Ek samay santushta bahut tha
Pa main thodee-see haala,
Bhola-sa tha mera saaki,
Chhota-sa mera pyaala;
               Chhote-se is jag kee mere
               Swarg balayen leta tha,
Vistrit jag mein, hai, gayee kho
Meree nanhi 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)

There was a time when I was highly satisfied with very little wine. My wine-maid was simple/innocent and my glass was a small one. Heaven used to envy this small world of mine. My small tavern, alas, has gotten lost in this vast world.

Categories: Excerpts