Precious Pearls — Page 18
20 Frequently, the author of Durr-e Sameen uses the first person plural and not the singular to refer to his own self. This is another aspect of the Eastern culture and language wherein the so called ‘royal we’ may be used instead of the usual ‘I’. Poetry—as a medium of communication—is often described as the most refined, potent and elegant manner to express our feelings. While prose is said to inform the mind, poetry is said to converse directly with the soul. For this reason, many a prophet, saints and men of God have opted for the medium of poetry to convey their message. One particular aspect of all poetry is its extreme brevity and ability to paint a vast picture with only a few brush strokes. In this respect, the poetry of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is no exception. Quite frequently, a single word or a single phrase carries an immensity of meaning that defies adequate translation without resorting to a lengthy exegesis. Thus, no translation can do proper justice to the original verses in Urdu and there is no perfect alternative to enjoying them except in their original language. While all poetry requires close reading and concentration, the poetry of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is so deep and full of meaning that a cursory and superficial reading would not do proper justice to it. The reader is therefore encouraged to reflect upon each word and each verse savouring the profound philosophy, sagacity and beauty buried in these precious gems.