the kohled eyes

maybe…just…
the bird perched on that leafless tree
had no wings

fasurda bulbul zakhmON ki paasdaari kertay hu’aye shaakh per baithi hay

the smiling eyes
on the mime's face streaking red rained fate
or vodka

woh shOkh aankhiaN lakh duk’h chupha’aye muskurati rehti haiN sada

the kohled eyes
behind shades, under the wide hat
mystifying

soorma a'looda aankhaiN, aanchal say chalakta tajas'soos

the speaking eyes
smiling, mischievous, inviting - or red
and swollen

aankhain - bolti, muskurati, shararti - ya surkh aur sooji hui

hard to know
unless we discard blinkers and peer
intently

shikanja e dilo o dimagh ko do'or karaiN tou pata chalay