The sun's path at evening is a thread of light,
The sky opens its arms to bid farewell to the new moon.
The assembly holds fingers to its lips in wonder by the candle,
Like the fiery voices of beauties during a musical gathering.
Its essence, like a peacock's feather, is a canvas for colors,
For it is the qibla of mirrors, absorbed in invention.
The vexation of those of amazed disposition offers pure hearts,
The essence of the mirror here is the dust of the field of dispute.
In all four directions of the world, the market of heedlessness thrives,
From the loss of intellect, the thought of profit arises.
Ghalib, those familiar with hearts' pain are not true acquaintances,
Otherwise, who would have the patience to listen to my tale?
This Urdu poem, characteristic of a ghazal, likely by Ghalib given the 'Ghalib' takhallus in the final couplet, explores themes of transient beauty, the captivating power of art and music, and profound philosophical observations on human nature. It juxtaposes the ephemeral glow of twilight and the new moon with the enduring wonder evoked by a candle or beautiful voices. The poet contemplates the world's preoccupation with negligence and material gain ('market of negligence') against the backdrop of his own deep emotional solitude and the rarity of true empathy for 'the pain of the heart'.
the world's unfairness (shikwa) · grief (gham) · wonder & existence