Kafi
by Rifat Abbas
In the bowl of this world
Look at the rose of our passion, my friend
Even if we don't eat together
Even if we don't sit together
We can at least dream together, my friend
Even if we don't drink together
Even if we are strangers
Let us consider the colour of our wine, my friend
The sun is setting on the lanes
The river is almost at my door
Let us examine our restless hearts, my friend
The literal translation of this poem was made by Nukhbah Langah
The final translated version of the poem is by The Poetry Translation Workshop
Notes
We decided to keep the same title as in Siraiki, 'Kafi', as it's simply the name of the poetic form, like ghazal or sonnet.
After much discussion, we agreed that, rather than leave 'mian' as it stood, the simplest way of translating the word into English was as 'my friend'. We felt that this was less obtrusive - as well as being close to the original meaning.
We all agreed that this was a very tender and delicate poem that we were pleased to translate.
© Poetry Translation Centre 2004-2012
Saleem Gurmani says:
Wonderful! beautiful poetry and so simple n beautiful translation!