“My heart skipped a beat” by Nasir Kazmi

Shuvomoy Das Gupta

March 18, 2022

Thanks to YouTube's recommendation algorithm, I came across this beautiful ghazal written by poet Nasir Kazmi. The soulful voice of Shafqat Amanat Ali takes this amazing piece of poetry to another level.

Dil dharakne ka sabab yaad aayaa
Woh teri yaad thi ab yaad aayaa

Haal-e-dil ham bhi sunate lekin
Jab who rukhsat hue tab yaad aayaa

Aaj mushkil tha sambhalna ae dost
Tu museebat mein ajab yaad aayaa

Baith kar saayaa-e-gul mein 'Nasir'
Ham bohat roye woh jab yaad aayaa
–-

English translation

The reason my heart began to beat, I now recall,
It was your memory that came to visit, after all.

My heart's tale I would have shared, but only then,
When you departed, did it come to mind again.

Today was tough, my friend, to keep my poise and stance,
In troubled times, your memory came like a trance.

Sitting in the shade of blooms, 'Nasir', as I do,
I wept a lot when your memory into view.