Rasta Bhi Kathin Dhoop Mein Shiddat Bhi Bahut Thi

Rasta Bhi Kathin Dhoop Mein Shiddat Bhi Bahut Thi,

Saaye Say Magar Us Ko Mahabbat Bhi Bahut Thi.

Khaimay Na Koi Meray Musaafir Kay Jalaaye,

Zakhmi Tha Bahut Paaon Musaafat Bhi Bahut Thi.

Sab Dost Meray Muntazir-E-Parda-E-Shab Thay,

Din Mein Tou Safar Karnay Mein Diqqat Bhi Bahut Thi.

Baarish Ki Duaaon Mein Nami Aankh Ki Mil Jaaye,

Jazbay Ki Kabhi Itni Rafaaqat Bhi Bahut Thi.

Kuch Tou Teray Mausam Hi Mujhay Raas Kam Aaye,

Or Kuch Meri Mitti Mein Baghaawat Bhi Bahut Thi.

Phoolon Ka Bikharna Tou Muqaddar Hi Tha Lekin,

Kuch Is Mein Hawaaon Ki Siyaasat Bhi Bahut Thi.

Wo Bhi Sar-E-Maqtal Hai Kay Sarr Jis Ka Tha Shaahid,

Or Waaqif-E-Ahwaal Adaalat Bhi Bahut Thi.

Is Tark-E-Rafaaqat Pe Pareshaa'n Tou Hoon Lekin,

Ab Tak Kay Teray Saath Pe Hairat Bhi Bahut Thi.

Khush Aaye Tujhay Shehr-E-Munaafiq Ki Ameeri,

Ham Logon Ko Sach Kehnay Ki Aadat Bhi Bahut Thi.

~Parveen Shakir