Modern Poetry of Pakistan

February 1, 2011

This much-needed anthology of modern Pakistani poetry, the first to appear in English, takes readers beyond the facade of politics, religious complexity, and social disarray to capture the real voice of people aiming to create meaning and coherence. Pakistani poetry is deeply rooted in the peace-loving Sufi tradition, evident in many gentle lyrical poems, while drawing on the history of social discontent echoed by many protest poems. Sharp voices defy the corrupt powers, whether religious or political, that try to expropriate the people's suffering for an absolutist brand of ethics. The poems--142 in total translated from seven major languages--show Eastern influences, especially the sensuous poetry of authors like Persian poet Omar Khayyam, as well as Western ones, seen in the range of romantic, symbolic, and particularly modernistic works offered here; T.S. Eliot's depiction of modern alienation is especially apt. The book presents a mosaic of poetic voices weaving together themes such as love, homeland, justice, and life-treasured values: "Speak, mullah, speak!/ Life is beauty that spreads--/ or is it beauty that vanishes?/ Music that laments its own demise/ or a flaming fire?" VERDICT This collection is a vivid exploration of life in a place so diverse and rich, and yet we know little about its literature and poetry; recommended for all poetry readers.--Sadiq Alkoriji, South Regional Lib., Broward Cty., FL

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