Different Forms of Urdu Poetry

The following forms of Urdu poetry are known, some more popular than others:fardGazalhamdhazalhijvmadahmanqabatmarsiiyamasnaviimunaajaatmusaddasnaatnazmqasiidaaqataaqavaalliirubaayiisalaamsehraavaasoKhtfardA composition consisting of only one sher.Gazal (pronounced “guzzle”)Ghazal is a collection of couplets (shers or ashaar) which follow the rules of ‘matla’, ‘maqta’, ‘bahar’, ‘qafiya’ and ‘radeef’. The couplets are complete in themselves. All the couplets of a ghazal must be of the same bahar, end in the same words (radeef) and have the same rhyming pattern (qaafiyaa). Every ghazal MUST have a matla. A ghazal may or may not have a maqta but if it does, it has to be the last sher of the ghazal.Ghazals which do not have a radeef are called Gair-muraddaf ghazals. In such cases, the rule of qafiya is strictly followed. These type of ghazals are very rare. Ghazals with the same radeef are called ham-radeef ghazals.hamdPoem written in praise of God.hazalHumourous poetry, also known as ‘mazaahiyaa’ or ‘mazaakiyaa’ shaayari. Some examples of humourous Urdu poetry can be viewed here.hijvA satirical poem written to condemn or abuse a person. This type of poetry is considered inferior and generally avoided by reputed poets. The opposite of a hijv is a madah which is written in praise of patrons.madahPoem written in praise of royalty, patrons, etc.manqabatA poem written in praise of members of the family of the holy Prophet.marsiiyaa (muhr-see-yaa)An elegy written to mourn the death of a great man or a dearly loved person. In its stricter sense, traditionally accepted in Urdu, a marsiya is an elegy written specifically in honour of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husain and his comrades at Karbala. It describes the battle fought on the plains of Karbala by Hazrat Imam Husain against the army of Yazid. The most well known writers of Marsiya in Urdu are Mir baber Ali Anees and Salamat Ali Dabir. Sub-parts of the marsiya are called Nauha and Soz.masnavii(pronounced “mus-na-vee”)A long narrative poem - much longer than the ghazal - embodying religious, romantic or didatic stories. It is written in rhyming couplets, with each couplet having a different rhyme and radeef. The most famous masnavis are Masnavi-e-Rumi in Persian, Shah Namah of Firdausi, and Zehar-e-Ishq in Urdu.munaajaatA lyrical poem written as a prayer to God.musaddasA poem in which each unit consists of 6 lines. The most well known poet of this style of writing was Maulana Altaf Husain Hali.naatA poem written in praise of the holy Prophet.nazmIn a broad sense, nazm is a term used to define all kinds of Urdu poetry which do not fall into any other category. However, in a literary sense, a nazm is a well organized, logically evolving poem where each individual verse serves the need of the central concept or theme of the poem. Though a nazm is traditionally written in rhymed verse, there are many examples of nazms written in unrhymed verse, or even in free verse.qasiidaa (pronounced “quh-see-daa”)A panygeric, or poem written in praise of a king or a nobleman, or a benefactor. As in a ghazal, the opening couplet of a qasida, is a rhyming couplet, and its rhyme is repeated in the second line of each succeeding verse. The opening part of the qasida, where the poet may talk in general about love and beauty, man or nature, life or death, is called the ‘tashbib’ or ‘tamheed’.Interestingly, the ghazal has evolved from the qasida. Over time, the tashbib got detached and developed into what we today know as Gazal. A qasida is usually quite long, sometimes running into mor than a 100 couplets. A Gazal is seldom more than 12 couplets long, averaging about 7 couplets.qataaA poem consisting of four lines, in the form of two shers. However, unlike shers in a ghazal, the subject of the two shers is the same. It is believed that the qataa was invented for occasions when poets felt that they were unable to express their thoughts completely and satisfactorily in a single sher.qavaaliiTraditionally a devotional song expressing love and oneness with God sung by a group of people to the accompaniment of musical instruments. Nowadays, qawaallis cover popular topics like love and wine.rubaayii(pronounced “ru-baa-ee”)A self-sufficient quartrain, rhyming (a, a, b, a) and dealing generally with a single idea, which is customarily introduced and developed with the aid of similes in the first three lines, and concluded, with concentrated effort and impact, in the fourth line.The most well known rubaayis in Persian were written by Omar Khayyam. In Urdu, some of the most well known practitioners of this form were Firaq, Josh and Yagna Yaas Changezi.salaamA salutory poem written in praise of the holy Prophet. It can also be a poem describing the incidents of Karbala. It is recited standing up.sehraaA song sung at the time of tying the seharaa during the wedding ceremony. It is usually in praise of the bride/groom and their relatives.vaasoKhtA poem describing the displeasure and carelessness of a lover

The Easy Way to Define Poetry...

is a form of expression. Whether it is spoken or written, it is the manifestation of thoughts, feelings, and intellect. It is a way of communicating. With poetry one can effectively communicate opinion, desire, ideas, cleverness, and most of all state of mind. Although poetry is a supreme form of expression, it is not the most efficient form of expression. It is subject to the reader's or listener's interpretation. A poet may want to express certain notions but the interpretive elements of poetry can sometimes keep the meaning of a poem from being clearly articulated. We all see and feel things differently.Most poets want to evoke emotion in the reader or listener. They'll often use rhythm and rhyme with a swarm of other literary devices to create such an effect. Poetry is like music! Actually, one could reason that poetry is music. It is the art of arranging sound to create a thought-provoking effect. Therefore, poetry is also defined as literature that focuses on the aesthetic beauty of words and sound. It is artistic writing in metrical form. It takes skill and technique to produce this art-an art that seems to define itself as its definitions come across as being somewhat poetic. Poetry is the science of versification. It is creative expression at its finest, which is why sharing, writing, or reciting poetry can be a deeply personal experience. It is truly an art form.

Long Live The Love Poem

Long live love poems: There's no chance the love poem is dead, the reason? Because the one you write is for the one you cherish the most and it will be a part of you both forever. Writing a poem is all about observing the world within you or around you and leaving all expectations behind.For the cash-strapped, or romantically inclined, writing a sincere, well thought out love poem may be just the ticket to your loved one's heart. Love poems, friendship poems, sad poems, romantic poems, or any poem that you can think of may mean more to someone then any gift ever could. If you are writing challenged, poems-online.com can show you how to write the perfect poem to get the one you're after. For example, romantic love poems exhibit an intense sense of love felt by a lover but must also poses the elements of a poem: elegant structure, classic rhyme scheme, and beautiful imagery. How? Well poetry's use of ambiguity, symbolism, irony and other stylistic elements of diction often leave a poem open to multiple interpretations. As we've often discussed, poetry can be about anything. You should view poetry in an entirely new and innovative way. For example, Edgar Allan Poe, although probably best known for his macabre stories, also wrote poetry and loved to experiment with the sounds of words. While some may find poetry intimidating or irrelevant, there are people who poetry as Hope. I've been writing poetry since I was about 11 years old and wouldn’t know what to do without it.Are you interested in writing poetry or learning the process involved in crafting a poem? Then start writing instantly, right now, go and give your writing on paper.There are many different techniques and forms you can use when writing a poem, but we won't go into them here because, honestly, they aren't that important. Writing a poem is all about observing the world within you or around you. Try writing out an answer to the question, "What is this poem about.It's true that many of us tend to be jaded when it comes to romantic writing as it seems old fashioned. When I'm writing a poem, I hardly consider its contemporary context. Writing a poem is a voyage of discovery. Besides, a poem can be about anything -- pets, family, friends, things you like to do. Your poem is not an editorial. Your poem is very good and beautiful. Read it out loud, slowly! As is true of most of us, the poet's understanding of an experience is a gradual realization, and the poem is a reflection of that epiphany. So nobody truly knows where the poem is, nor should they. As soon as a poem is finished to your satisfaction, mail a copy to a trusted friend and ask him or her to keep it along with the cancelled envelope. For time, waits for no man.

Goethe’s the Sorrows of Young Werther

Goethe’s The Sorrows of Young Werther is about the tragic life of Werther who has committed suicide as a result of his loneliness and critical approach to society, also his displaced unfulfilled feelings for a woman called Lotte who he could never have. The story takes the form of a correspondence between Werther and his friend Wilhelm. Since the correspondence is only one sided, the readers find themselves taking the role of Wilhelm as the story progresses. The story, to shortly summarize, begins with Werther who has bourgeois origin, who is leaving home to regulate some issues about family estate for his mother. He soon neglects his tasks and spends his time enjoying his life and in the afternoons feeling nature and the complexity of a human life. He quickly acquaints with the nice people who populate his "paradise". When he was invited to a dance by his new acquaintances, it’s where he gets to know Lotte and sets his eyes on her; he falls in love with her, although knowing that she is already engaged. As the story continued, they both realized that their affection was mutual and they became close friends. Later on, Werther visited her almost every day and spent blissful hours close to her. But when Albert, Lotte's fiancé, returned from his journey Werther's feelings for Lotte has changed from "bliss" to the "unhappiness" because Albert's presence rendered it clear to him that his love would remain unfulfilled because Lotte will never be able to return his feelings because of the fact that she actually loved Albert. It was at this point that Werther began experiencing bouts of desperation and mood swings alternating between extreme optimism and extreme skepticism about life and society and how he fits into both. All these emotions were coupled with his unrequited love for Lotte. Seen from Lotte’s viewpoint, Werther epitomizes a man of intelligence and artistic minded. These traits coupled by his sensitivity to beauty and nature were what endeared him to her to consider him as a close friend and confidant of her thoughts and views on life. However, these traits were also the real reason why Werther found no respect and contentment with the society. His disrespect to the Prince’s superficial knowledge of art demonstrated that he couldn’t tolerate anyone who did not share his artistic views. In the story, Werther did not find an equal or a superior to himself that even Lotte, who he fell in love with, did not have enough power to help him with his obsessions and desires. With the exception of Lotte and her family, Werther was effectively isolated from the society. Lotte must have sensed Werther’s need of a companion that she is in a way welcomed his friendship despite knowing that Werther’s affections towards her extended way beyond friendship. She said that she appreciates Werther as a kind of confidante for her emotions. Emotionally, they were too similar that Werther must have done a mistake as a positive sign of love urging him to pursue Lotte despite her circumstance. Werther at this time was happy thinking that love was the answer for his loneliness and passion. “ My days are as happy as those reserved by God for his elect; and whatever be my fate hereafter, I can never say that I have not tasted joy, -- the purest joy of life.” (June 21) Yet, when he found out about Lotte’s marriage to Albert, he decided he couldn’t accept living without her. We should not blame Lotte for Werther’s grief and emotional suffering because she had been cautious in handling the evident feelings of Werther for her. She clearly loved Albert, who later became her husband and she made this clear to Werther despite his disappointment. Werther later on had already put Lotte in a high pedestal that it became difficult for him to detach his feelings for her even during her married life. Before Albert appeared in the book, Werther's love was not still so clear, his surroundings seemed vitalizing. As he got more mindful of the feelings he has for Lotte, nature began to add to his desperation. Gloomy night strolls, which once seemed full of life and love in the book/ His pessimism began to settle and took the best of him. He then started to fantasize about marrying Lotte in the future. Traditional values and stability is Albert’s wife for life. Werther precipitated himself with intense emotion. Werther is well aware of this, when he declares, “I cannot help esteeming Albert. The coolness of his temper contrasts strongly with the impetuosity of mine, which I cannot conceal. He has a great deal of feeling, and is fully sensible of the treasure he possesses in Lotte. He is free from ill-humour, which you know is the fault I detest most” (July 30). This obvious and marked difference between the two was what further antagonized Werther fully realizing that these characteristics of Albert were what engendered him to Lotte. Albert, on his part is well aware of Werther’s special feelings for his wife but his reason and values prevented him from showing hatred to Werther. However, their secret rivalry intensified in a heated discussion concerning the topic of suicide wherein Werther rejected all of Albert's arguments and passionately defended the right to suicide, which he deemed to be an expansion of natural death. Judging from the intensity of the argument, which transcended beyond the topic of death to a deeper issue of Werther’s close friendship with Lotte, one could conclude that it was at this point that Albert decided to forbid Lotte to see Werther anymore. Lotte was stunned by this thought and having reservations had no choice but to obey her husband’s wishes and from then on informed Werther to distance himself from her. “We cannot go on in this manner any longer” (December 20) was her decision. This must have disoriented Werther to finally think about suicide and thereafter proceeded to commit it. It was in his unconditional love, his hardheaded want for no woman but her that Werther's destiny originated. Since there can be no fulfillment of his unconditional love for Lotte, the desire for death constantly grew within Werther whereby he expressed, “Adieu! I see no end to my misery but the grave" (August 30).In conclusion, Werther's search for a place in society led him to examine himself relative to his own existence in the world. His desperate attempts to win Lotte’s heart have been the source of his sorrows and his ultimate doom. Anyone can say that the paths he has chosen toward maturity were irrational or impossible. In the story, he chose to fall in love with a woman already engaged. He chose to direct all his sorrows and anger on her. He undeniably lacked courage to face defeat and rejection. He chose to end his existence. Werther’s story shouldn’t be taken as an account of a young man who has seen life as it really is but instead, it should taken as the choice between duty and inclination. I believe there is a young Werther characteristic in all of us and we must always seek to achieve a balance between reason and passion. This will make it possible for us to live productive lives as compared to Werther’s story.

Poetry and its Impact on American Society

Though many people will still roll their eyes at the idea of poetry, there is no disputing its impact on modern society. While many of us still associate poetry with sing song rhymes, that is only the beginning of this masterful art form. Poetry allows us to capture emotions and images in a shorter and more potent form of writing - and the impact is still being felt in this modern day, even if we try to avoid it at all costs.Some of the most common signs of poetry in the modern world come in our celebrations of major holidays. We often use poems as a way to commemorate the day (i.e. T'was the Night Before Christmas) and incorporate rhyming thoughts into songs that will also celebrate the day. In addition, we send cards and other greetings to others to help celebrate their birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events, most often with rhyming well wishes. Poetry has also been a constant part of our experience of music and culture in the modern world. While many songwriters are veering away from the traditional rhyme structure of poetry, they are still using a free verse style to capture their thoughts. We find our emotions and our experiences in the art of poetry and song. We can sing along to these sings because of their structure and their appeal. Many of us have favorite songs or songs that we attribute to special moments in our lives because of their ability to stick in our heads.But these are not the only ways the poetry has affected the modern American society. More recently, poetry has become something that is being fought for in terms of its relevance to creation. Poetry is often considered an archaic means of communication, but the resurgence of concern about poetry and writing has increased its impact. Poetry is often more revered than other forms of writing because it is more difficult to write and even more challenging to sell or use as a main point of a career.The use of poetry in schools has also caused an impact on American society. Children are able to learn to read and to learn to do mathematical problems because of the use of rhyming lessons. When a teacher uses rhymes, the student can remember what they are being taught and refer to it later in the day when they need that information again. Think about the Alphabet Song, for example. It uses the idea of rhyming in order to impress the letters into the child's mind.Of course, we can not deny the usefulness of poetry and rhyming in our everyday advertising campaigns. Jingles and other ads are easy for us to recall when they include poetry and rhyme. And because these songs and rhymes can become stuck in our heads, they are all the more effective at getting us to buy something that is being sold.The performance of poetry has come up in movies and has been seen in coffee houses and other performance places as well.Poetry is not as simple as it seems, nor is it something that needs to be thought of as difficult. It is simply a tool in writing that can allow a writer to convey their emotions and ideas in a shortened form - or longer form, if lyrical poetry is written. In the end, poetry does have an impact on society because it captures our experiences and our lives. And while it might be seen as out of date and old-fashioned, it is still helping to communicate our biggest dreams and our darkest secrets.

Desire of a Flower

Desire of a FlowerOur passions moved like the wind.Desire burned like flames until there was nothing left.The scent of her and the smell of a flower, for me, are as one.The long lasting memory of her touch, her taste, fuels my burning heart, after what seems like eons.To know, and to have, but too of lost is a pain and a joy of moments long passed into the hopelessness of need.Fate moves her hand in unfair ways.Looking, seeking, asking, but never finding; is a rode for thedammed.Hoping, trusting, being, is the path for the meek, for someday, someway, somehow I will find the desire, of a flower, once more.

New Writers Should Submit To Literary Magazines

If you are a new writer, of either poetry and/or fiction, looking to get work published and read it may be worth delving into the small presses to get that first publication. There is a plethora of hard copy magazines being published around the world. These will range from A4 photocopied publications; assembled and stapled together in bedrooms, to more glossy professional journals. Content will vary from one to another. Some may focus entirely on poetry and others may be devoted to fiction. Many though will embrace both mediums. As well as hard copy magazines in print, there are now many online publications. Once thought of as not-as-good as traditional in-print cousins, the online poetry/fiction magazine is now more respected with a lot of writers gaining more exposure for their work.All magazines whether it be in conventional hard copy print or online will constantly be looking for new writers. It is always advisable to get to know the magazine you are interested in submitting to because a) you can decide whether your work will fit the publication and b) purchasing a copy of the magazine will show that you are willing to support it. One such magazine, Open Wide Magazine, is one of the most respected currently being published in the world. The origins of the magazine date back to 2001. Two writers who were tired of the more overtly literary tones of the standard journals were moved to start their own to embrace writers who may have been ignored by those mainstream publications. The magazine has grown since then into a highly professional paperback with writers contributing from all around the world. Currently each issue sells around 600 copies shipping to all corners of the globe. Aside from fiction and poetry the magazine also featured contemporary reviews and interviews.