Draft:Progressive poetry

Faiz Ahmed Faiz
Faiz Ahmed Faiz was the most popular and prominent poet of the progressive Movement. He kept the romantic voice within him alive. Therefore, it is said about him that ‘Love’ was his devotion and ‘Progressivism’ his obligation. When the obligation prevailed, a wall stood up in front of him, but when he worshipped ‘Love’ he wasn’t content even after losing both worlds. Universality is found in most of Faiz’s poems. He didn’t only mourn the misery of his community and country, but he deeply sympathized with the oppressed of the whole world. ‘Africa, Come Back’, ‘To the students of Iran’ and ‘ Last Night’ are living proof of his poetic universality.

Indeed, he stands at the intersection of  ‘Romanticism’ and ‘Reality’, and that exactly is the secret of his greatness. Patriotism holds a fundamental place in his works. His poems ‘Dawn of Independence’ and ‘I devote myself to your sacred streets’ are it's excellent demonstrations.

I devote myself to your sacred streets, O beloved nation

Where a new tradition has begun

Nobody walks with their heads held high

And if one dares to take a walk

One walks with gaze lowered and body crouched in fear

Ali Sardar Jafri
Ali Sardar Jafri is a fervent admirer of Marxism and his poetry revolves around the same philosophy. He talks about revolution with immense enthusiasm. He urges writers to become revolutionary fighters. He believes that one can not get their right by simply asking, but by fighting for it. ‘Imperial Struggle’, ‘Russian Revolution’, ‘Celebration of Rebellion’, and ‘Flood of China’ are some poems enveloped in his radical ideology. He deems laborers and farmers higher than capitalists and businessmen. He believes that revolution can not be brought by pen but by gun.

Snatch my pen from me

Just give me a gun

Jaan Nisar Akhtar
Jaan Nisar Akhtar’s poetry has romanticism as well as progressivism. Progressive philosophy is very beloved to him which sometimes revolves around the sovereignty of his nation and sometimes around communism. ‘Peace Accords’, ‘Retraction’, ‘silent voice’, and ‘Which song will you listen to, Anjum’ are some of his famous poems which revolve around communism. Instead of bitterness, his poetry evokes a sense of sweetness and dimness.

Sahir Ludhianvi
By writing poems like ‘Eulogists of the Eastern Sacredness’, ‘Swindler’, ‘Taj Mahal’, and ‘Madam’, Sahir Ludhianvi established his reputation among progressive poets. He used poetry as a means of ideological preaching and pointed out societal evils through his works. Revolution is not just present in his poems but it dominates his songs as well.

This world is of palaces, of thrones, of crowns

This world is of societies enemy of humans

It is of customs Hungary of wealth

What is this world, even if one gets it

Makhdoom Mohiuddin
Maklhdoom Mohiuddin’s poetry is rich with abundant love, theoretical lover, cry of revolution, and fervor of rebellion. His poetry is influenced by Faiz. He believed that poor people work hard to make the capitalists wealthier but instead of compensating them, the capitalists act like they are giving them charity in turn, discrediting their hard work.

Lost in the light of alms seeking, immersed  in the glow of begging

This is their wedding attire, this is their shroud

Israrul Haque Majaz
Israrul Haque Majaz expressed revolutionary and progressive thoughts in his poetries as well as poems. Interiority, exteriority, romanticism, and progressivism are present in his poetry. ‘Revolution’, ‘Wanderlust’, ‘I have to go one day’, and ‘Capitalism’ are some of his notable progressive poems. Majaz is passionate about revolution and wants its manifestation immediately.

Do not wait for the revolution to come

If you can, create the revolution now

Zaheer Kashmiri
Among all the progressive poets, Zaheer Kashmiri is a very enthusiastic revolutionary poet. Fervent passion, thunderous intensity, and vibrant chanting are found in his poetic tone. His thoughts are dominated by hopefulness and not by despair. He refers to progressive poets as the beacon of light in the last hour of darkness.

We know that we are the light at the end of the night

After us, there is no darkness, just light

Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi
Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi is a progressive poet and author with a very subtle attitude. There is a sense of balance and moderation in his works. Romanticism as well as progressivism is found in his poetry. According to Wazir Agha, he was inclined towards acquiring fresh ideas from every era, and that made him distinct from other progressive poets.

Where the fragrance of flowers is being sold

Take me away from such a garden

Where humans are bowing prostration

Take me away from such a homeland

Apart from these names, there are Jigar Muradabadi, Josh Malihabadi, Kaifi Azmi, Mohaammed Safdar Meer, Qamar Raees, Qateel Shifai, and a long list of other poets whose works are inspired by progressivism.