By Tousif Raza
Crafting poetry, especially in blank verse, is a pursuit both gratifying and bewildering. I’m fascinated and bewildered myself, navigating the realms of verses, yet far from grasping its essence. Poetry’s allure lies not just in its seemingly beautiful arrangement of words but in the concealed narratives within, whispering tales of love, wisdom, and an exploration of the Divine.
It’s an art that transforms seemingly eloquent words into a vessel, resonating with countless stories of devotion and spiritual voyages, amidst the radiant brilliance that illuminates from the play of words. The splendor of Allah’s light dispersed amidst verses, while at times, the same verses cloak the mysteries within the shroud of darkness. I find joy in presenting before you the tale of a verse, an untitled blank verse poem, hoping to embark you on a journey through narratives, enriching your awareness of the Creator’s magnificence through the tapestry of tales. Please make it more beautiful
Dr. Shahida Shabnum’s poetic composition masterfully transcends the confines of individual narratives, inviting a reader to contemplate the spiritual underpinnings that unite these diverse tales. Through the symbolic threads of Mansur’s esthetic pursuit intertwined with penalties faced, Moses’ ascent to the mountain and the subsequent reward of affection, Jonah’s inner revelation amidst the confines of the fish, and Joseph and Zulaikha’s narrative of enduring contentment, the poem paints a canvas of spiritual journeys. Before moving ahead let’s read the poem to go deep into it’s esthetic aroma and un_comparable beauty of universal appeal. And let’s revisit the universal tails of through this poem
“With the language of love, ‘Mansur’—scholar and penalty,
Through the terminology of affection, ‘Moses’—mountain and reward,
In the essence of love, ‘Jonah’—fish and inner revelation,
In the tale of devotion, ‘Joseph’—’Zulaikha’ and contentment.”
Prior to delving into this poem, my mind was a whirlwind of contemplation, grappling with the notion that crafting poetry might mirror traversing flames barefoot. Yet, Shahida Shabnam’s petite yet exquisite composition unveiled before me the poet’s quest to unravel the divine within. Each syllable within this poetic tapestry primed my thoughts to explore the intricate tapestry between the Creator and His creation. It dawned upon me that the closer one is, the deeper the enigmatic bonds and confidences shared.
This composition, akin to the insights of a dervish, intricately weaves words both veiling and revealing their connection to the divine. It commences with the melodies attributed to Mansur, suggesting the existence of souls intimately acquainted with God’s mysteries, capable of reshaping the world by their revelation alone, sans the prophetic title. Through Mansur’s narrative, a cautionary metaphor emerges—a stern warning against unveiling God’s secrets to humanity unless sanctioned by His will. It’s akin to the establishment of a decree, eventually transmuting into a conduit for love and enlightenment.
Indeed in the vast, barren expanse of ‘Toor,’ this nameless poem paints an allegory of amorous yearning. It delineates souls attuned to the celestial call of Allah, reveling in the rapture of seeking a divine audience. Unfettered by unrequited longing, their passion propels them to boundless ascension, an infinite reward for their unyielding ardency. It appears an axiom is being woven— the depth of one’s pursuit determines the soaring heights; the strength of their affection anchors them through ineffable joys. This verse, through its recitation, elegantly constructs a doctrine, acquainting its beholder with spiritual pinnacles—a testament to the triumphant quest of glistening dewdrops in their celestial pursuit.
Each evocative reference speaks to the human quest for love, understanding, and enlightenment. It resonates with the universal desire to transcend worldly limitations, seeking a deeper connection with oneself and with others. The amalgamation of these figures and their associated elements portrays the human experience as a multifaceted expedition toward spiritual fulfillment, weaving together threads of devotion, self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of love. In essence, Dr. Shahida Shabnum’s poem becomes a sanctuary of contemplation, where the diverse facets of these tales converge, inspiring us to explore our own spiritual odyssey and to discover the profound interconnections that bind us to the realm of love, compassion, and transcendence.
As mentioned that this poem intricately weaves together tales symbolizing different eras of earth’s history, creating a tapestry of love and devotion. Each reference represents a unique facet of affection, illustrating the depth of human emotions. From Mansur to Zulaikha, these names, with their associated symbols, explore love, scholarship, and spiritual revelations. Actually the poem invites readers to delve into diverse stories, offering a profound reflection on love through history and mythology while reminding us of humanity’s divine origins. Through this rich tapestry, the poem celebrates the myriad dimensions of love, leaving us with a timeless contemplation on the essence of human connection across ages.
After observing the structure of this poem keenly, I was amazed, but then I came to a conclusion that Allah has endowed Shahida Shabnum with a divine pen. Perhaps that’s why through the beauty of her pen, she has made a successful attempt to revive the beautiful epochs of human history, reminding of the centuries-long relationship between mankind and his creator. I don’t find it repulsive to say that a poet writes nothing of his own accord; rather, he write only what nature commands him to. This poem though without a title, is a doctrine in itself, reminding us that although humans are created from the same mold, they yield different outcomes due to their actions and behaviors. Let me conclude with this statement. “This poem has proven that Shahida’s pen is not only beautiful but also powerful.”
Author is an english literature student and hails from Tangmarg and can be reached at tousifeqbal555@gmail.com
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinion of the author.
