Parveen Shakir

Parveen Shakir

24 Nov 1952 - 26 Dec 1994

LIFE JOURNEY

When we think about poetry and poets, we often miss out or sideline the female poets and their work but with blogging, I wanted to start it with a female poet and the perfect personality to start with is Parveen Shakir.

Shakir was born on the 24th of November 1952 in Karachi, Pakistan, poetry was not new to her, she came from a poetic family her father Shakir Hussain was a poet from Darbhanga, Bihar. She started her writing journey pretty young, writing prose and poems for multiple Urdu newspaper and articles in English, she used to write them with a pen name Beena~ someone with great insight and intelligence.  and it is the best pen name she could have ever chosen.

Parveen was not just a poet, she was an excellent student as she pursued degrees in both English literature and linguistics, she did M.A. and also completed PhD and soon after qualified central superior services, She was also a Harvard alumnus.

  She published her first volume of poetry Khushbu. She has also participated in  many Mushaira (poetry recitals). because of her exceptional work in Urdu poetry she was awarded the "Pride of performance" , which is one of the highest honors of Pakistan in literature.

There is a saying that "Poets are doomed to sadness" and "suffering and art go hand in hand." Parveen was a victim of societal stigma, and her divorce fuel the suffering. Her writing always reflected the pain she has endured.

Unfortunately on the 26th of December 1994, at just the age of mere 42 Parveen met with an accident and the world lost a great poet and a even beautiful soul, The road which left the whole poet community mourning was later named after her. 

HER WRITING SKILL

Parveen Shakir was a master of expression. She was known for her sensitive and emotional poetry, her depicted a magnificent blend of classical and contemporary influences, making her poetry relatable and timeless.

 She often used metaphor and similes in her poems using nature, fragrances, rain, and flowers in place of love, sorrow and longing.

 Her poetry had a distinct female perspective, showcasing the emotional depth of a woman’s heart, which was quite rare for that times and even today.

Though her language was simple and elegant, her poetry carried profound philosophical meanings.

Parveen Shakir’s free verse poetry was more experimental and progressive. Unlike ghazals, which followed a strict pattern, her azad nazm (free verse)allowed her to explore themes in a direct and expressive manner.

HER POETRIES

Urdu:

گلہ ہے موسمِ گل سے، نہ ہو تو کیا کیجے
یہی ہے وقت، محبت کی آزمائش کا

English:
I complain about the season of flowers, but what else can I do?
This is the time to test the strength of love.

Urdu:

محبت کرنے والے کم نہ ہوں گے
تری محفل میں لیکن ہم نہ ہوں گے

English:
There will never be a shortage of lovers,
But I will no longer be in your gathering.

Urdu:

چاہت میں کیا دنیا داری
عشق میں کیسی مجبوری

English:
What role does worldly concern play in love?
What kind of compulsion exists in passion?

Urdu:
چاندنی رات میں دل کھو سا جاتا ہے
کوئی آواز نہیں، کوئی بھی سایہ نہیں

English:
On moonlit nights, my heart feels lost,
There is no sound, not even a shadow.

Urdu:
میں سائے میں کھڑی ہوں، مگر دھوپ کا احساس ہے
شاید تیرے بغیر بھی جینا مجھے آ جائے

English:
I stand in the shade, yet I feel the sun’s warmth,
Perhaps one day, I will learn to live without you.

Urdu:
اب کے بار جو بچھڑے تو صدیوں نہ ملیں گے
جیسے سوکھے ہوئے پھول کتابوں میں ملیں گے

English:
If we part this time, we will not meet for centuries,
Like dried flowers found in old books.

PARVEEN'S INFLUENCE

Even decades after her passing, Parveen’s poetry continues to inspire and connect to readers. Her work holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate sensitive, emotional, and thought-provoking poetry.

She was more than a poet—she was a symbol of feminine strength, resilience, and artistic brilliance in that times where male poets where dominant in numbers.

Through her words, she gave a voice to countless women, urging them to embrace their emotions, stand up for their rights, and never let society define their worth.

In modern times, her poetry has gained even more significance as movements for women’s empowerment, gender equality, and freedom of expression continue to grow. Her fearless approach to challenging societal norms and redefining femininity makes her a feminist icon in literature. Many contemporary poets and writers acknowledge her influence in encouraging women to express their emotions, desires, and struggles without fear.

Her poetry, like the fragrance she often wrote about, still lingers in the hearts of readers, making her an eternal icon of Urdu literature.