Urdu Poetry: The Fleeting Nature of Companionship
Urdu poetry often reflects on the transient nature of relationships and emotions. This beautiful two-line verse captures the essence of companionship and how it changes with time and circumstances. The poet portrays how shadows remain constant under the sun, but in the calm of shade, even that loyal companion fades. Let’s explore this profound poem in Urdu, Roman Urdu, English Translation, and Hindi Script, along with a detailed explanation of its deeper meaning.
Original (Urdu):
دھوپ میں نکلے تو سایہ ساتھ تھا
چھاؤں میں گئے تو دھوپ نے ساتھ چھوڑ دیا
Roman Urdu (Transliteration):
Dhoop mein nikle to saaya saath tha
Chaon mein gaye to dhoop ne saath chor diya
English Translation:
When I walked in the sun, my shadow was by my side,
But when I reached the shade, the sunlight left me behind.
Hindi Script:
धूप में निकले तो साया साथ था
छांव में गए तो धूप ने साथ छोड़ दिया
اشعار کی وضاحت (Explanation in Urdu):
شاعر یہاں وقت اور حالات کی تبدیلی کے ساتھ تعلقات کی نوعیت کا ذکر کرتا ہے۔ “دھوپ میں نکلے تو سایہ ساتھ تھا” کا مطلب یہ ہے کہ جب حالات سخت اور مشکل ہوں، تو کچھ لوگ یا عناصر ہمیشہ ہمارے ساتھ ہوتے ہیں، جیسے سایہ دھوپ میں ساتھ ہوتا ہے۔ “چھاؤں میں گئے تو دھوپ نے ساتھ چھوڑ دیا” میں شاعر یہ کہتا ہے کہ جیسے ہی حالات بہتر ہوتے ہیں یا ہم سکون کی حالت میں پہنچتے ہیں، وہی عناصر ہمیں چھوڑ دیتے ہیں۔
Shayr ki Wazahat (Explanation in Roman Urdu):
Is sher mein shaayar ne dosti aur sath ka zikr kiya hai. Jab hum mushkil waqat mein hotay hain, to kuch log humare sath hotay hain jaise dhoop mein saaya. Lekin jaise hi hum aram aur chain ke lamhe mein pohnchte hain, wohi log humein chor dete hain, jaise dhoop mein saaya chor jata hai.
Exploring the Meaning in English
This couplet highlights how companionship and support are often dependent on circumstances. In tough times, like walking under the harsh sun, one’s shadow remains close, signifying loyal companionship. However, when one reaches a place of comfort and shade, the same sun—and by extension, the shadow—disappears, symbolizing how support can fade when life becomes easy.
The Symbolism of “Shadow” in Urdu Poetry
In Urdu poetry, “shadow” often symbolizes loyalty or companionship, following you through thick and thin. The poet uses the contrast between sun and shade to illustrate how, sometimes, loyalty is only present in times of adversity, but disappears when comfort or ease arrives. For more poetry exploring such deep metaphors, visit our Urdu Poetry Collection.
Roman Urdu: Bringing Classical Themes to Modern Readers
Roman Urdu provides a bridge for modern readers who may not be able to read traditional script, allowing them to appreciate the depth of classical Urdu poetry. This two-line poetry talks about themes we all experience—loyalty and its fickle nature, depending on the circumstances. Read more on this in our Romantic Poetry section.
Challenges in Translating the Depth of Urdu Poetry into English
Translating Urdu poetry into English is difficult because words like “دھوپ” (sunlight) and “سایہ” (shadow) carry deep metaphorical meanings that are not easily conveyed. The shadow is not just a literal shadow, but a symbol of those who support us through difficult times, and “sunlight” represents the trials of life.
Hindi Script: Expanding the Reach of Urdu Poetry
By using Hindi script, we can bring the beauty of Urdu poetry to a broader audience. This poem about fleeting companionship can now be appreciated by Hindi readers, highlighting how relationships shift with changing circumstances.
Conclusion: The Fleeting Nature of Companionship
This two-line poetry encapsulates the bittersweet reality of human relationships. Just like shadows are faithful companions in the harsh sun but vanish in the cool shade, some people are only with us in tough times and disappear when things get better. Through Urdu, Roman Urdu, English, or Hindi, this theme remains universally relatable.
