Kalam e Bulleh Shah

Main Kasanbra Chun Chun Hari

Main kasanbra chun chun hari

Ais kasanbe we kande bhalere, ur ur chunri pari
Ais kasanbe da haakam karara, zaalam he patwari

Main kasanbra chun chun hari

Ais kasanbe de chaar muqadam, muaamila mangde bhari
Hornaan chugia phohia phohia, main bhar lai patari

Main kasanbra chun chun hari

Chug chug ke main dheri kita, lathe aan piari
Okhi ghati mushkal penda, sirr par gathri bhari

Main kasanbra chun chun hari

Amlaan walian sabh langh gayian, reh gai ogan hari
Sari umar akhid gawai, orak bazi hari

Main kasanbra chun chun hari

Alst keha jadd akhian laiyaan, hun kiun yaar wasari
Iko ghar wasdian rasdian, hun kiun rahi niari

Main kasanbra chun chun hari

Main kamin kachji kojhi be gun kon wichari
Bullah shoh de laiq nahin, shah aanayat tari

Main kasanbra chun chun hari

English Translation

Collecting safflowers I am tired

The safflower has fewer thorns
But collecting them my scarf is torn
Callous is the owner of the orchard
Cruel is the Patwari

There are four collectors
Who ask fro tax very heacy
Others collected in small number
It is full the basket I carry

Hardly had I laid down my gleanings
When there came the merchants streaming?
It’s an arduous task, a difficult journey
With a heavy load on my head

Those with good deeds have all gone
I am left with my failings’s storm
All my life was like a fest
I’ve lost the game in the final form

I am mean, uncouth and unsightly
Without any talent as I am
He has to take pity on me
I am not fit for Inayat’s company

Collecting safflowers I am tired

English translation: Kartar Singh Duggal