POEM · PERMANENT EDITION

Mir Taqi Mir مے کشی صبح و شام کرتا ہوں Maykashi subah-o-sham karta hoon ●sher 1 of 2

مے کشی صبح و شام کرتا ہوں

Maykashi subah-o-sham karta hoon

فاقہ مستی مدام کرتا ہوں

Faqa-masti mudam karta hoon

I drink morning and evening
I constantly live in joyful penury

کوئی ناکام یوں رہے کب تک

Koi nakam yun rahe kab tak

میں بھی اب ایک کام کرتا ہوں

Main bhi ab ek kaam karta hoon

How long can one remain unsuccessful like this?
I too will now undertake a task

Context

This poem encapsulates a common theme in Urdu poetry where the speaker embraces a life of apparent indulgence and poverty ("مے کشی" - drinking, "فاقہ مستی" - revelry in destitution) as a form of rebellion or indifference to worldly success. Yet, it swiftly transitions to a moment of existential introspection, questioning the futility of prolonged failure and expressing a newfound resolve to take action, hinting at a desire for change or purpose beyond the initial carefree despair.