ज़ोफ़ में ताना-ए-अग़्यार का शिकवा क्या है बात कुछ सर तो नहीं है कि उठा भी न सकूँ
— Mirza Ghalib
Meaning

Why should I complain about the taunts of rivals in my state of weakness? Words are not like a heavy head that I cannot even lift or bear.

Explanation

In this couplet, the poet faces physical frailty with quiet grace and deep self-respect, casually brushing off the stinging taunts of rivals. He plays delightfully on the word 'uthana' (to lift or bear), noting that cruel words are merely fleeting remarks, not a literal heavy head that his weary neck cannot carry. It gently tells us that while the body may grow weak with age or sorrow, inner dignity and patience remain strong enough to shrug off the world's malice.

Interpretation note: meanings and explanations may be AI-assisted and should not replace a primary text or scholarly edition. See the editorial policy.

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