Afzal Moola, a prolific poet recently had his book of poetry and prose called Struggle, Exile & Love: Prose and Poems published. I met Afzal when he first returned from exile in the early 90s. Together with his friends they house sat when we went away on holiday. We had to budget at least half a day cleaning up after they had left. The scoundrel still remains apologetic to this day. He has matured into a remarkable and well-recognised poet. This is the best way I could pay tribute to his profound poetry.
This book
Of sublime powerful poetry
Of beautiful memories and prose
Of heart rendering love and alienation.
This book
Of garlanded heroes
Of timeless pictures
Of hope.
This book, in one sitting, cannot
Be read
Be consumed
Be internalised.
This book, needs stolen
Mornings
Midnights
Moments.
This book, will survive
after we are dust.
Seeking permanence
With those whose
humanity
Matches that of the poet.
This book, deserves more than
Our reading
Our recitation
Our promotion.
This book, interspersed with artful memoir and history
Of Struggle
Of Exile
Of Love
Is but a humble poet’s cry to that which humanity could have been.
I couldn’t have said it better! So beautifully encapsulated is your reverence and soulful understanding of Afzal’s book. I’ve always been a fan. I met him in the mid 1990’s when he was probably slightly more cognizant of tidiness but no less the scoundrel.
Thank you for your kind words, long live the scoundrel with his mighty pen 😂
Hear! Hear!😂😂😂
Beautiful tribute to an inspirational poet, good comrade and amazing human being!
Thanks Cas.