Five Verses from a Qawwali
Sung by the Late Great Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
by Rafiq Kathwari
When I ask, how does it rain?
You rap a bead of sweat on your forehead.
When I ask, how does lighting strike?
You glance at me and lower your eyes.
When I ask, how does day meet night?
You veil your face with hair.
When I ask, where does music get its magic?
You spike your talk with honey.
When I ask, what good is yearning?
You snuff a candle with your robe’s hem.
For Annie Zaidi