مر بھی جاؤں تو کہاں لوگ بھلا ہی دیں گے

Parveen ShakirUrdu2 lines1 public analyses
Original Poetry
Translation
مر بھی جاؤں تو کہاں لوگ بھلا ہی دیں گے
Even if I die, will people really forget me?
لفظ میرے مرے ہونے کی گواہی دیں گے
My words will prove that I existed.
 

Explanation

This couplet by Parveen Shakir reflects on the enduring nature of words and poetry. The poet muses on the idea that even after death, one's presence and essence can live on through their words. The first line questions whether people will truly forget her after she passes away, while the second line confidently asserts that her words will continue to bear witness to her existence. This reflects a common theme in literature where the written word is seen as a means of achieving immortality, as it preserves the thoughts and emotions of the writer for future generations. The ghazal form, known for its exploration of love and separation, is used here to delve into the separation from life itself and the legacy left behind.

Word Dictionary16

WordIn UrduIn EnglishPron.
مرفوتdiemar
بھیاسی طرحas wellbhi
جاؤںچلا جاؤںgojaaoon
تواگرifto
کہاںجگہplacekahaan
لوگافرادpeoplelog
بھلابھولforgetbhula
ہیصرفonlyhi
دیںپیش کریںofferden
گےہوں گےshallge
لفظالفاظwordslafz
میرےمیراmymere
مرےفوتdeadmare
ہونےموجودگیexistencehone
کیکاofki
گواہیثبوتtestimonygawahii

Poet & Context

Era20th century

Parveen Shakir was a renowned Pakistani poet, teacher, and civil servant. She is known for her unique style of Urdu poetry, often focusing on themes of love, feminism, and social issues. Her work is celebrated for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth.

View on Wikipedia
When20th century
WhyThis ghazal reflects on themes of memory and legacy, exploring the idea that words and poetry can serve as a testament to one's existence even after death. It is a contemplation on how people are remembered through their contributions to literature and art.
Formghazal

Themes & More

memorylegacyimmortality through art
metaphor: words as testimonyrepetition: use of 'دیں گے' to emphasize continuityrhetorical question: 'کہاں لوگ بھلا ہی دیں گے' to provoke thought
مر بھی جاؤں تو کہاں لوگ بھلا ہی دیں گے by Parveen Shakir — Poem, Translation & Meaning