A true poet stands with his people, feels their pain and hopes, and brings them to life through his poetry. Such poetry is not only beautiful words—it is the voice of humanity and the power to inspire change.
By Noor Muhammad Marri, Advocate | Islamabad
In my view, a poet who turns away from his society, no matter how beautiful his verses are, can never truly become the voice of his people. Poetry is not just a play of words; it is a reflection of human life, of suffering, of joy, and of emotions. When a poet distances himself from his surroundings, his poetry loses the reality, the pain, and the feelings that define a true poet.
A genuine poet is never alone. He shares in the joys and sorrows of his people, he observes their struggles, and he feels their pain. I always think that the greatness of a poet lies in his ability to see the hunger in a child’s eyes, to hear the silent cries of the oppressed, and to feel the wounds caused by injustice. These experiences settle in his heart and then take the form of words, reaching people through poetry.
Society is a complex system, and every individual is affected by it. A poet feels these effects more deeply than others. If he ignores these realities knowingly, I believe he has abandoned the true essence of his poetry. His words may appear beautiful, but they cannot touch hearts or awaken consciousness.
Throughout history, the greatest poets have always been those who remained connected to their society. Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, in my view, is the best example. His poetry was not limited to romantic love; it reflected the lives, struggles, and dignity of ordinary people. His characters teach us that poetry is not only personal emotion—it can also be a mirror of society.
Similarly, Shaikh Ayaz gave voice to the struggles of his people and spoke against injustice through his poetry. When I read his work, I feel that every line tells the story of an entire society. His poetry not only touches the heart but also creates awareness and inspires action.
Unfortunately, I feel that some modern poets focus only on love and beauty. They describe their emotions, but they remain disconnected from the pain, poverty, and injustice of society. I often feel that such poetry fails to convey the real struggles of people. Love and beauty are important, but when a society is suffering, poetry that speaks only of romance or aesthetics seems indifferent.
Especially in societies where people are fighting for basic needs, a poet cannot remain silent. Silence, in such cases, is a form of neglect. If a poet turns away from reality, he may produce beautiful words, but they will not affect people’s lives or hearts.
I agree with Jean-Paul Sartre that writers and poets must remain connected to their time. Literature is never created in isolation; it is a reflection of society. A poet who claims that he does not know politics or social conditions is, in fact, avoiding his responsibility to his people.
In my opinion, a poet is not just an observer but a participant in society. He must understand reality, ask questions, and raise his voice against injustice. The true power of poetry lies in its ability to touch hearts and awaken consciousness.
History also shows us that rulers have always feared poets whose words reach the hearts of the people. A single true poem can awaken people, unite them, and make them think. That is why poetry has often been censored or suppressed.
Poetry that ignores reality, however, poses no threat. It becomes merely a pastime. It may be accepted easily, but its significance diminishes.
In today’s world, especially in regions like Sindh where people face poverty, injustice, and social problems, the responsibility of a poet becomes even greater. I feel that a poet must understand these challenges, reflect on them, and express them in words. Only then can he become a true representative of his people.
A poet who only writes about outward beauty while ignoring human suffering fails in his duty. His poetry may be admired, but it cannot become the voice of his people.
In my view, the true strength of poetry lies in its connection to reality. A poet must remain connected to his society, feel its pains and hopes, and express them through his words. Only then does poetry become more than art—it becomes a force for change.
Therefore, I believe that a poet who turns away from his society may write verses, but he cannot speak for his people. A true poet stands with his people, feels their pain and hopes, and brings them to life through his poetry. Such poetry is not only beautiful words—it is the voice of humanity and the power to inspire change.
Read: The Cultural Logic of Revolutions
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Noor Muhammad Marri is an Advocate & Mediator, based in Islamabad
