Hua Sharm-e-tahi-dasti Se Se Vo Bhi Sar-nigun Akhir — Mirza Ghalib
Meaning
Out of shame for its empty hands, even the salt-cellar finally hung its head; enough now, O wound of the heart, just behold the tumult of the salt-cellar.
Explanation
The poet creates a brilliantly vivid image of a salt-cellar turned upside down, having run entirely out of salt to torment the lover's wound. Personified with dark wit, the empty shaker appears to hang its head in deep shame for having nothing left to offer, while the lover's wound watches its helpless frenzy. At its heart, the couplet suggests that the lover's capacity for suffering is so vast that even the world's cruelty eventually runs out of supplies.
Interpretation note: meanings and explanations may be AI-assisted and should not replace a primary text or scholarly edition. See the editorial policy.
Audio
Free — just your email. You'll come right back here.
No comments yet. Be the first.