In poetry writing, fresh breeze was blown in by Amrita Pritum, Naseer Ahmad Nasir, Sharif Kunjahi, Arif Abdul Mateen, Baqir Siddiqui and Munir Niazi. If these were the trendsetters, many followed suit like Salman Saeed, Rashid Hassan Rana, Anjum Salimi and Iqbal Qaiser. The latest to join this bandwagon is Abrar Nadeem. He says, “Aseen Nafiaan Tei Nuqsaanaan Chaun, Man Marzi Naal Nuqsaan Leya, Saade Pagal Pun Di Hudd Vekho, Aseen Dil Nu Murshid Jaan Leya” (We chose loss in preference to profit by choice as our madness led us to choose heart’s command as supreme) – Page 56. Nadeem’s poetry is a blend of old and new diction. His use of modern expression and vocabulary has beautified his mien. New life’s laughter, sorrows, problems and happiness are exposed. If the pains of losing traditions are witnessed, the goodness of setting up new traditions is also seen. A touch of of Bulleh Shah is seen in the last few lines of Nadeem’s poem ‘Ik Sawaal Apne Naal’ (a question to myself). These lines are “Main Jad Ik Din Mar Muk Jaana, Tehnion Tutt Kei Sarr Suk Jaana, Fair Ais Haun Da Maqsad Ki Aei, Dar Dar Bhaun Da Maqsad Ki Aei” (As I have to die one day and fall like a dry branch from a tree, so what is the reason of our existence and our fear?) – Page 38.
Nadeem’s style of writing poetry is such that he has managed to utter bitter realities in a sugar-coated way. This aspect alone makes his poetry way above that of his contemporaries!
If we look around us, we find despondency and hopelessness among masses for whatever reasons whether attributed to corruption, money laundering or inflation. Seeming positive in human relations, Nadeem says in the poem “Jinde Rahe Tei Fair Milaan Gei” (God Willing we shall meet) – Page 152 that “Ki Hoya Jei Saade Raste, Ho Gay Nei Ajj Vakho Vakh, Dil Vich Rakh Na Kuj Malaal, Hun Jei Nahi Tei Agle Saal, Yaan Fair Oss Tau Agle Saal” (What even if our ways have parted, do not feel disappointed. We shall meet next year or the year after).
He is hopeful for old days to come back. In his poem “Ik Din Parat Kei Aawe Ga” (good days shall return) – Page 136, he says to his friend who left him in the middle of their journey that after leaving him and spending a tiresome journey he is bound to return to him. Not losing hope he says to his beloved in rainy season ‘Saawen Meenh Diyaan Jhariyaan Areya/Na Kar Aidian Arrian Areya’ (Do not make excuses in the rainy season) – Page 142. The use of basic spoken words like “Arriyan” for excuse is amazing. His poetry therefore is meant for masses. He can go and recite it on the street corner and earn applause. But then when his beloved does not listen to him, he says “Haula Honn Nu Gi Karda Aei, Rajj Kei Ronn Nu Gi Karda Aet” (I want to cry to feel light afterwards) – Page 80.
The poem titled “Haar” (defeat) throws light on Nadeem’s thesis of life. As reiterated above that he remains on the lookout for a better future, the poem “Haar” explains how he takes defeat. He says that he fought defeat bravely as he felt that he was right.
Nadeem’s style of writing poetry is such that he has managed to utter bitter realities in a sweet manner. This aspect alone makes his poetry way above that of his contemporaries!
The writer can be reached at doc_amjad@hotmail.com
Published in Daily Times, January 11th 2019.
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