Like the candle burns in many colors till the very dawn

Aah ko chahiye ek umar asar hone tak
kaun jeeta hai tere zulf ke sar hone tak?

Even a sigh needs a lifetime to have it's impact
Who would wait so long to see your curls fixed up?

Aashiqee sabr talab aur tamanna betaab
dil ka kya rang karoon khoon-e-jigar hone tak?


Love asks for patience, lust, on the other hand, seems to be restive
What color do I splash my heart till it bleeds to death?

Hum ne maana ke taghaful na karoge, lekin
khaak ho jaayenge ham tumko khabar hone tak


I know you won't ignore me for ever, but Alas
By the time you come to know of me, I might turn into ashes.

Gham-e-hastee ka Asad kis se ho juz marg ilaaz
Shamma'a har rang mein jaltee hai sahar hone tak


Asad, life is all about suffering which only cure is in death
Like the candle burns in many colors till the very dawn.  

[Asad = Mirza Ghalib's pen-name]