Poetry is the most effective means of expression

Can you tell us a bit about the themes that often surface in your poetry? Awais-ul-Hassan: For me, poetry is the most effective means of expression. It represents the voice of the soul. A single poem can bring hours of happiness. In fact, while there are many ways to express human emotions and feelings through various genres of broadcasting, research, and criticism, poetry holds the most significant attribute and position among them all.

About the relation of poetry with music, he said: “It enjoys strong relations. It captures the full spectrum of human emotions, whether they are feelings of happiness or sadness, the beauty of spring or autumn, or the contrasts of sunshine and shade, darkness and light. In all the colours of human existence, the rhythm of music is there.”

What it is about the poetry that resonates with you? Awais-ul-Hassan: Whoever delights in the freshness, colour, and fragrance of flowers, whoever feels the intensity of the rainy season, who enjoys the scent of the soil, who loves life, who suddenly remembers someone while going about daily tasks, and who appreciates the innocence of children, all these experiences resonate with a poetic spirit. If your heart beats and your eyelids become moist when remembering someone. If the moon and stars in the sky captivate you, then you, too, embody the essence of a poet. The only difference is that you may not yet have discovered the art of poetry.

Do you think the poetry’s refrains add a distinct musicality? He said, “Poetry is not just a distant concept; it is a charming reflection of life itself. Being a poet is a challenging endeavour, filled with moments of grace and beauty. A poet understands the profound depth of words. Unbelievably, poetry is akin to music and music is a form of poetry. Both music and poetry enchant their audiences. Who among us has not found joy in music or felt uplifted by a beautiful melody?”

Do you feel the poetry can express complex emotions or states of mind? Awais-ul-Hassan: Good poetry has many dimensions. There is a saying in Arabic that poets are the students of the Merciful. This suggests how high and noble the role of a poet is, as well as the significance and value of poetry itself. There have been times when, on my way home from the office, an entire poem has unfolded in my mind.