TEARS, DEATH AND HOPE


Last night as I lay stoking the fire of my past, a spark of memory fell out and burnt the sleep from my eyes. One of the first ghazals I memorised by heart was sung by Anoop Jalota: -

"Peshaani-e-hayaat pe kuch aise bal pade, 
Hansne ko dil ne chaaha to aansu nikal pade". 

The meaning as explained by my father was that the destiny as written on the creases of the forehead was such that every time the heart wanted to laugh, tears rolled down (sadness engulfed). 

The next couplet or "sher" is the one which evoked the impulse to write: -

"Rehne do mat bujhaao mere aansuon ki aag, 
Is kashmakash mein aapka daaman na jal pade"

Meaning literally - do not extinguish the flame of my tears, your veil may catch fire in this attempt. 
 
I acknowledge that translations do not do justice to the original verses, but like the song by Bee Gees - Its only words and words are all I have, to take your heart away.

I was talking to one of my friends and sadness was in the air. Death of a loved one is not easy to accept, especially if you think it is untimely. It is only after the death of a person that you realise the importance of the precious moments you had. Death also does a favour sometimes. You start to understand life. Alexander Woolcott said "There is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day". 

My friends whose departure or transition from this world to the next was sudden were very close to my heart, with whom I had lost contact for some time. Sometime the thought comes maybe they thought of me during those days. I also realised being a loner does not help anyone. You have to give back to life what you take from it. I have been blessed to receive love, friendship and happiness and so I must in turn give it to others.

As we talked we discussed how her life had touched others. Being a nursing tutor, she had been the source of knowledge and inspiration for so many. She would always be remembered for being the best guide to them whom she taught, a loving mother and wife, a perfect host and most of all a life worth celebrating. I believe in God and his ways and I know he will always be there for the family she leaves behind.

And as we came close to the end of our talk, we realised how much it meant to stay in touch, to make an effort to reach out to your friends and how important it is to thank God for all the blessings you receive in your life and share them with others around you.

John 11:25 - " Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live".

2 comments:

  1. You have very well explain everything in one line.
    the heading says it all.when hope dies we die without death.
    nothing much to comment on god;s work.

    words are so important in our life,and it comes free with feelings,but still we are making our mind so controlled and restricted, about expressing our true feelings towards people around us. ask the impportance of life to the people who are standing at the edge of life line and then u never be unhappy about present time you are having it now.
    Thank you for reminding us where our destiny's are,which reminds me why am i here on earth and to stop and listen my inner voice.thats very kind idea of giving back.well done and thank you once again.

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  2. two questions comes out in my mind....

    why are we born if we have to die; and how do you imagine your funeral....

    In our world things happen like waves, start and end. i know i could not explain the mystery of life and death. for the moment, what we could do is to live life the best way possible. we could only understand life inasmuch as we have lived it..death may come and we will only understand it until we have reached it…

    Pinku is correct. You truly explain well the essence of life and it's purpose.

    I feel sorry for your friend who passed away. May she will rest in peace.

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