Those who love you should remain completely detached and estranged from the rest of the world; you truly have this right over them.
Here, the poet captures the all-consuming, exclusive nature of deep devotion. The beloved holds a tender yet absolute claim over those who love them—demanding that to truly belong to them, one must become a total stranger to the rest of the world. It plays beautifully on the paradox of intimacy, where becoming someone's 'aashna' (intimate lover) requires turning 'na-aashna' (unacquainted) to everyone else.
Interpretation note: meanings and explanations may be AI-assisted and should not replace a primary text or scholarly edition. See the editorial policy.
Audio
Free — just your email. You'll come right back here.
No comments yet. Be the first.