Arifa Shahzad’s Poetry: An Exploration of Life, Love, and Memory

by Nasir Karim Khan

 Arifa Shahzad’s poetry speaks with a unique voice that resonates deeply with the reader. Her poems, “The Earth Knows Not!”, “A Woman, I’m!” and “The Departed Dears” are profound expressions of human emotions, nature, and existence. Each poem captures a different aspect of life, offering a window into the poet’s soul and her view of the world.

“The Earth Knows Not!” begins with a striking image of death. The poet describes mummifying death’s face and placing it into a coffin of smiles. This imagery suggests an attempt to soften the harsh reality of death with a facade of happiness. The bonds leading to death are counted, yet there are unseen loops intertwined with the poet’s breaths, representing the complexities of life and death. The poet’s journey is likened to singing a swan’s song, a traditional symbol of a final act before death. The poet expresses a desire to stay in the meadows for seven days, a period perhaps symbolizing a complete cycle or week, before absorbing into light. This transition into light can be seen as a metaphor for merging with a higher existence or the divine, piercing the Earth like a ray. The poem beautifully captures the tension between life and death, and the poet’s serene acceptance of this transition.

In “A Woman, I’m!” Arifa Shahzad celebrates womanhood and its profound connection with nature. The poet seeks the eyes of the beloved to see the exuberance of life that springs from the soil, indicating a deep appreciation for nature’s fertility and vitality. The desire to listen to the raindrops’ pitter-patter in spring reflects a yearning for renewal and growth. The poet wants the lips to feel the gentle warmth of the sun, symbolizing a need for affection and comfort. The hands are desired to write down the experiences of life, demonstrating a wish to leave a mark and tell stories. Finally, the poet asks for all the love to be able to reciprocate it fully. This poem is a heartfelt expression of love and connection, not only with the beloved but also with the world. It reflects the poet’s view of love as an all-encompassing force that touches every aspect of existence.

“The Departed Dears” is a poignant reflection on loss and memory. The poet talks about the heart’s windows stretching out, revealing flickering panoramas, which can be seen as memories coming alive. The clay lamps on the home’s bartizans lighting up symbolize the warmth and light the departed ones brought into life. Their presence is felt in various ways – their footfalls in the vestibules, their reflections in the mirrors, and their essence in the rain and wind. Even the yellow fall starts exuding fragrance, suggesting that their memories continue to enrich life. The poem beautifully illustrates how the departed live on within us, making us bloom despite their absence. It conveys a sense of continuity and the idea that the essence of loved ones never truly leaves us.

Arifa Shahzad’s poetry is rich in imagery and emotion. Her words paint vivid pictures that engage the senses and evoke deep feelings. The themes of life, death, love, and memory are explored with sensitivity and insight. The poet’s use of nature to symbolize various aspects of human experience adds a layer of universality to her work. Readers can find reflections of their own lives and emotions in her poems, making her work deeply relatable.

Her background as a professor of Urdu Language and Literature and her extensive literary work, including poetry, novels, and research, enrich her poetry. Her deep understanding of language and literature allows her to craft poems that are both beautiful and meaningful. Her poetic exploration started at a young age, and this lifelong dedication is evident in the depth and maturity of her work.

 Kamran Awan, who translated Arifa Shahzad’s poems, is a well-regarded figure in literary translation. Based in Lahore and serving as a Vice President at a major bank in Pakistan, Awan has significantly contributed to translating Urdu poetry into English. His translations are praised for their faithfulness to the original texts and their ability to capture the same emotional depth. Beyond his work as a translator, Awan has also written Urdu poetry and English short stories, demonstrating his versatility as a writer. His translations of Arifa’s poems highlight his commitment to bridging linguistic and cultural gaps through literature.

Arifa Shahzad’s poetry resonates with profound themes of life, death, love, and longing, expressed through rich imagery and evocative language.

….

To read poems by Arifa Shahzad , Please click here