Through layer upon layer of flame tree blossoms

When clouds turn dark as cotton soaked in kohl,
you used to say, understand then, the sky's heart has gathered deep sorrow today!

When even endless sips from a steaming coffee cup cannot wet your lips,
you used to say, understand then, the pale moonlight has failed to melt, even touching night's skin!

When words refuse to bind themselves to rhythm, to letters, to build even one house of feeling,
you used to say, understand then, the entire city of dreams lies buried beneath emptiness's shroud!

When silence won't break even after traversing long paths, through exhaustion's fevered breath,
you used to say, understand then, there's no urgency today to return, desperate with longing!

When your soul still burns even after plunging into cool water,
you used to say, understand then, I am that eternal thirsty bird, drowned in the depths of your eyes, lifetime after lifetime!

When sleep holds you tight in its embrace even after the day has passed,
you used to say, understand then, even when a new dawn arrives, the doel and parrot will no longer sing across the courtyard—I have truly grown old!

The day when radhachura blooms layer upon layer with color, yet the bee refuses to turn away,
you used to say, understand then, on that mountain of hurt, even oceans of tenderness fade pale!

Spring has come, bees are restless with the splendor of pollen and fragrance, yet if their humming songs cannot stir your heart,
you used to say, understand then, you are so tired from losing and losing, the taste of finding has turned terribly bitter!

If your soul trembles in fear's chorus at loneliness's fierce sound,
you used to say, understand then, you tremble from the habit of seeking company, of giving company—this is learning new rules, not love at all!

When placing pen to diary pages to write whatever you wish now makes you pause a hundred times,
you used to say, understand then, resentment has gathered at distance's doorstep, in unfulfilled desires and complaints!

Waking suddenly, desperate, if you stumble searching for me in the light of familiar broken lampposts,
remember, I had forbidden you—if I get lost, don't come looking,
if you come searching for me, then the path will surely cross its boundaries!

If my face no longer rises from the pages of letters,
think then that all memories have been scorched away in the excuses of busyness!

You are terribly busy today, ready to flee!
I too am desperately tired today, searching for days already lived!
All the reasons for happiness—every one of them is lost now!

You'll say, I know, with satisfied eyes laughing, when one becomes unworthy, losing becomes the only destiny!