wo firaq aur wo visal kahan
wo shab-o-roz o mah-o-sal kahan
fursat-e-karobar-e-shauq kise
zauq-e-nazzara-e-jamal kahan

dil to dil wo dimagh bhi na raha
shor-e-sauda-e-khatt-o-khal kahan
thi wo ek shakhs ke tasawwur se
ab wo ranai-e-khayal kahan

aisa aasan nahi lahu rona
dil mein taqat jigar mein haal kaha
hum se chhuta qimar-khana-e-ishq
wan jo jawen girah mein mal kahan

fikr-e-duniya mein sar khapata hu
main kaha aur ye wabaal kahan
muzmahil ho gae qawa ghalib
wo anasir mein e'tidal kahan
bose mein wo muzaiqa na kare
par mujhe taqat-e-sawal kahan

The parting's echo, where does it reside?
The nights, the days, the years, where do they hide?
Who now has time for passion's fiery trade?
Where is the joy to beauty's form, displayed?

The heart, the mind, no longer what they were,
The frenzy for the mole, the written lure,
The thought of one, once vibrant, clear, and bright,
Where is that splendor of imagined light?

It's not so easy, tears of blood to weep,
Where is the strength, the heart's deep secrets keep?
From love's casino, I have been cast out,
And to return, where is the coin about?

I waste my mind on worldly, vain desire,
Where am I, and where this weighty pyre?
My powers fail, O Ghalib, overcome,
Where is that balance, where have they become?

No hesitation in a kiss she'd show,
But strength to ask, alas, I do not know.