By Naseem Shafaie
The caravan of memories moves before my eyes….
I vividly recall my dear English teacher from college, Mrs. Malik, whose radiant smile seemed to light up the classroom. She would read the poems of Keats and Wordsworth, delve into Shakespeare’s plays with references to Greek tragedies Homer and Chaucer, and explore the novels of Dickens—all during the 4 best years of my youth. I shall never forget her influence.
Years later, I discovered a collection of poems by S.Sarwar.M, the son of my dear teacher, as I came to know about it some years back. Little could I Imagine that Sarwar was Mrs. Malik’s son. Yes, the smile on his face mirrors hers in such a striking way.
The book is titled “CRIES OF THE THORN BIRD”, a title that speaks volumes in itself. It compels the reader, like me, to ponder: what causes the bird to cry? Is it wounded? Is it in pain? Does it feel sorrow for everything it encounters? The poet himself is present in every line of each poem, as he reflects on his own emotions—his love, his longing, his hurt, his disappointments, and his wish for things to be as they should. The poems are filled with rich imagery and powerful expression, capturing feelings, thoughts, and profound reflections.
Sometimes the poet’s words take us beyond the world of language, into his homeland of Kashmir, where words like sadreh mouj, nage vigin, Chinar, Veth and Aharbal evoke a deep sense of place. Through these metaphors, Sarwar forces the reader to understand the true meaning of these terms, often providing explanations along the way.
One of his poems, “O! MEN WITH THE PEN-Speak Your Mind a Little Louder!”, is a tribute to the legendary poet of our time, the Gyan Peeth awardee Rehman Rahi, and to the Kashmiri language itself. When those from your own soil, even non-Kashmiri literature students, acknowledge the greatness of such a poet, it is an honor in itself. Recognition from your own people, especially from younger generations like Sarwar, carries immense weight.
I must admit that despite being an English literature student, I struggle to express my thoughts on this book in English. I feel as though Sarwar’s words elude full understanding. There is a sense that his poems leave me pondering, questioning: what can it be? What is he trying to say? And perhaps that is the true success of a writer–leaving the reader in contemplation, never fully offering easy answers.
Be it his first poem “Hesitation”, “Dreamers Fling”, “Eternal Beauty” or “My Journey”, the poet is always present, as I mentioned earlier. Sometimes, he is in the loving embrace of his mother; other times, he is with his beloved, enjoying and rejoicing ; while at other times, he expresses the worry of losing and parting from loved ones. This cycle, one can see everywhere —questions without answers, much like life itself.
His mastery of the English language is evident in every word he chooses. Yet, I wish someone would translate some of his poems to Kashmiri for readers like me.
At the end, while it is difficult to express fully the gratitude I feel, I must acknowledge the honor Sarwar has bestowed upon me by writing a poem titled “O’ MY TALL HEETHERIYE”. I am both humbled and honored, S. Sarwar. May God bless you with the power of the pen, paper, imagination, thoughts, feelings, and expressions. I hope you write in Kashmiri as well.
Khwaab….
- The author is a recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award
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