तमाम-उम्र रहें ख़ाक ज़ेर-ए-पा उस की
जो ज़ोर कुछ चले हम इज्ज़ दस्त-गाहों का
— Mir Taqi Mir
Meaning
May I remain forever in the dust beneath his feet, who gave us the strength to protect our honor.
Explanation
This couplet is a profound declaration of absolute devotion. The poet is willing to sacrifice his entire life and even his dignity—to become nothing but dust beneath the beloved's feet—rather than face the shame of losing his honor in public. It speaks to a love so overwhelming that self-respect becomes secondary to the mere presence of the beloved. It is the ultimate surrender to passion.
