I swear by your immense generosity, O Cupbearer
The Divine Cupbearer: The poet addresses the "Saaqiya" (Cupbearer), a classic metaphor in Urdu poetry often representing the Divine, a spiritual guide, or the Beloved who dispenses the wine of love and spiritual intoxication. The poet swears by their "river-heartedness" (immense generosity), asking for the cycle of spiritual intoxication to continue endlessly.
Balance of Opposites: The second verse explores the necessity of opposites in the human experience. A garden needs both the gentle dew and the fierce sun/fire. Similarly, the heart needs both the tears of longing and the "smoke" of burning passion. Pain and beauty are intertwined.
Divine Power: The third verse acknowledges the absolute power of the Beloved over the "system of the world." They have the power to transform a barren desert into a blooming garden with a mere wish, emphasizing the transformative power of love and grace.
The Torment of Beauty: The fourth verse is a romantic description of the Beloved's beauty, comparing their disheveled hair to a morning resting in the lap of sleep. The poet expresses helplessness before such beauty and the "cruelty" of their playful gestures.
Eternal Love: The final verse asserts the permanence of true love. It is painted with the "blood of desire" (sacrifice), creating a portrait of loyalty that cannot be altered by the changing trends or opinions of the world.