In the desert of my longing, shimmer The shadows of your voice, The mirages of your lips. In the desert of my longing, Under the dust and ashes of distance Bloom the jasmine and rose of your proximity.

For somewhere very close Wafts the heat of your breathing Smoldering in its own aroma, Breath after slow breath. And on the horizon glistens, Drop after drop, Dew of your intoxicating glance.

With tenderness, as the shadow Of your remembrance places a hand On my heart’s face, it appears as if the day Of separation has ended, and the night Of union is right here.

Translated from the Urdu. Listed to Iqbal Bano sing the ghazal here.