Sometimes a strange turmoil grew in my heart, sometimes a profound teardrop in my eye 
Sometimes fear from escape and from separation, sometimes profound passion for creation

Nightmarish and eerie nights were my bitter memories’ companions
The shadowy, shadowy day orbiting around my head, the city I had to leave

I had to immigrate, I had to run away from fear
Else, it was I and my mandates, I and ever increasing fatality

Uncertainty and doubt had created turmoil over the decision to stay or leave
One heart was with the shark, the other with my dear mother

The fear of death took to my head; in my silence, questions continued
When consultations I did hold with myself, a fight ensued; Sydney or Ghazni?

If I stay this will happen. If I leave that will happen.
Sometimes, I became disgusted with myself. Why should my fate be such?

Sometimes I became fed up with myself, sometimes from my shadows – I feared
I told myself ‘But no!’ ‘This man must be of iron!’

Relatives and kinsmen I must traverse, until I reach emancipation
Life should be gambled. Atop the black waves, one must stand.

I thought where I ought to cross, from where will, I reach bliss.
When the thought of water came, each strand of my hair stood straight.