"DISCOURSE"GLOBAL LITERATURE MAGAZINE
POET: SHAFQAT AZIZ HAJAM
(INDIAN KASHMIR)
REVIEWER:REHMAT AZIZ KHAN CHITRALI
Poetry of Shafkat Aziz Hajam: A brief review
Shafkat Aziz Hajam, a prolific children's poet hailing from the picturesque region of Kashmir has woven a tapestry of emotions and imagery through his evocative English verses. His poems, brimming with themes of nature, humanity, and societal reflection, offer a window into the soul of a poet deeply attuned to his surroundings and the human condition. In this analytical exploration, we delve into three of Shafkat's poems to unravel the intricacies of his writing style, thematic depth, and the cultural context that shapes his artistic expression in his English poetry.
I. "I AM NOT BARREN": A Bittersweet Ode to Resilience:
In "I AM NOT BARREN," Shafkat captures the spirit of nature's resilience, paralleling it with human endurance. The poem unfolds in a rhythmic cadence, employing enjambments and unconventional spacing to create a unique visual experience. The metaphor of barrenness versus fecundity becomes a metaphor for life's trials and triumphs, encapsulating the human struggle to flourish despite challenges. The vivid imagery of blossoms and the lament against the "atrocious autumn" resonate as a plea to overcome adversity. This poem embodies Shafkat's stylistic finesse, as he uses language as a vessel to convey hope amid despair.
REVIEWER
II. "HOW TO FULLFILL DREAMS THERE": A Searing Gaze at Societal Woes:
In " HOW TO FULLFILL DREAMS THERE," Shafkat's pen turns toward a darker, more critical perspective. The poem dissects societal ills, using stark and harrowing imagery to depict a world rife with fear, injustice, and decay. The poem's structure mimics the fragmented nature of the depicted reality, employing truncated lines and abrupt transitions to convey the harshness of life. The repetition of the phrase "How to fulfill dreams there" functions as a plea for guidance in a world tainted by violence and shattered aspirations. This poem showcases shafkat's intellectual prowess in addressing complex societal issues through his poetic lens.
III. "DON’T AVERT YOUR GAZE": A Call for Reflection and Remembrance:
In " DON’T AVERT YOUR GAZE," Shafkat assumes the role of a societal observer, urging readers to confront uncomfortable truths. The poem, reminiscent of an elegy, transforms into a lament for the fallen and oppressed. Here, Shafkat crafts a refrain that echoes like a plea for acknowledgment, creating a haunting and rhythmic effect. The poem's thematic core lies in the remembrance of those who fought against tyranny and injustice, underscoring the importance of historical memory. Stylistically, the use of repetition and impactful imagery makes this poem a testament to Shafkat's poetic craftsmanship.
Cultural Context and Impact:
Shafkat's poetry is deeply rooted in the cultural and geographical context of Kashmir. The region's rich history, fraught with conflict and beauty, serves as a wellspring of inspiration for his verses. Through his work, Shafkat endeavors to amplify the voices of the marginalized, to preserve the collective memory of his people, and to ignite a sense of empathy and social change. His poems are not mere compositions; they are conduits for catharsis, reflection, and advocacy.
In conclusion, Shafkat Aziz Hajam's poetry is a mosaic of technical prowess, intellectual exploration, analytical reflection, critical commentary, stylistic innovation, and research into the depths of human experience. Through his words, he captures the essence of his surroundings and transforms it into a mirror that reflects both the beauty and challenges of life. As his verses continue to resonate across borders and generations, Shafkat solidifies his place as a significant literary voice, weaving the intricate tapestry of human emotions and societal reflections.
HAJAM'S POEMS
1.I AM NOT BARREN.
I am not barren .
My fecundity has not dwindled yet.
Enough as before to bringforth blossoms of all sorts and I do .
Alas ! Frequent invasions of atrocious autumn
Debilitates their potency to bloom in full
To show my greatness in their daintiness and redolence
That would once captivate aves from overseas
To warble in praise of my nature.
O Heaven! Free me from this brutish autumn,
Can’t endure it any more .
To glitter with my flair
Let clement spring reign over me.
2.
DON'T AVERT THY GAZE
Don’t avert thy gaze, behold these cemeteries !
The voices for peace and averse to slavery
Are interred here.
The eyes anti to tyranny and the altruistic hearts
For the persecuted are interred here .
Don’t avert thy gaze, behold these cemeteries!
The buttresses for the decrepit and the comforts for the pained ,
The joys for the dejected and the glims for darkness are interred here.
Don’t avert thy gaze, behold these cemeteries!
The gallant patriots of my nation- moral for the coward Slaves
The upshots of the tyrannous reign and even of the traitors are interred here.
3.
HOW TO FULLFILL DREAMS THERE ?
How to fullfil dreams there
Where one often takes breath in the net of fear of disappearance and of death
And one carries more coffins but palanquins few.
Not many raiments for weddings
But more coffins one has to sew .
How to fullfil dreams there
Where each moment is spent in jails and yowls
And youths decay in dingy jails .
Where one while fishing, fishes out a corpse
Of a mother’s only progeny and succour
Beheaded or mutilated or putrified
Or still from his wounds is dripping blood of innocence.
How to fullfil dreams there
Where one’s childhood is caged, divested of its joys
Where deranged mothers ( as if their sons ) are lullabying toys.
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"Discourse" Global Literature Magazine.
Founder and Editor
Aamir Abdullah (Pakistan)
Co-Editors
Mumtaz Husain(USA)
Dr.Ratan Ghosh(India)
Haleema Abdulazeez(Nigeria)
Aasma Tahir(Pakiatan)
Najia Ahmed(Canada)
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Your poetry has a very emotional effect of literature on the reader. Respect.
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