A Friend's Poem: A Spark That Ignited a Reflection

While scrolling through Facebook this morning, I stumbled upon a poem shared by a dear friend, Manish Mehta. His words struck a chord deep within me, and I felt compelled to share them here. 

Itne angare hamari raho pe bichaye ke aab jalne ka maja hi nahi raha!!!!
Takdir deti hai saath kabhi kabhi par maja lutne ka maksad hi nahi raha!!!
Itne lambe raste yunhi tay karliye bina mukkadar ko jane, ke manzil pane ka hosh hi nahi raha!!!

These lines, resonated with the essence of "life is wonderful," but also offered a deeper layer of introspection.

The Power of Vulnerability

Manish, a highly respected friend known for his strong moral compass and kindness, lays bare his soul in these verses. The opening lines, "Itne angare hamari raho pe bichaye ke aab jalne ka maja hi nahi raha!!!!" (translated as: "So many embers have been strewn on our paths that the joy of burning has vanished!"), paint a vivid picture of life's hardships. The metaphor of embers, both warming and potentially painful, reflects the duality of our experiences.

Questioning Fate's Role

The second stanza delves into the concept of destiny. "Takdir deti hai saath kabhi kabhi par maja lutne ka maksad hi nahi raha!!!" (translated as: "Fate accompanies us sometimes, but the purpose of enjoying it has been lost!"), questions the fleeting moments of ease granted by fate. This line suggests a sense of disillusionment with the unpredictable nature of life's journey.

Lost but Not Hopeless

The third stanza, "Itne lambe raste yunhi tay karliye bina mukkadar ko jane, ke manzil pane ka hosh hi nahi raha!!!" (translated as: "We've traversed such long roads without knowing our destiny, that the awareness of reaching the destination has faded!"), highlights the disorientation we can feel in the face of life's uncertainties. The speaker expresses a longing for clarity and purpose amidst the vastness of existence.

A Connection to Humanitarian Work

The poem's connection to the life of a humanitarian aid worker is intriguing. These selfless individuals often walk challenging paths, facing adversity without seeking recognition. Their journeys are driven by a desire to alleviate suffering and make a positive impact, aligning perfectly with the speaker's yearning for a purpose beyond oneself.

Living Fully in the Present

The concluding lines, "Zindge ko de itne ehmiyat/Ke khud ke bhe yaad dhundhla se gaye/Par jab aaye unke baare/Wo humain pehchan ne se bhe mukar gaye.." (translated as: "Give so much importance to life/That even the memory of oneself fades/But when they arrive/They deny even recognizing us.."), emphasize the importance of living fully in the present moment. The speaker urges us to prioritize life's experiences, even if it means our personal desires fade in the background.

A Journey with Meaning

The poem resonates with the concept of life as a journey from the finite to the infinite. Our individual lives, though temporary, have the potential to contribute to something larger than ourselves. The work of humanitarian aid workers exemplifies this notion, as they dedicate their lives to making a positive impact that leaves a lasting legacy.

Manish Mehta's poem serves as a powerful reminder that life is a tapestry woven with both joy and hardship. It invites us to reflect on our own journeys, embracing the challenges while cherishing the good times. Ultimately, it inspires us to strive for a life that contributes to something meaningful and transcends our own existence.