Cries of the Thorn Bird - English Poetry Book of 2024 - A Collection of Poems  (Paperback, S. Sarwar M (Hillman))

Cries of the Thorn Bird is a captivating collection of 57 poems that takes readers on a deeply introspective journey through the poet’s inner world. The book is divided into two parts: the first 44 poems are original works by Sarwar, spanning sixteen years of creative expression from 1986 to 2002. The final thirteen poems are Sarwar's translations of works by renowned Urdu poets such as Nida Fazili, Parveen Shakir, Sardar Jaffery, and Faiz Ahmed Faiz. These translations are included to highlight the shared sensibilities between Sarwar and these celebrated poets. Sarwar’s poetry is intensely personal and introspective, delving into themes of existential anxiety, emotional turmoil, and the complexities of human experience. His use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and symbols reflects his inner landscape, transforming his deepest thoughts and feelings into concrete, tactile expressions. His style often draws comparisons to the techniques of Russian Formalism, employing "defamiliarization" to make the ordinary seem extraordinary and to reinvigorate the reader's perception of everyday objects and experiences. In the introduction, Professor Mohd Amin of Kashmir University highlights Sarwar’s unique poetic style. He describes Sarwar as a solipsist whose poetry is profoundly subjective, offering a glimpse into a world that is both alien and fascinating. The poet’s language is rich with fresh metaphors and startling imagery that challenge the reader to see things anew. His poems often have a surreal quality, blending the real with the imagined in a way that evokes a strong emotional response. The themes of Sarwar’s poetry range from the pain of separation and the harsh realities of love to existential reflections on identity and the nature of reality. His poems often feature dark, dream-like elements reminiscent of the works of Kafka and Edgar Allan Poe, creating a sense of unease and introspection. Through his vivid and often haunting imagery, Sarwar explores the paradoxes of life, the tension between light and darkness, and the complexity of human emotions. In Cries of the Thorn Bird, Sarwar invites readers into his world—a place where inner turmoil and existential questions are laid bare. His poetry, though deeply personal, resonates with universal themes, making it accessible to anyone who has ever grappled with the intricacies of the human condition. This collection is a must-read for those who appreciate poetry that is both thought-provoking and emotionally charged, offering a profound exploration of the self and the world around us.