Kya Jali Jaati Hai Khoobi Hi Mein Apni Ae Shamma? — Mir Taqi Mir
Meaning
Does one have to burn with their own excellence, O candle? Let the moth also have some evenings and mornings to spend.
Explanation
This beautiful couplet uses the metaphor of a burning candle and a moth. The candle (Shama) is sacrificing its own existence for the light, burning its 'goodness.' The moth, observing this sacrifice, questions the necessity of this self-immolation. It suggests that even creatures drawn to the flame deserve a moment of peace—a balance between night and day—before their inevitable end. It’s a profound meditation on sacrifice, dignity, and the universal longing for time.
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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