Author: Kaifi Azmi
Translator: Pavan K Varma
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2002
Language: multilingual
Pages: 151
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0141004835
Description
Brilliantly translated by Pavan K Varma, this bilingual selection brings to a wider audience the wisdom and lyricism of Azmi's poetry.
A bilingual volume of some of some Kaifi Azmi’s finest poetry.
One of the finest Urdu poets of the subcontinent, Kaifi Azmi has borne witness to an entire era of social change. Born in 1918 in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, in a zamindar family, Azmi wrote his first poem at the age of eleven. He joined the Communist Party when he was nineteen, and wrote for the Party paper, Quami Jung. Subsequently, he moved to Bombay, and wrote his first lyric for the film Buzdil, directed by Shahid Latif, in 1948. A member of the Progressive Writers’ movement, Azmi has been an active spokesperson for several workers’ unions and works passionately to rectify social injustices even today.
The richness of experience and maturity of perspective is captured in his poems, which reflect the many aspects of Azmi-man, lover, activist and poet. Some of his best verses are about the plight of the exploited, like the famous Makaan’ which highlights a system where the poor, homeless footpath dwellers build palaces for the rich. At the other end of the spectrum are his love poems, including memorable lyrics for films that haunt the reader with their tenderness and contained passion. Azmi’s expert handling of such disparate themes are indicateive as much of his zest for life as his sincerity and honesty of experience.
Contents
Author’s Note
Translator’s Note
House
My Past Sits Heavy on My Shoulder
A Moment in Time
First Meeting
Ghazal
A Sense of Regret
Lucknow Could It Be?
Afternoon
Ghazal
Circle
Ghazal
Courage
Ghazal
Ghazal
Advice
Two Nights
Ghazal
Dispersion
Ghazal
Tranquil Ocean
Mirror
The Custom of Giving
For Jafri
Somnath
Chameleon
Nehru
Ghazal
Enough! The Loyalty of Friends
Ghazal
With Such Sweet Revenge
Renewal
Ghazal
Habit
Invitation
Lamps
I Do Not Know What These Eyes
Vagrant Worship
The Last Night
How Does One Explain
We have Given Our Lives
Explosion
Smile
A Humble gift
Stranger
Ibn-e-Mariam
Second storm
A Dancing Spark
Caution
Woman
A Kiss
Life