Love Punjabi style

Poetry by Mian Mohammad Bakhsh one of the great Punjabi poets, and here he gives us his thoughts on what true love is like. It is ok if you can’t read or understand Punjabi, just understand the essence and I am sure you will agree that it is indeed strong and true.


Jis dil andar ishq samaana, os naheen phir janaa
Torey sohney Milan hazaran, nahin yaar watana

Once a heart has absorbed love, then it will never abandon it
Thousands of beauties though cross it, never will it give in its lover

Hirs majazee, shehwat baazee, jis andar wish hondee
Har ik soorat ujalee tak key paee tabeeat bhondee

He, who has in himself lust for the temporal world and debauchery,
Is tempted by every fair face

Jis sar sir ishq da othey shehwat mool na wasdee
Jis dil hub sajan di, us wich hub naheen hark as dee

A mind full of true love cannot play host to lust and lechery,
The heart that is full of love for one’s lover, does not tend to others

Chhamm chamm teer pawan talwaareenaashiq na dar rehndey
Isq parheyz Mohammad Baksha, naheen kadel ral behndey

The pitter patter of falling arrows nor swords will frighten the true lovers
O Mohammad Bakhsh! Love and restraint can never go hand in hand