I , BEING A POET . . .
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By: Afzal Shauq
Revised By: Nazish Zafar
'What greatness can human species achieve, if it abides by the truth of its creation..' I woke to a new reality, shedding away all the under estimations, I had in my mind since boyhood, about men. This revolutionized state of my opinion is triggered by the overwhelming response, I received to my poems replete with words of love. Stepping out of regional and racial boundaries I had dared address the globe, making friends like Alley Boling my interpreters and Muse in real sense. I came to know that it is not Pashto or English.. that made my message a sheer success . It is in fact the language of love that is universally understood.333 poems of ‘Twist of Fates’ are fraught with my heartfelt desire of spreading love, and hope of inciting peace all over the world. My faith in the greatness of mankind was revived, when my words were received with great appreciation, from people all over the world. I felt myself, the luckiest person on earth to be blessed by a family with members in each corner of the world, all connected and linked with the sole relation of selfless love.
The gregarious nature of man can never let him live in isolation, then man is doomed to failure when he attempts at deepening divisions. Only those who learn to connect can win. Selfless love would bring peace that in turn assures prosperity. A poet can write of his personal whims, cravings and dreams, in the most beautiful figurative language, teeming with similes and metaphors; but the literature would die with him, if he fails to broaden his vision, expanding to the universal phenomenon of the man.
I was hazed at my mind as a poet, when I was trying to shape a paragon,... a masterpiece of creation, from the mould of my soul only, but as soon as I attempted at directing my creative potential towards Man and sought in this crown of creation in general, an answer to my search for perfection; I was soothed to discover the final remedy.. the magic potion of Love.
I was born in the highlands of Pashtun region where emerging voices are destined to die in fading echoes... but my chant of love made its way to the hearts of all valleys and plains, winning me a response I had never dreamt of. It was the strength of my belief in love that gave my words a magic flight. I knew it is the ability to share Love ,that qualifies man as crown of all creations.
Cunning politics divides men into races, regions, color, sects and groups using hypocrisy and deceit, paving way for wars. The only defense , against this conspiracy, men can adhere to, is the weapon of love. Men parted from each other, goaded by political slogans, can be brought closer, by bonding them with love. Peace and prosperity of mankind is out of question without cultivation of love in all hearts. It was my faith. And my faith won me a success.
Secondly, it can be the originality of my words that impressed the hearts of my readers. I wrote only what I felt, not considering the demand of the poetic language and trends of the day. I was pouring my heart on paper with complete sincerity. My poems are reflections of my heart, in a simple narration. The force lies in the originality of themes rather than paraphernalia of poetic language.
When a man like me, from a forgotten and remote region can rise and communicate with thousands around the globe in universal language of love; I wonder what miracles can be brought about if men from the advanced world stand up for the cause of humanity, and preach and practice love.
Those who soar high in scientific and economic progress can bring peace to the world by extending a proposal of friendship to those who lag behind. Wars can win the high ups, huge territories and resources, but all would end up in dust if wars continue and a rat race for rule persists. Occupy hearts and not lands. Win love not will. Conquer souls not resources. To save humanity is far better than saving rule.
“ A friendly smile is the best weapon of war to fight with ..”
I would sing this song of love in every dale and mountain.. and I would include in my chorus all the sensitive hearts in the world.. I am extremely joyous that my voice was soon joined by those of my friends, who stand with me for the cause of betterment of humanity. My companions like Alley Boling and Nazish Zafar and many others, support my faith and revive my energies.
I plan to work for my cause in a more organized way in the establishing of ‘Farishta Foundation International’ that aims at putting all my dreams to practice. It will be a forum where lovers and servers of humanity would gather and render their part. I aim at bringing creative people together from all over the world. Specially writers and poets whose words carry a message of love need to be brought together and their valuable works be sent to all the world in different languages.
I hope I will pave a way for future generations to follow. The pain I have been through in having to watch humanity divided and burning in a hell of war, should never be the fate of my children. May the children of tomorrow, reap a richer harvest from the land of humanity. I believe my message will not die with me.. a love poet shall remain alive in his words, and a peace loving father would give his children, his cause of humanity in inheritance. I proudly anticipate the time when my sons Aziz Yar Khan, Ulus Yar Khan (a known international pop singer), Hikmat Yar Khan , Qam Yar Khan and specially my sweet daughter Breshna ..(Hadeel Breshna Afzal Khan) would be walking in their father's footsteps... but I pray for them path has lesser thorns...
AFZAL SHAUQ
The Poet of ‘ TWIST OF FATES ’
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