मजदूर
काफी दूर चले आए थे ,
रिश्तों को निभाते निभाते ,
खबर मिली की सब कुशल है ,
मगर खुद को खो दिया
सबको पाते पाते ।
इंतजार मत करना की
मैं कब आऊंगा ,
अब थक गया हुं ,
पैसा कमाते कमाते ।
लोगों ने पूछा सब ठीक है न ,
और मैं थक गया अपना दर्द जताते जताते ।
In this poem “मजदूर” (Majdoor), the poet delves into the struggles and sacrifices of the laboring class, shedding light on their journey through concise and emotionally charged verses. With profound simplicity, the poet captures the paradoxical realities faced by those who toil to uphold relationships and fulfill societal expectations, only to lose themselves in the process.
The opening lines evoke a sense of distance and the arduous efforts made by the laborer to sustain relationships. The repetition of “काफी दूर चले आए थे” (Kaafi door chale aaye the) emphasizes the immense distance traveled, both physically and metaphorically. It symbolizes the sacrifices made by the laborer, who strives to maintain connections despite the challenges they face.
The juxtaposition between the laborer’s dedication to others and their own self-neglect is powerfully depicted in the lines, “मगर खुद को खो दिया सबको पाते पाते” (Magar khud ko kho diya sabko paate paate). Here, the poet skillfully conveys the toll of labor on the laborer’s own identity and well-being. The weight of constant giving and sacrifice erodes their sense of self, leaving them feeling lost and disconnected.
The poem further explores the exhaustion that arises from waiting for a future that may never come. The lines, “इंतजार मत करना की मैं कब आऊंगा, अब थक गया हुं, पैसा कमाते कमाते” (Intezaar mat karna ki main kab aaunga, ab thak gaya hoon, paisa kamaate kamaate), encapsulate the weariness that accumulates from the laborer’s ceaseless pursuit of monetary gain. The poet skillfully portrays the sense of being trapped in a cycle of labor, yearning for respite and a life beyond mere survival.
The poignant lines, “लोगों ने पूछा सब ठीक है न, और मैं थक गया अपना दर्द जताते जताते” (Logon ne poocha sab theek hai na, aur main thak gaya apna dard jataate jataate), reveal the laborer’s struggle to express their pain while society remains oblivious to their suffering. It highlights the contrast between the laborer’s outward appearance of strength and the internal battles they face daily.
“मजदूर” serves as a poignant reflection on the plight of the laboring class. The poem’s concise verses, infused with raw emotion, invite the reader to empathize with the laborer’s struggles and shed light on the sacrifices they make in their pursuit of providing for others. The simplicity of the language enhances the poem’s impact, making it accessible and relatable to readers from all walks of life.
Overall, “मजदूर” is a heartfelt and thought-provoking piece that calls attention to the often overlooked realities of the laboring class. Through its honest portrayal of sacrifice, exhaustion, and unspoken pain, the poem invites readers to contemplate the profound contributions and inherent dignity of those who dedicate their lives to labor