Word Meaning
प्यासे
pyaase
Meaning
Thirsty; craving; longing intensely for something (here, for blood/tears).
Detailed Meaning
Literally denoting those suffering from thirst, in poetic imagery it often conveys an intense, insatiable craving or longing. In this couplet by Mir Taqi Mir, the moist, weeping eyes are depicted as bloodthirsty ('lohū ke pyaase'), consuming the lover's own vital essence and blood of the liver. It highlights the destructive agony and self-consuming passion characteristic of classical grief.
Etymology
Derived from Sanskrit 'pipāsā' (पिपासा - thirst) through Prakrit 'piāsa', evolving into Hindustani 'pyaasa'.
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, being 'thirsty' (pyaasa / tishna) commonly symbolizes spiritual longing, unfulfilled desire, or the deadly appetite of tears and eyelashes for the lover's blood.
Examples
Thirsty for blood, the cruel beloved looked away.
My eyes wander, ever thirsty for a single glimpse.