Afzal Shauq is a resident of the Afghan nation. As a friend to Afzal, and an American female, I can deduce that he and his fellow citizens have suffered from the oppression of civil war which has raged in the Middle East for lifetimes too long.
As peace wishers, Afzal Shauq and I understand that war does not have to be a part of life. The more we speak out against war, as a people, the louder our voices will be heard as a chorus of one.
Through independent vehicles of love, we can function to promote peace. Love will always triumph over evil and misfortune. In the 1960’s, the famous band from Liverpool, United Kingdom, “The Beatles,” sang songs with the proverbs like, “All you need is love” weaved into their classic, eternal lyrics.
Afzal’s famous poem, “Children of Adam” contains beautiful
stanzas such as the following:
“Its the eyes that will not see
Pretending to be blind
For pictures speak
In every language”
Shauq’s work is iconic, symbolic. He is a true poet, author, publisher, and writer to our generation. Afzal Shauq believes in the greater good of mankind and lives by his own personal mantra, “A friendly smile is the best weapon of war to fight with.”
Amazingly, Afzal has discovered lessons some people live their entire lives without coming to the realization. Perhaps the most important principle as humans we can all comprehend is the value of human relationships. This is essential; we need to invest our time, talents, and treasures in each other. If you read this preface, and do not take anything away from it, please understand how necessary humans are. We are all on this common planet together, and we need to get along.
The day we became friends, I printed off his poem "Children of Adam" and hung it on my wall. As writers, we know that "catchy themes" in the titles often attract our attention. When ever I see/hear the name "Adam" inside I hear "run like hell"....
Adam is Skyler's biological father. But if I separate my personal prejudice, I can understand that you are talking about the first humans to occupy our planet. Adam and Eve- I very different Adam....
But this poem speaks with brilliant understanding. The stanza:
"Its the eyes that will not see
Pretending to be blind
For pictures speak
In every language"
Is quite fatally breath-taking. I've never read such rich words. Pictures do speak in every language, but they have different messages to each. This reminds me of so many things I CANNOT put to words. So for that, and another over all classic example of a poem that makes one think after they read is this. Good Work. I am probably going to memorize his work and recite it to my college poetry class. I really love his work
Love is the only answer.
Love is the only choice.
Whether you believe in it or not.
Is your own voice.
Shana Wirtz
Snohomish, Wa
http://PostPoems.com/members/shana_wirtz
Saturday, February 14, 2009 19:35 PM
*****
