Ever since our manly courage deserted us, we have been trampled under the kicks of this ancient hag of a world.
In classical Urdu poetry, the mortal world is often personified as a fickle, merciless old woman (pīr-zāl), and here the poet laments falling completely under her whims. The couplet reveals a painful truth: the world only kicks and humiliates us once our inner fire, courage, and resolve abandon us. It is a deeply honest reflection on vulnerability, showing that we are broken not just by external cruelty, but by the surrender of our own spirit.
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.