vi Toon Meda Rooh Vi Toon
Meda Qalb Vi Toon Jind Jaan Vi Toon
Meda Kaba Qibla Masjid Mimbar
Mushaf Te Quran Vi Toon
Mede Farz Fareezay, Hajj, Zakataan
Soum Salaat Azaan Vi Toon
Meri Zohd Ibadat Ta’at Taqwa
Ilm Vi Toon Irfan Vi Toon
Mera Zikr Vi Toon Meda Fikr Vi Toon
Mera Zouq Vi Toon Wajdan Vi Toon
Meda Sanwal Mithra Shaam Saloona
Mun Mohan Janaan Vi Toon
Meda Murshid Haadi Peer Tareeqat
Shaikh Haqaa’iq Daan Vi Toon
Meda Aas Ummed Te Khattaya Wattaya
Takia Maan Taran Vi Toon
Mera Dharam Vi Toon Meda Bharam Vi Toon
Meda Sharam Vi Toon Meda Shaan Vi Toon
Meda Dukh Sukh Ro’wan Khilan Vi Toon
Meda Dard Vi Toon Darmaan Vi Toon
Mda Khushiyan Da Asbaab Vi Toon
Mede Soolaan Da Samaan Vi Toon
Mera Husn Te Bhaag Suhaag Vi Toon
Meda Bakht Te Naam Nishaan Vi Toon
Meda Ishq Vi Toon Meda Yaar Vi Toon
Meda Deen Vi Toon Eeman Vi Toon
Meda Jism Vi Toon Meda Rooh Vi Toon
Meda Qalb Vi Toon Jind Jaan Vi Toon
Meda Kaba Qibla Masjid Mimbar
Mushaf Te Quran Vi Toon
Meda Ishq Vi Toon Meda Yaar Vi Toon
Meda Deen Vi Toon Eeman Vi Toon
Meda Ishq Vi Toon Meda Yaar Vi Toon
-
Aaa Ooo (Chants…)
Meda Dekhan Bhalan Jachan Jochan
Samjhan Jaan Sunjaan Vi Toon
Mede Thadray Saah Te Monjh Munjhari
Hanjroon De Tofaan Vi Toon
Mede Tilk Tilo’ay Seendhaan Mangaan
Naaz Nihoray Taan Vi Toon
Medi Mehdni Kajal Misaag Vi Toon
Medi Surkhi Beera Paan Vi Toon
Meda Ishq Vi Toon Meda Yaar Vi Toon
Medi Wehshat Josh Junoon Vi Toon (Aaa)
Meda Garya Aa’h O Faghan Vi Toon (Aaa)
Meda Awwal Aakhir Andar Bahir
Zahir Te Pinhaan Vi Toon Tooon
Meda Ishq Vi Toon Meda Yaar Vi Toon
Aaaa Meda Waal Aakhir Andar Baahir
Zahir Te Pinhaan Vi Toon
Meda Badal Barkha Khimniyan Gajaan (Aaa)
Barish Te Baraan Vi Toon
Meda Mulk Malir Te Maro Khalra
Rohi Cholistaan Vi Toon
Je Yaar Farid Qabool Karay
Srikaar Vi Toon Sultaan Vi Toon
Na Taan Kehtar Kamtar Ahqar Adna
La-Shay La-Imkaan Vi Toon
Meda Ishq Vi Toon Meda Yaar Vi Toon
Meda Ishq Vi Toon Meda Yaar Vi Toon.
-
Translation:
You Are My Ardour
You are my ardour, my friend, faith, creed.
You are my body, you are my spirit, heart, soul.
You’re the direction towards which I pray.
You are my Mecca, my mosque, my pulpit.
You are my holy books and my Koran.
You are my religious obligations,
My Hajj, charity, fasting, call to prayer.
You are my asceticism, worship,
My obedience and my piety.
You are my knowledge and you’re my gnosis .
You’re my remembrance, my contemplation
You are my tasting and my ecstasy.
You are my love, my sweet, my darling, my honey
You are my favourite, and my soulmate!
You’re my spiritual preceptor, my guide ,
You are my Shaykh and my Enlightened One
You are my hope, my wish, my gains, losses.
You’re all I see, my pride, my deliv’rance.
You’re my faith, my honour, modesty, glory
You’re my pain, sorrow, my crying, playing
You are my illness and my remedy.
You are what lulls me to a peaceful sleep.
You are my beauty and my fate, fortune, fame.
You are my looking, enquiring, seeking
You are my understanding, my knowing
You are my henna, my collyrium,
My rouge, my tobacco, my betel-leaf!
You are my terror, my passion, madness
You’re my crying and my lamentation.
You are my Alpha and my Omega,
My Inner, Outer, Hidden, Manifest.
If, O’Belovéd, you accept Farid
You are my Sovereign and my Sultan.
- Uth Gaye Gawandon Yaar (There goes my Love!)
-
Translation:
by Kartar Singh Duggal
-
Uth gaye gawandon yaar
Rabba hun ki kariye
There goes my Love!
What do I do, my Lord?
Uth chaley hun rahinde nahin
Hoya saath tiyar
Rabba hun ki kariye
He’s already made a move
His staying back is hard
With his wayfarers all packed
What do I do, my Lord?
Dhandh kaleje bal bal uthdi
Bin dheke deedar
Rabba hun ki kariye
My heart is afire
Like half-backed shard
What do I do, my Lord?
Bulle Shah piyare bajhon
Rahe uraar na paar
Rabba hun ki kariye
My love having gone
I am in midstream hauled
Wwhat do I do, my Lord?
- Bas Karjee Hun Bas Karjee (Enough is enough, my friend)
-
Translation:
by Kartar Singh Duggal
Bas ker jee hun bas ker jee
Ek baat asaan naal hans ker jee
Enough is enough
Talk to me with smile
Tusi dil wich merey wasdey-o
Aywein sathoon door kion nasdey-o
Naaley ghaat jadoo dil khasdey-o
Bas ker jee hun bas ker jee
You live in my heart
And yet you me beguile
I am charmed with your name on my lip
You try as usual and give me a slip
Enough is enough
Tusi moyiaan noo maar mukadey se
Naat khaddoon wang kuthandey se
Gal kardia da gala gutheey se
Hun teer lagaya kas ker jee
Bas ker jee hun bas ker jee
You killed the ones who was already dead
Tossed like a ball with your baton on head
You choked my words in my throat
Your arrow hit the quarry and smote
Enough is enough
Tusi chupdey-o asan pakrrey-o
Asaan naal zulf dey jukrrey-o
Tusi ajey chupan toon takrrey-o
Hun jaan na milda nas ker jee
Bas ker jee hun bas ker jee
Trying to hide, I’ve caught you
Tied you with the lock of my hair
You are yet trying to flee
This time I’ll allow no plea
Enough is enough
Bulleh Shah mai teri bardi-aan
Tera mukh wekhaan noo mardi-aan
Nit so so mintan kardi -aan
hun beth hijr wich dhas ker jee
Bas ker jee hun bas ker jee
Says Bulleh, I am your slave, my Master
I long to have a glimpse of you
I plead with you time and again
Make ky heart your shell of an oyster
Enough is enough
- Tere Ishq Nachaya (Your love has made me dance)
-
Translation:
by Kartar Singh Duggal
-
Tere Ishq nachaiyaan kar key thaiyaa thaiyaa
Your love has made me dance like mad
Tere Ishq ne dera mere andar keeta
Bhar ke zeher payala main taan aape peeta,
Jhabde wahudi tabiba nahin te main mar gaiyaan
Tere Ishq nachaiyaan kar key thaiyaa thaiyaa
Falling in love with you
Was like taking a sip of poison
Come my healer, forsaken, I am sad.
Your love has made me dance like mad
-
Chupp giyah ve suraj bahar reh gayi laali
Ve main sadqey hova, Devein murrjey wikhali
Peera main bhul gaiyaan tere naal na gaiyaan
Tere Ishq nachaiyaan kar key thaiyaa thaiyaa
The sun has set, its flush only is left
I’ll give my life for a glimpse of you
My fault I came not when when you bade
Your love has made me dance like mad.
-
Ais Ishq de kolon mainu hatak na maaye
Laahu jaandre berrey kehrramorlaya
Meri aqal jun bhulli naal mhaniyaan dey gaiyaan
Tere Ishq nachaiyaan kar key thaiyaa thaiyaa
Dissuade me not from the path of love
Who can hold the boats on the move?
Stupid, I joined the boatman’s squad
Your love has made me dance like mad
-
Ais Ishq Di Jhangi Wich Mor Bulenda
Sanu Qibla Ton Qaaba Sohna Yaar Disenda
Saanu Ghayal Karke Pher Khabar Na Laaiyaan
Tere Ishq nachaiyaan kar key thaiyaa thaiyaa
A peacock calls in the grove of passion
It’s Qibla, It’s Kaaba where lives my love
You asked not once after you stabbed
Your love has made me dance like mad
-
Bullah Shah na aounda mainu Inayat de buhe
Jisne mainu awaye chole saave te suhe
Jaan main maari aye addi mil paya hai vahaiya
Tere Ishq nachaiyaan kar key thaiyaa thaiyaa
Bulleh Shah Sits at Inayat’s door
Who has dressed me in green and red
And caught me the instant I flew from the pad
Your love has made me dance like mad
- Ilmoun Bas Kari O-Yaar (Aik Alif) (Enough of learning, my friend!)
-
Translation:
by Kartar Singh Duggal
-
Ilmoun bas kari oo yaar
Eko Alif terey darkar
Enough of learning, my friend!
An alphabet should do for you
Ilm n awey wich shumar
Jandi umer, Nahi aytebar
Eko Alif terey darkar
Ilmoun bas kari oo yaar
To it there is never an end
An alphabet should do for you
It’s enough to help you fend.
Enough of learning, my friend!
-
Ilmoun bas kari oo yaar
Enough of learning, my friend!
Parh parh, likh likh ladain dher
Dher kitabaan, cho pheyr
Kerdey chanan, Wich unheyr
Pecho: “Rah?” tey khabar n satar
You’ve amassed much learning around
The Quran and its commentaries profound
There is darkness amidst lighted ground
Without the guide you remain unsound
-
Ilmoun bas kari oo yaar
Enough of learning, my friend!
Parh perh shekh mashaikh khawein
Ultey masley gharoon bata dein
Bey ilmaan noon lut lut khawein
Jhotey Sachey karain aqrqr
Learning makes you Sheikh or his minion
And thus you create problem trillion
You exploit oyhers who know not what
Misleading them with wild opinion
-
Ilmoun bas kari oo yaar
Enough of learning, my friend!
Parh parh nafal namaz guzarien
Achian bangaan changha mari
Manber tey chaRRh waaz pukarein
Keeta teeno ilm khawar
You meditate and you say your prayers
You go and shout at the top of the stairs
You cry reaching the high skies
It’s your avarice which ever belies
-
Ilmoun bas kari oo yaar
Enough of learning, my friend!
Jed main sabaq Ishq da parhaya
Derya dekh Wahedat da warria
Ghuman gheraan dey wich uRRia
Shah Inayat laya paar
The day I learnt love’s lesson
I plunged into the river of devine passion
An overwhelming gale. I was confused and lost
When Shah Inayat cruised me across
Ilmoun bas kari oo yaar
Enough of learning, my friend!
- Ishq De Naween Naween Bahar (Love is ever new and fresh)
-
Translation:
by Kartar Singh Duggal
-
Ishq dee naween naween bahar
Love is ever new and fresh
Jaan main sabq Ishq da parhya
Masjid kolon jeyorra darya
poch poch thakur dowrey warrya
Jithey wajdey naad hazaar
The day I learn the lesson of Love
I was scared of the mosque and dreaded fasts
I looked around and entered a temple
Where sounded many a drum-blast
-
Ishq dee naween naween bahar
Love is ever new and fresh
Ved, Quran parh parh thakey
Sajdey kardiyaan ghis gaye mathey
Na Rab Tayrath, na Rab Makkeh
Jis paya tas nur anwaar
Tired of reading the Vedas and Quran
Kneeling and prostrating my forehead shorn
At Mathura or Mecca He does not dwell
He who has found Him, only he can tell
-
Ishq dee naween naween bahar
Love is ever new and fresh
Phok musaleh, bhun sat lota
Na parh tasbeh, aasa, sota
Ashiq kehndey dey dey hoka
“Tark hlaalon, kha murdar”
Burn the prayer mat, break the water pot
Quit the rosary, threw away the staff
Lovers say at the top of their voice
Leave the kosher and eat the shot
-
Ishq dee naween naween bahar
Love is ever new and fresh
Heer Ranjhey dey hogaye meeley
Bholi Heer dhondi beley
Ranjhan yaar baghal wich kheyley
Surt na rahya, surt sanbhaar
Heer and Ranjha have already met
In vain she looks for him in the orchard
Ranjha lies in the folds of her arms
Having her love, she has gained him hard
- Ghoonghat Ohle Na Luk Sajna (Hide not behind the veil, my love)
-
Translation:
by Kartar Singh Duggal
-
Ghonghat ohley na luk sajna
Main mushtaq dedar de haan
Hide not behind the veil, my love,
I long to have a glimpse of you.
Terey bajh dewani hoi
Tokaan kardey luk sbhoi
Jeker yaar karey diljoi
Taan faryaad pukaar de haan
Without my love, I feel like mad,
People around me laugh at me.
He should come and cheer me up,
This alone remains my plea,
-
Ghonghat ohley na luk sajna
Main mushtaq dedar de haan
Hide not behind the veil, my love,
I long to have a glimpse of you.
Muft dukandi jandi bandi
Mil mahi jind aweien jand
Eik dam hijr nahi main sahndi
Bulbul main gulzar de haan
Your slave is being auctioned free
Come my love and rescue me
No longer can I perch elsewhere
I am the Bulbul of your tree
-
Ghonghat ohley na luk sajna
Main mushtaq dedar de haan
Hide not behind the veil, my love,
I long to have a glimpse of you.
Bulleh Shah owh kon utam tera yaar
Ows dey hath Quraan hey owsey gul zanaar
Bulleh! Who is He?
A queer type friend!
He has the Quran in His hand and
And in the same the holy thread
- Gharyali Diyo Nikal Ni (Sack the gongman)
-
Translation:
by Kartar Singh Duggal
-
Gharyal diyo nikal ni
Aaj pe ghar ay nikal ni
Sack the gon-gman
My love has come home today
Gharri gharri gharyal bajavey
Rain wisal di piya ghatawey
Merey man di baat jey pawey
Hathoon chasey gharyal ni
He strike the gong time and again
And shortens my night of dance and song
If he were to listen to me
He would throw away the gong
-
Gharyal diyo nikal ni
Sack the gong-man
Ikahd baja bajey sohana
Matrab sukhrra maan sohana
Bhlla soam, salat, dogana
Mudh piyalla deen klaal ni
Here is the unstruck melody
With a master player and a colorful hue
I’ve forgotten, my prayers and fasts
The barman offering cups of brew
-
Gharyal diyo nikal ni
Sack the gong-man
Dukh diledar uth gaya sara
Mukh dekhaan tey ajab nazara
Rain wadhi kuch karo pasara
Din aggey dharo diwal ni
Seeing him is an enchanting sight
One forgets all aches of life
Let the night spread out long
And the morn wait a strife
-
Gharyal diyo nikal ni
Sack the gong-man
Toneey kaman kesey batry
Sehrey aaye wadey wadeerey
Taan jani ghar aya merey
Ranh likh warehey is naal ni
I have indulge in magic a lot
With necromancers and many a seer
Now that he has comeback home
We’ll live together a million years
-
Gharyal diyo nikal ni
Sack the gong-man
Bulleya shah di seej pyaari
Ni main taar noharey tari
Kiweain Kiweainmeri aai waari
Hin wichran hoya mhaal ni
He has saved me from many a hazard
Bulleh’s bed is cosy and warm
After much wait my turn has come
No happenstance may do us harm
Sack the gong-man
Gharyal diyo nikal ni
Aaj pe ghar ay nikal ni
Sack the gong-man
My love has come home today.
- Meri Bukkal De Vich Chor Ni (There is a thief in the folds of my arms.)
-
Translation:
by Kartar Singh Duggal
-
There is a thief in the folds of my arms.
Whom shall I tell?
There is a thief in the folds of my arms
He has, of late, escaped on the sky
No wonder there is a stir in the sky
And the world there is a hue and cry.
Whom shall I tell?
The Muslims are afraid of fire
And the Hindus dread the grave
Both of them have their fears
And keep on sharpening their staves.
Whom shall I tell?
Ramdas here and Fateh Muhammad there
This has kept them emitting spleen
Suddenly their quarrel came to an end
When someone else emerged on the scene.
Whom shall I tell?
There was furore in the flushed sky
It reached Lahore, the capital town
It was Shah Inayat who crafted the kite
It’s he who moves it up and down.
Whom shall I tell?
He who believes, he alone has known
Everyone else id floundering
All the wrangling came to an end
When Bulleh came to town.
Whom shall I tell?
- Ek Nukte Wich Gal Mukdi Ae (At this one point, all talk ends.)
-
Translation:
by Kartar Singh Duggal
-
It’s all in One contained.
Understand the One and forge the rest.
Shake off your ways of an apostate pest
Leading to the grave to hell and to torture
Rid your mind of dreams of disaster
This is how is the argument maintained
It’s all in One contained.
What use is it bowing one’s head?
To what avail has prostrating led?
Reading Kalma you make them laugh
Absorbing not a word while the Quran you quaff
The truth must be here and there sustained
It’s all in One contained.
Some retire to the jungles in vain
Others restrict their meals to a grain
Misled they waste away unfed
And come back home half-alive, half-dead
Emaciated in the ascetic postures feigned
It’s all in One contained
Seek your master, say your prayers and
surrender to God.
It will lead you to mystic abandon
And help you to get attuned to the Lord
It’s the truth that Bulleh has gained
It’s all in One contained
- Ek Nukta Yaar Parhaya Ae (I have learnt a secret)
-
Translation:
I have learnt a secret
A secret I’ve learnt
He is the same
From this end to that.
It’s only we
Who fuss like a brat
I have learnt a secret
A secret I’ve learnt
To win over Sass
He comes as Punnun
I am wedded to Innayat
Who cares not for caste.
I have learnt a secret
A secret I’ve learnt
About GHK
Hi, this is my online presence. About me is a tricky question to answer as I’m not always entirely sure who I am - from one moment to the next. In fact, all I'm certain of is that I'm not quite the same person as I was when I first arrived on this Planet Earth, all those years ago. Feel free to share your thoughts & leave your comments.