Sometimes They Rust, Sometimes They Shine

• Sometimes they rust, sometimes they shine,

Sometimes they walk, sometimes they stumble.

• Thus, the whole youthful life was spent,

Thus, the injustices of life unfolded.

• Sometimes in sleep, sometimes in consciousness,

The world was found—just look and see.

• Neither the eyes met, nor the words spoke,

Thus, with bowed heads, we passed.

• Sometimes a glance, sometimes a gaze,

Sometimes a touch upon the delicate being.

• What I cherished remained in my book,

But the poetry all scattered away.

• There was once a memory of you,

But today, we are apart.

• If we parted, we would have endured,

But being separated, we have shattered.

• Sometimes raised to the heavens, sometimes cast to the earth,

Sometimes wandering door to door.

• The sorrow of love, your gratitude,

We passed through it all—where and how, we do not know.

This poem by Parveen Shakir beautifully captures the complexities of life, love, and separation. It reflects the ever-changing nature of human emotions, relationships, and the struggles one endures throughout life.

Theme of Change and Uncertainty

The poem begins by portraying life’s unpredictability—sometimes bright and hopeful, other times dull and challenging. The poet describes how life moves in phases, where moments of happiness and despair alternate, symbolizing the ups and downs of existence.

Struggles of Youth and Life’s Hardships

Parveen Shakir reflects on her youthful years, describing them as a time of silent suffering. Life’s injustices weigh heavily, leaving behind a sense of helplessness and unfulfilled desires. She illustrates how people often move forward in life without fully confronting their emotions, merely accepting their fate.

Love, Distance, and Separation

The poem highlights the pain of unexpressed love. The poet describes moments where eyes met but words remained unspoken, indicating missed opportunities and suppressed emotions. The recurring theme of separation emphasizes the sorrow of lost love and the loneliness that follows.

She reminisces about cherished memories but acknowledges that they now exist only in books and poetry. This suggests that love, once deeply felt, has now faded into mere words, scattered and lost with time.

The Pain of Parting and Emotional Turmoil

As the poem progresses, the poet reflects on the pain of separation. She questions whether parting would have been bearable if it had been on mutual terms, but instead, the experience has left deep emotional wounds. The repetition of separation and sorrow reinforces the idea that love, once lost, is hard to mend.

The Contrast Between Highs and Lows

The poet describes how people are sometimes lifted to great heights but also brought down to despair. This could symbolize how love and relationships can make one feel exalted yet abandoned. The imagery of wandering door to door reflects the struggles of finding meaning and stability after heartbreak.

Final Reflection on Love and Suffering

In the closing lines, the poet expresses gratitude for the lessons learned from love, even if they came with immense pain. She acknowledges that she has endured suffering and loss, but she also hints at the inevitability of such experiences in life.

Conclusion

Parveen Shakir’s poem is a profound reflection on the fleeting nature of life, love, and human emotions. It captures the essence of longing, the pain of separation, and the unpredictability of relationships. The poet beautifully illustrates how love can elevate a person to great heights but also leave them shattered when it fades.

The poem’s recurring theme of change and loss emphasizes that nothing remains constant—neither happiness nor sorrow. Love, once a source of joy, turns into a distant memory, leaving behind traces in poetry and books. The poet acknowledges that separation is not just a physical distance but an emotional wound that lingers, reshaping one’s existence.