‘Body’ in Kashmiri Verse

In darkness,
that ruby-seller offered me
– naked words.
A stone split,
a gem was revealed.

~ Rasul Mir, 19th century

yas zali bad’nas ash’qun naar
su zaani kyah gov hijr-e-yaar,
Maqbool kornas dil nigaar

The body set on fire by love
it knows meaning of separation from love
it accepts an idol in place of heart.

~ from ‘Gulraiz’ by Maqbool Shah Qraalwari, (d. 1877) Kashmir. Based on work of Zia Nakhshabi, a 14th century Persian poet.

yas andra tundras naar tatae
matya kon aakh yaar sinjh vate

this body
inside
like an oven
slow burns.
Madman,
why
you didn’t find a way to
a friend?

~ Fakir Nyam Sahib (19th century, Srinagar)

Tanni Gom Rabaab
Gagan gayum taare
Zeer o Bum th’hovth’hum Cheero lo

My body now a Rabab
veins: the strings
From these you cleave out
notes
high and low

~ Rahim Sahib Sopore, 19th Century*

Cchi saazas zindagii hu’ndis rabaabas suu’ty kyah nesbat
Rabaabas jartu’ swn vanu’nas rabaab aval rabaab aa’khu’r