Ghazal (Ash Grey Veins) Poem by Imran Yousuf

I lost hold of my tipsy heart and I drained ash grey veins,
You slipped through my clutches, so I fanned ash grey veins.

The moon in the sky darkened, debased by clouds,
Shelter I couldn't find anywhere, so I damned ash grey veins.

Love asked how did you fall for me in love last night?
Love's tapestry you had woven so I adorned ash grey veins.

Like a mirror to the soul your visage filled the heart,
The heart which is emptied, once gleaned ash grey veins.

I will keep silence from now on for silence is the purest language,
I sew the lips, the words to water the refined ash grey veins.

Yesternight I went to the valley of shepherds to witness his being,
In the morning came back with naught but chained ash grey veins.

Oh Imran! You wandered, day in day out in search of Him,
What you gained, tearful eyes and stained ash grey veins.