Still Young

Introduction and Background Hafiz Jalaluddin is a respected name in Urdu literature, known as the 'Poet of Islam' and the 'Creator of Pakistan's National Anthem'. This poem reflects his distinctive romantic and playful style. On one hand, the poem carries the charm of love and affection, while on the other, it prominently showcases human dignity and self-respect. ________________________________________ Complete Commentary on the Poem Verse 1 The heart is still young, beloved, what trouble is the soul in, beloved? Don't concern yourself with my condition, for there is a glory in this too, beloved. Commentary: The poet says that although time has passed, the heart's desires and passions are still young. Yet this youth has become a torment, because at this stage of life, sustaining love is difficult. In the next couplet, displaying his self-respect, he tells his beloved that there is no need to pity my wretched state, because the sorrow that comes with love is also a matter of honour and dignity for me. Verse 2 The one whose words are sweet as honey has made my life bitter, beloved. Time is short, do not bring up the matter of separation—this is too long a tale, beloved. Commentary: Here the poet describes the beloved's contradiction—that one whose words are sweet as honey has made my life bitter. In the next couplet, he says that the story of separation is so long that there is not enough time to tell it, so let us leave this sorrowful tale alone. Verse 3 Who knows what I promised on the day of creation—ever since, it has been an ordeal, beloved. I am a servant of God, but your servant too—this is our honour as well, beloved. Commentary: 'The day of creation' refers to the first day of existence. The poet says, I know not what vow of love I made that day, for its trial has not ended even now. He further says that while I am God's servant, I am known in the world through my relation to you, and being captive to your love is also a matter of pride for me. Verse 4 When did I ever claim to love you—that is your own imagination, beloved. I do not call you faithless; it is the enemies' gossip, beloved. Commentary: In this verse, Hafiz Jalaluddin shows remarkable wit. He tells the beloved that I never said I love you—that may be your own fancy or delusion. Similarly, he cleverly calls the beloved faithless while placing the blame on others, saying that people call you faithless, not I. Verse 5 The whole world is under a misunderstanding—to me you are kind, beloved. I find peace only in your lane, otherwise every land and sky is restless, beloved. Commentary: The world thinks the beloved is greatly gracious to me, but this is merely people's misunderstanding (the truth is quite the opposite). The poet says I find peace only in your street, otherwise this world is filled with turmoil and unease everywhere. Verse 6 Let my cries be unheeded—they are the mark of life, beloved. Is it shame, is it distance, what is this curtain between us, beloved? Commentary: Although my sighs and cries have no effect on the beloved, yet these cries prove that I am still alive. He questions the beloved's silence and distance: is this your modesty or an attempt to keep away from me, which has become an unknown veil between us? The Closing (Final Section) Understand the purpose of my words and be not displeased—this is merely a tale, beloved. If ever we should speak and a war break out, know that this is our tongue, beloved. Commentary: The poet says, do not take offence at my words; I was only telling a story. Finally, alluding to the power and sharpness of his poetry and tongue, he says that if we were to reveal our true reality and speak our truth, a storm or war would break out in the world, for our tongue has great power.