The revolution of time has decided a hundred times as to who truly owns Merv, and to whom Badakhshan and Khotan belong.
Here, the poet gazes at the grand sweep of history to gently dismantle human arrogance over power and ownership. By invoking legendary, gem-rich regions like Merv, Badakhshan, and Khotan—lands fought over by mighty empires—the verse reminds us that the relentless wheel of time has reshuffled their masters a hundred times. In the end, conquerors perish and dynasties fade, proving that no piece of the earth truly belongs to anyone but time itself.
Interpretation note: meanings and explanations may be AI-assisted and should not replace a primary text or scholarly edition. See the editorial policy.
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