اس کھیل میں تعیینِ مراتب ہے ضروری

Is khel mein ta'een-e-maratib hai zaroori

شاطر کی عنایت سے تو فرزیں، میں پیادہ

Shatir ki inayat se tu farzin, main piyada

In this game, establishing ranks is essential
By the player's grace, you are the queen, I am the pawn

بیچارہ پیادہ تو ہے اک مہرۂ ناچیز

Bechara piyada to hai ik mohra-e-nacheez

فرزیں سے بھی پوشیدہ ہے شاطر کا ارادہ!

Farzin se bhi poshida hai shatir ka irada!

The poor pawn is but an insignificant piece
Even from the queen, the player's intention is hidden!

Context

This Urdu poem employs the classic metaphor of a chess game to reflect on social hierarchy, fate, and the hidden designs of a higher power. The 'shatir' (chess player) represents a controlling force, be it fate or a dominant individual, whose 'favor' dictates whether one is a powerful 'farzin' (queen/vizier) or a humble 'piyada' (pawn). The verse emphasizes the preordained nature of roles and the ultimate incomprehensibility of the 'shatir's' will, even to those in positions of power, highlighting a sense of determinism and existential powerlessness.