A poet’s last stand: An expression of agony

Farid Mohmand’s 17 poems lament the Pukhtuns’ lost identity.

PESHAWAR:

A collection of English poetry titled ‘Paris Hilton vs the poor poet and other poems’ was launched at the Area Study Centre, University of Peshawar on Saturday.

Written by young poet Farid Gul Mohmand, the book comprises 17 poems spread over 119 pages.

“This is a society where people admire idiots and idiots have become legends,” said Dr Adil Zarif of Sarhad Conservation Network at the ceremony. “The writer has expressed the agony of this society through poetry.”

Zarif added Mohmand’s usage of metaphors and idioms showed the seriousness and depth of his work. “His poetry highlights the contradictory views people in the outside world have about the Pukhtuns.”



“Mohmand’s work shows the personal trauma or tragedy which he has undergone,” said Hamid Khan, adding this modern collection of verses could be considered a resistance against the current circumstances of K-P. “The writer should be applauded for this effort.”

The writer believes poetry, politics, culture and society cannot be separated from each other and uses simple ideas and words to express himself.

Of the several poems in the book, one titled ‘The Village’ talks about gun powder, dogmas, and brutal violence that have marred the narrow streets of various villages across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

Another poem, ‘Guilt’, expresses the shame felt by Pukhtuns as a whole. In the poem, Mohmand talks about the extremism, ignorance and violence that have flooded the streets of his land.

The last poem of the collection is titled ‘I am Pakhtuns,’ and reminisces about the Pukhtuns’ glorious past while lamenting their deteriorating present situation and dim future. Mohmand’s poem also shows his optimism, ending with the line “you may slit my throat but not my roots.”



Mohmand’s work is a rejection of the ruthless ideologies and dogmas that have radicalised and murdered the cultural identity of the Pukhtuns. His poetry gives back this identity, while also giving due weight to current circumstances.

“I believe poetry has given me the opportunity to express myself, and explain the terrible conditions of my homeland to the outside world,” said the writer, adding the book allowed him to raise his voice against growing extremism, conservatism and ignorance among his people.

Mohmand’s collection has been dedicated to Bullay Shah, Pashto singer Haroon Bacha and singer Nayyara Noor, who the poet said have greatly inspired him. “I believe in human dignity and human values for everyone in this world,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2013.