The Consequence of My Condition by Jaun Elia

This poem, originally titled “Haalat-e-Haal Kay Sabab” by Jaun Elia, contemplates the unraveling of the self due to emotional turmoil. The poet reflects on the futility of desire and the bittersweet memories of love and separation. The translation, "The Consequence of My Condition", captures this disillusionment with a melancholic tone. Translated by Mason Carter.

Translation: "The Consequence of My Condition"

By the consequence of my condition, my state, it slipped away,
In longing, I lost nothing, but life itself led astray.

Your absence, O heart of mine, was a strange delight,
For in your parting, I drank deep through the night.

For your union and my own perfection sought,
My heart, once ill, grew worse as I fought.

Her hopeful glance believed in me, trusting still,
That I would live the years, and thus, I will.

There’s but one tragedy—this curse I yet confide:
The words were never spoken, nor heard with pride.

After you, O heart of mine, a strange state remained,
Your memory lingered, then even that waned.

In verse, I gave form to her body’s grace,
And for her form, a cloak was stitched in place.

Cup after cup, glass after glass, wine flows,
Yet from your navel’s cup, a strange memory grows.

I must confess, O love, one thought to you tonight,
In the city of union, even the pain of parting took flight.

In the courtyard of longing, I could not spend a night in strife,
Since that moon left, since that moonlight departed from life.

Translated by:
Mason Carter