Not least a straw lowly treat—
As dust under treading feet,
A peck might fly off, fall in eyes,
Make them bleary, better be wise.
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Given here under is the original couplet in Hindi script, and its transliteration in English Roman.
तिनका कबहुँ ना निन्दिये, जो पाँव न तर होय,
कबहुँ उड़ी आँखिन पड़े, तो पीर घनेरी होय।
Tinakā kabahun nā nindiye, jo pānva na tar hoye,
Kabahun uđī ānkhin pađe, to pīr ghanerī hoye.
Kabeer says: even a speck of dust under your feet is not be slighted. It has potential to trouble you, should it fly and fall in your eyes.
Topic: respect, advice
The archaic poetical intonation of the poem, has a magnificent tone of wisdom, and the veneration for the old-written word. Beautifully composed!
silly dust that means silly enemy can be harmful anytime! so beware of enemy!
Another wonderful Quatrain with a meaningful message. A brilliant advice indeed. Beautifully conveyed.
Do not treat lowly even a speck of straw under your feet If perchance it hits your eyes while in the air you will, you will cry
Well said poet Ravi Kopra, do not slight ant one, not even a peck of dust in air, it might prove your bugbear.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Saint Kabir (1440-1518) is a household name in our country and his couplets serve as a guide for a righteous life. He raised his voice against superstitions and evils afflicting the society. This couplet has been selected for its social value and translated beautifully. Thanks for this quality presentation.
I can see that you are generally well-informed about Indian and other poets. I must thank you for appreciating the translation.