If I Were Ever a Poet
This classical ghazal by the legendary Mehdi Hassan is a masterclass in expressing idealized love through poetic imagination. The ghazal operates on multiple levels—as both a romantic declaration and a mystical meditation on devotion.
The Poet's Imagination: The speaker begins with a hypothetical premise: "If I were a poet." This opens the space for pure imagination and fantasy. The beloved becomes the muse that would inspire all poetry—transcending the conventional metaphors of classical literature (like comparing the beloved to the moon).
Romantic Devotion: The first verse captures the essence of protective love. The speaker imagines spiriting the beloved away from society, hiding them like a fragrance carried by the wind—precious, delicate, and inseparable. The willingness to never reveal their whereabouts, even to the beloved's own heart, speaks to an almost obsessive devotion that borders on the mystical.
The Evil Eye and Jinxing: The second verse introduces the concept of "Chashm-e-badoor" (far be the evil eye). In South Asian culture, it's believed that excessive praise or good fortune can attract jealousy and curses. The speaker is so intensely protective and fearful of losing this happiness that they invoke protective blessings, showing the fragility and preciousness of love.
Ultimate Sacrifice: The final verse ascends to the spiritual realm. The speaker is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice—to lay down their life at the beloved's feet. This sacrifice is framed as the "highest duty" (or "highest elevation") of love, turning romantic devotion into spiritual worship. The "prostration" (sajda) of love becomes divine devotion.
Classical Sophistication: This ghazal exemplifies the refined aesthetic of classical Urdu poetry, where the beloved serves as both a literal romantic figure and a metaphor for the Divine. The layers of meaning—romantic, protective, spiritual, and mystical—make it a profound meditation on the nature of love itself.