Adil Najam
Anwar Masood is a perennial favorite. His aaj ki pakaiaye, banyain, lassi tay chai, and Jehlum da Pul are all classics of humorous poetry. But if he is to be remembered for anything, it has to be his (very) serious poem Ambri (Mother).
An ode to motherhood like no other. A glimpse into domestic violence that leaves one numb. The poem never fails to move the heart. It has a realistic tone that is the hallmark of all of Anwar Sahib’s poetry. But, despite the fact that I have heard this poem umpteen times – including in sittings with him – I had never realized just how realistic this tale is.
I had never realized that this is not just jagbeeti, this is aapbeeti. Not just social commentary, but autobiography. Here is another visualization (which also includes Urdu subtitled). It is shot at the actual school where this incident happened.
P.S. I dare not do it myself, but I do hope that someone will either translate, or at least explain the premise of this poem in English for those of our readers who do not understand Punjabi.
Fantastic !
The Real Mother Love
And the inscription on the school’s entrance has 1854. The wrting is not clear, but seems to say “qa-aim-shuda” or established.
Little has improved. There is an out-house, an incomplete structure of new building.
Why would it be any different?
Pakistan has elected representatives who defy shame and proclaim, “degree jali ho ya assali ho”.
BTW, Mr. Masood’s eyes retell the story. It is clear that the recounting of the event has more emotions than a mere recitation of a poem.
In addition to above, there is one couplet in one of his favorite ghazals:
qudrat da vee bandyan dey naal manwan wala laikha ey,
kuchchar chuk kisey noon chumnan, chund kisey noon thapni ey
All i have are some random thoughts and tears in my eyes right now.
Anwar Masood is undoubtedly the best living poet in Pakistan. A peom like this can only come from an honest heart.