Baar baar aage badh maine
Aaj nahin maangi haala,
Samajh na lena isse mujhko
Saadharan peene waala,
                Ho to lene do ai saaki
                Door pratham sankochon ko,
Mere hi sur mein phir saaree
Goonj uthegi madhushala

(Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Madhushala)

(Complete Madhushala in Devnagri is available on my "Writings Page". Check out the section "Hindi Poems by Others")

Literal translation (to the extent I could do it)

Today I am not coming forward again and again to ask for more wine. But do not let this make you think that I am an ordinary drinker. Wait, O wine-maid, till the hesitations subside. The whole tavern will then sing to my tune.

Categories: Excerpts