Word Meaning
सीमाब-पुश्त
seemaab-pusht
Meaning
Backed with quicksilver or mercury; restless like a mercury-coated mirror.
Detailed Meaning
Literally refers to a looking glass coated on the reverse with quicksilver (mercury) to make it reflective. In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, mercury symbolizes intense quivering, heat, and restlessness. In this couplet, it evokes the hidden agitation and astonishment mirrored in the poet's own restless heart.
Etymology
Persian compound formed of 'sīmāb' (mercury/quicksilver, from 'sīm' [silver] + 'āb' [water]) and 'pusht' (back).
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, it serves as a delicate metaphor linking the reflective backing of mirrors to inner agitation and quivering yearning.
Examples
a quicksilver-backed mirror trembling with wonder
the heart rendered seemab-pusht in restless grief