Chandigarh
26 November 2024
DIVYA AZAD
The Delhi Poetry Festival Season 8 witnessed an unforgettable literary experience as Dr. Sazina Khan enchanted the audience with readings from her latest anthology, Through the Despairs. The poet’s profound works, including Fire of Life, Absorb, and No Town, showcase her remarkable ability to explore the depths of human emotion and resilience. Her poetry resonates deeply, capturing the struggles, joys, and introspective moments of life, offering solace and inspiration to her readers.
In Fire of Life, Dr. Khan uses evocative imagery to portray despair as an all-consuming yet purifying inferno:
“Is this the inferno that scorches every breath, / Where the flames of disparity lick the soul, / Leaving nothing but ashes of what once was hope?”
This striking metaphor reflects the universal journey of enduring and rising from life’s darkest moments, a theme that resonates powerfully with audiences.
Her poem Absorb reflects on the quiet strength needed to embrace and endure suffering without losing oneself. It pays homage to the human spirit’s incredible capacity for resilience, encouraging readers to find meaning even in pain.
In No Town, Dr. Khan paints a poignant picture of disconnection and loss, delving into the bittersweet emotions tied to leaving behind people, places, and memories. The verses evoke a profound sense of longing, emphasizing the inescapable bond between the past and present.
Dr. Khan’s work transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, offering a timeless testament to the power of the written word. Her ability to weave intricate mosaics of emotion and thought underscores her understanding of life’s fragility and strength. At a time when poetry often struggles to claim its space, her voice shines as a beacon of hope, blending ancient wisdom with modern sensibilities.
The Delhi Poetry Festival became a stage for Dr. Khan to showcase her transformative artistry. Her heartfelt readings left the audience deeply moved, reminding all of the enduring strength of the human soul she so vividly portrays. With Through the Despairs, Dr. Khan cements her place as a poet whose words resonate universally and intimately with readers everywhere.
