jab khamushi hi bazm ka dastur ho gai
main aadmi se naqsh-ba-diwar ban gaya

is daur-e-afiyat mein ye kya ho gaya hamein
patta samajh ke le udi wahshi hawa hamein

wo bazm se nikal ke kahte hain ai 'zahir'
jao magar qarib-e-rag-e-jaan raha karo

unhin ki hasrat-e-rafta ki yaadgar hun main
jo log rah gae tanha bhari bahaaron mein

tu meri zat meri ruh mera husn-e-kalam
dekh ab tu na badal gardish-e-dauran ki tarah

tanhaiyon mein aati rahi jab bhi us ki yaad
saya sa ek qarib mere dolta raha