سر رہ کبھی جو نظر پڑے
کسی اجنبی کے مزارپر
تو دعا کو ہاتھ اٹھائیے
کوئ سبز پودہ لگائیے
کہ بہار ہو تو صبا چلے
ہو خزاں تو سایہ ابر ہو
– اطہر زیدی
This Urdu poem reflects on the power of empathy, compassion, and the universal human experience. It encourages the reader to extend a helping hand and share positivity, even in unexpected places. The poem can be interpreted as follows:
- Empathy and Compassion: The first two lines, “سر رہ کبھی جو نظر پڑے / کسی اجنبی کے مزارپر” (If your gaze falls upon a stranger’s shrine), suggest an instance where the reader encounters a foreigner’s tomb or memorial. This encounter serves as a metaphor for encountering someone unfamiliar or different from oneself. The act of visiting a shrine, typically associated with reverence, is used here to symbolize the opportunity to connect with others through empathy and compassion.
- Offering Prayers and Planting Seeds: The next lines, “تو دعا کو ہاتھ اٹھائیے / کوئ سبز پودہ لگائیے” (Raise your hands in prayer / Plant a green sapling), emphasize the importance of action. Rather than merely observing or passing by, the poem urges the reader to actively engage by offering prayers and planting a green plant. This can be seen as a metaphor for nurturing relationships and sowing the seeds of positive change.
- Cycles of Life: The subsequent lines, “کہ بہار ہو تو صبا چلے / ہو خزاں تو سایہ ابر ہو” (When it’s spring, let the breeze flow / When it’s autumn, let there be the shade of clouds), convey a sense of harmony with the natural cycles of life. This mirrors the ebb and flow of emotions and experiences. Just as different seasons bring different atmospheres, people also go through various phases in their lives.
- Universal Connection: The poem’s central message is to find common ground and connection with others, regardless of their background or circumstances. By highlighting the act of raising hands in prayer and planting a green sapling, the poem encourages the reader to foster unity and growth even in the face of differences.
- Metaphorical Layers: The poem employs metaphorical language to convey deeper meanings. The stranger’s shrine represents a foreign person’s experiences, struggles, and emotions. Planting a sapling signifies nurturing relationships and contributing positively to the lives of others. The changing seasons reflect the different stages of human existence.
In summary, “سر رہ ” emphasizes the importance of empathy, kindness, and interconnectedness. It encourages the reader to actively engage with the world and make a positive impact, even when faced with unfamiliar situations or people. The poem’s imagery and symbolism create a powerful message about the shared human experience and the potential for growth and connection in diverse circumstances.