UnLoved – Poem #01 (2021)

From where the love’d to come
Love for your UnLoved?
Will you not miss ’em?
Missin’ ’em not, stoppin’ y’self to,
Is that the way to UnLove ’em?
From forgiveness to Forgotten?

You think you’re not a monster,
You must not care what they think.
If you care what they think,
How will you not hate ’em, well!
You became monster for ’em, well!
Kind of monster known’s [beloved- UnLoved]

They’ gone and they came not
They are free of you na’
As, They free’d you, You free’d ’em, well!
They’re as sunlight t’thou but isn’t it tru’
Dark night had to come.
Final shade had to go!

(All rights reserved © Shuhab Abro)

The Forty Rules Of Love (book review)

This book was in my book-shelf for more than four years, and I had no plans to read it. I thought it was just another novel about ‘Love’, so I withheld reading it.

And guess what? I was wrong.

What can I say? I can’t find words! I’m completely shaken by this masterpiece.

(Finding words to say something! How interesting, absorbing and compelling this book was.)

Okay, where should I start with a book like this? I’m scared my review may do injustice to the book, because this book is a beauty, respectfully beautiful.

The Forty Rules of Love consists two parallel tales. The first narrative is about Ella, who works for a literary agency and she was given a book entitled Sweet Blasphemy to make a report about it, and second narrative or chronicle (if I may) of this novel is the Sweet Blasphemy. It’s a story of the great mystic, Jalaluddin Rumi with his soul instructor, companion, friend and a soul mate, Shams of Tabriz in their journey for eternal love of God.

The first narrative of Ella was somehow a little odd and empty, I didn’t find it exciting as the second one. Shafak really nailed it in narrating the second narrative, the Sweet Blasphemy. The way it was shown from many perspectives.

I loved everything about this book and most of it is because of Shams of Tabriz, from his magnificent rules of love, to his daring personality, to his love and belief in God, everything about him was so beautiful and mesmerizing. This is definitely one of the best books I have ever read. The marvelous piece of wisdom and inspiration.

This is a must read for everyone (and yes, if you are ready to transform this one is for you). A book that goes beyond all faiths and beliefs, Highly recommended!

The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Book review)

The Five People You Meet In Heaven tells the story of Eddie, head of the maintenance department at a well-known amusement park. On his 83rd birthday, Eddie had a terrible accident. Along with Eddie, we (readers) get to know what he discovered in his afterlife.

This novel tells that our lives don’t end by our death but it begin. Each one of us discovers the real meaning of life, it’s like an explanation of what we have faced in our lives. Second, Albom (author) says that all the events and the people in our lives are interconnected. Each soul that reaches to heaven has to meet five people in it’s afterlife from which it gets to know five lessons and secrets.

I appreciate the sentiments of this book, and the message, in fact it makes you stop and think about your own reflections on life, the little differences and the impact you can make that can leave impressions on other people whether you’re aware of it or not.

It brings up issues that we usually don’t consider important and think they don’t make much impact on our lives when they actually do. Complicated matters in relationships that are dealt with in the book with such depths and understanding is really appreciable.

This is not a book meant for only adults. I would like to recommend this book to everyone, young and old. I am sure this book is one of those life changing reads. A unique, interesting, well-written and very creative story. Also, it’s a very easy and quick read.

Haveli (Book review)

The book is set five years after the first book “Shababu: Daughter of the wind.” Now Shababu is the fourth wife of the wealthy landowner, who is 40 years older than her. Shabanu and her husband Rahim have a five years old daughter Mumtaz.
I found the description of rich, nurturing community of women most fascinating in this continuation of Shababu: Daughter of the wind. They lead such hard lives and yet found it possible to love, laugh and live. The community of wealthier women – those with leisure are cruel and hateful.
This is a strong novel that truly captured my interest. First the setting is vivid, so well described that I felt I was really there experiencing through my eyes.
This sequel to Shabanu has moments of heartbreak as well. As for the plot it resisted predictability and did not cave in to any happily ever after clichès just like Shabanu.
I loved everything about Haveli. The lyrical language, wisdom and the message to the readers who feel trapped seeing nothing but misery in their future.
I think my favorite theme of this book is the idea that we always have choices. Sometimes the choices aren’t easy, but we always have them.

A Tribute!

Hey! You know what? I’m not fine.
I wish I could get some more wine,
To forget everything that’s going on,
As I’m listening to a beautiful sad song.

Is this distance thing, you can digest?
A little more time, can’t you just invest?
Just tell me that it will be okay one day,
Keep listening to all the shit I have to say.

Oh my soft love hug me tight that warms,
Don’t go away, make me forget problems,
[About you] Let me pour out all my fears,
[For you] Let me shed a river of tears.

How can you say things you don’t mean.
How can you just quietly walk away?
Now why don’t you need me to stay?
But to you and your courtesy I’ll tribute anyway.

Is that all, what you want to hear?
Isn’t it you want me to say, I still care?
Okay, frankly speaking, yes I do care.
But can’t you just stop being a nightmare?

© Shuhab Abro