These are some excerpts from a larger cycle of poetry published by the Hindi poet H. Bachchan in 1935. In this cycle, the author treats drunkenness almost spiritual phenomenon, making seemingly paradoxical, Zen-like statements about “the house of wine.”

Here’s a translation of the lyrics:
“The House of Wine”
On the way to the tavern from his house,
A drinker is walking –
“What path shall I take?
In this puzzle, he is very confused.

Everyone advises different paths,
But this is what I have to say –

Whatever path you choose to take,
You will wind up going to the house of wine.

I am in the tavern,
In my hands is a glass.
In my glass the tavern is reflected,
The wine is just taking effect –

I have spent my whole life
Entangled in this dilemma –

Am I in the house of wine,
Or is the house of wine within me?

More information here.

"Madhushala (A Capella)"
by lenmorzh

2007 - Licensed under
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Lost Thoughts by duckett