نظم : پانی میں بھیگا ہوا ایک خط

جب کہ تم شہر کے سپردہ ہوئے
گاؤں کے لوگ سب فسردہ ہوئے

نہ اپنی خیرکی خبر دی ہے
نہ اپنے شہر کا پتہ بھیجا

اک زمانہ گزر گیا جیسے
اب میری بات کو سنودل سے

تم جہاں ہو وہیں ٹھہر جاؤ
گاؤں لوٹے تو پشیماں ہو گے

پانی ناپید ہو چکاہوگا
فصلیں بر باد ہوگئ ہونگیں

گاؤں سیلاب لےگیا ہوگا
ساری آوازیں مر چکی ہونگیں

غور سے میرے دل کی بات سنو
تم جہاں ہو وہیں ٹھہر جاؤ

تم جہاں ہو وہیں ٹھہر جاؤ

اطہر زیدی-

This Urdu poem conveys a profound sense of nostalgia, loss, and reflection on the passage of time. It explores themes of distance, disconnection, and the inevitable changes that occur when one leaves their hometown. Let’s delve into a deeper interpretation of the poem:

 

1. Physical and Emotional Distance: The opening lines, “جب کہ تم شہر کے سپردہ ہوئے / گاؤں کے لوگ سب فسردہ ہوئے” (When you left the city behind / The people of the village grew distant), introduce the central theme of distance. This distance is not only geographical but also emotional. The poem suggests that physical separation from the city has led to emotional detachment from the village and its people.

 

2. Loss of Connection: The lines “نہ اپنی خیرکی خبر دی ہے. / نہ اپنے شہر کا پتہ بھیجا” (Neither conveyed your well-being / Nor sent news of the city) highlight the lack of communication and the absence of updates from the person who left. This lack of connection contributes to a growing sense of isolation and unfamiliarity.

 

3. Irreversible Change: The phrase “اک زمانہ گزر گیا جیسے” (As if an era has passed) emphasizes the passage of time and the changes it brings. The poem suggests that time has moved on and things have evolved, leaving the speaker with a feeling of being left behind.

 

4. Acceptance of Reality: The lines “تم جہاں ہو وہیں ٹھہر جاؤ” (Wherever you are, stay there) can be interpreted as a resigned acceptance of the situation. The speaker advises the absent individual to stay where they are, recognizing that circumstances may have altered irreversibly back home.

 

5. Symbolism of Nature: The poem employs natural imagery to convey the impact of the person’s absence. The references to drought, failed crops, floods, and silenced voices symbolize the negative changes that have occurred in the village due to the person’s departure. These elements also serve as metaphors for the emotional void left behind.

 

6. Appeal for Understanding: The repetition of “تم جہاں ہو وہیں ٹھہر جاؤ” (Wherever you are, stay there) at the end of the poem emphasizes the speaker’s plea for the absent person to acknowledge the changes that have taken place and accept their new reality.

 

In summary, “جب کہ تم شہر کے سپردہ ہوئے” explores the emotional aftermath of leaving one’s hometown and the resulting disconnect from familiar surroundings and people. The poem reflects on the inevitability of change, the passing of time, and the emotional toll of distance. It serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that personal choices and absence can have on relationships and communities.