Iftikhar Arif - The Poet Of Love Poem by Rehmat Aziz Khan Chitrali

by Rehmat Aziz Khan Chitrali

In the history of Urdu poetry's embrace,
A luminary emerges with grace,
Iftikhar Arif, his name resounds,
A poet, scholar, with talents profound.

Born on March twenty-first, forty-four,
In Pakistan, his poetic journey would soar,
Lucknow's University shaped his mind,
Then New York's journalism he'd find.

Karachi called, a newscaster he became,
Radio Pakistan echoed his name,
Pakistan Television, his talents thrived,
With Obaidullah Baig, greatness arrived.

Thirteen years in England he'd reside,
Urdu Markaz his passions would guide,
Iftikhar Arif, a name well known,
His poetic prowess widely shown.

'Mehr-i-Doneem, ' his first collection's might,
1984 unveiled his poetic light,
'Harf-i-Baryab, ' another gem to share,
1994 witnessed his literary flair.

'Jahan-e-Maloom, ' his work acclaimed,
In 2005, the poetic world proclaimed,
Oxford University Press, a testament true,
Translated his verses for all to pursue.

'Written in the Season of Fear, ' it stands,
Harris Khalique's introduction expands,
An anthology of Arif's profound verse,
In English, his impact traverses.

Awards adorned his illustrious career,
Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the Crescent held dear,
Sitara-e-Imtiaz, a Star's shining gleam,
Presidential Pride of Performance, a poet's dream.

The Faiz International Award he'd secure,
From Aalami Urdu Conference's allure,
'Mehr-i-Doneem, ' 'Harf-i-Baryab, ' and more,
His bibliography, a poet's rich lore.

'Shehr-e-Ilm ke derwazay per' unveiled,
In 2006, his pen never failed,
'Kitab-e-Dil-o-Dunya, ' a treasure to hold,
2009's gift, a poet's stories unfold.

'Modern Poetry of Pakistan, ' he'd explore,
In 2011, showcasing talent galore,
Iftikhar Arif, a literary maestro,
His words resonate, their essence aglow.

With romantic Urdu poetry's grace,
He captures hearts, his verses embrace,
Iftikhar Arif, a poet's name renowned,
In the realm of words, his legacy crowned.