Mariz

Itni awazon ne kaha ke mein aziz houn

ab vohi kahein ke mein aik mariz houn

tanha houn lekin fanoun-e-latif houn

na daulat, na shohrat, lekin rais houn

Ab zanjir se bandh lo mujhe lekin

mausiqui mere goush mein rehgi lekin

Ab taksir se bandh lo mujhe lekin

bekhudi mere rooh mein rehgi lekin

-Usman Chohan, 2006

So many voices told me I'm dear,

Now those voices tell me I’m ill

I’m alone, but I’m infatuated with this art

No wealth, No fame, but I feel content

Now restrain me with chains, but

The music will resonate in my ears, but

Now restrain me with your guilt, but

The intoxication will rest in my soul, but...

--Usman Chohan, 2006