Abhi Raat Kuch Hai Baaqi

Poets have often represented night — now as an image, now as a metaphor, now as a symbol. And the way Urdu poets signify different dimensions of the night will definitely leave you spellbound. Here we present a constellation of seven couplets from the mesmerising galaxy of Urdu poetry.

Dipped in sorrowful dewdrops
Immersed in countless tears
Descends the night
Upon our lonesome, shattered abodes

These profound winds
These nights forlorn
Should I look for you?
Should I be alone?

Night descends and passes by
Oh, dawn! When will you arrive?

It took long — but love did realise
The night spent in parting
Was indeed the night

For a night of separation
To be so bright
Is it for real
Or some deceit of sight?

She promised for the evening
She came at night
I too did not rush
To embrace a sight

We have said it all
Nothing left to say
Let’s go for a drink
The night is here to stay

…Various facets of the night for each one of us… with which do you relate?

Concept and Text: Faisal Fehmi