Just Like Always, He said This on the Phone

Just like always, he said this on the phone:

"I am very busy; I have a lot of work to do."

"If you wish to meet me, I can't come now.

I have broken old traditions of meeting again and again."

"If you are busy, then I too am busy.

If you are famous, then I too am well-known."

"If you are loyal, then I too carry the wounds of loyalty.

If you are strong, then I too am a master of deceit."

"My time, my heart, is now invaluable.

Some old friends are coming to meet me now."

"I am not free either; I have millions of tasks to do.

Otherwise, uttering your name even for a moment is disgraceful."

"My eyes are also restless; they burn like flames.

After you, I find comfort only in sleep."

"I cannot increase my expenses for you.

If you cannot come to meet me, then I too cannot go."

Explaination

This poem by Wasif Shah is a poignant reflection on changing priorities, emotional distance, and the harsh realities of modern relationships. It captures the transformation of love and affection into indifference and detachment over time.

The poem begins with a conversation, where one person (presumably a former lover or a close friend) is too busy to meet. The speaker expresses how they have grown apart, breaking past traditions of frequent meetings and conversations. This suggests a shift in emotions, where relationships that were once cherished now feel burdensome.

The poet then establishes equality between them: "If you are busy, so am I. If you are famous, so am I." This signifies that both have moved on and built their own lives. The lines also hint at suppressed pain, where both individuals pretend to be unaffected by the separation.

Loyalty and betrayal become central themes when the poet talks about "wounds of loyalty" and being a "master of deceit." This contradiction shows the internal battle between longing for love and trying to mask the pain with indifference. The speaker is not just a victim but also someone who has learned to be distant and detached.

The poem takes a turn when the speaker emphasizes their own worth: "My time is invaluable now. Some old friends are coming to meet me." This implies that they have also moved on and have new relationships and commitments. There is a subtle hint of ego and self-respect, showing that they will no longer chase someone who does not prioritize them.

Further, the poet stresses that they are occupied with responsibilities and work, making it clear that their past relationship no longer holds significance. They even consider mentioning their former lover’s name as disgraceful, showing a sense of bitterness and finality.

The poem ends with a striking image of emotional exhaustion: "My eyes burn like flames; I find comfort only in sleep." This line reveals the lingering pain behind all the indifference. The speaker may act detached, but deep down, the loss still affects them. Despite this, they firmly state that they will not go out of their way to meet the other person, reinforcing their newfound self-respect.

Finally, the poet asks that this statement be recorded in his "records"—a metaphor for preserving his dignity and finalizing his decision to let go.

Conclusion

This poem beautifully captures the reality of fading relationships. It conveys how love can turn into detachment, how priorities shift, and how people learn to live without those who were once their everything. It highlights themes of pride, heartbreak, emotional defense mechanisms, and self-worth. The poet masterfully portrays the inner conflict of missing someone while also refusing to express that vulnerability.