Dubai Dawoodi Bohras Commemorate World Poetry Day 2024 With Enthusiasm

In the vibrant mosaic of global cultural traditions, poetry emerges as a shimmering thread, timelessly interwoven to narrate the essence of human experience. World Poetry Day, celebrated every year on March 21st under the patronage of UNESCO, shines a spotlight on the artistry of poetry and the poets who, with their exquisite craftsmanship, breathe life into words. These artists sculpt emotions and thoughts into verses that echo in the hearts of people everywhere. Among these creative souls is Khuzaima Miqdadbhai Mithaiwala, a poet whose roots lie in the Dawoodi Bohra community of Dubai. His work is a testament to the power of poetry to bridge divides of language, culture, and faith, creating resonances that are both profound and universal.

Khuzaima’s poetic voyage commenced in the warmth of his early years, kindled by the mesmerizing allure of Islamic poetry. This early exposure was not just a passing interest but a guiding light towards a deeper appreciation of the nuanced potency of poetry. Through Islamic poetry’s intricate verses, Khuzaima discovered a world where language was not merely a tool for communication but a medium to explore and express the most intricate human emotions and thoughts. His educational journey further honed his ability to uncover the layers of meaning beneath the surface of poetic works, making poetry a lens through which he perceives the world—a source of wonder, joy, fear, and introspection.

The influence of faith on Khuzaima's poetic expressions is significant, acting not as a barrier but as an endless fountain of inspiration. Islamic poetry’s capability to encapsulate profound sentiments in succinct expressions finds echoes in his own creations. However, Khuzaima’s inspiration canvas stretches far beyond the confines of faith and culture. He draws from the majestic beauty of nature, the collective consciousness of humanity, and the awe-inspiring vastness of the universe. His poetry journeys through the intimate and the infinite, seeking to capture life's essence in its myriad forms.

Khuzaima’s approach to crafting poetry has evolved from disciplined weekly sessions to moments of inspired creativity. This transformation highlights his reverence for the spontaneous nature of artistic inspiration. He navigates the classic challenge of knowing when a poem is truly complete, resisting the urge to endlessly refine in pursuit of an elusive perfection. Instead, he places trust in the initial creative spark and values the constructive feedback of trusted confidantes, allowing his work the space to mature and flourish.

Though Khuzaima’s poetry often does not pursue specific messages or themes, it aspires to resonate with readers, to stir something within their hearts that is meaningful and transformative. The most cherished moments for him come not from public acclaim but from the personal connections his words forge with readers, moments of shared emotion and mutual understanding.

Looking to the future, Khuzaima is eager to delve deeper into the intricacies of human emotions and relationships through his poetry. His ambition is to expand his prowess in various poetic forms and styles, venturing beyond the familiar realms of free verse and rhyme to explore new expressive possibilities.

Khuzaima’s poetic inspirations are as varied as his interests, encompassing a wide range of languages and cultural contexts. From the English literary giants to the profound verses of poets from the Urdu, Arabic, and Hindi traditions, his inspirations reflect poetry’s universal appeal. Emily Dickinson’s succinct yet powerful verses hold a special place in his heart, embodying the transformative potential of poetry.

One of Khuzaima’s poems, shared here, springs from a deeply personal moment of contemplation and introspection. It captures the essence of silence and reflection, exploring the complex interplay of emotions that surface in quiet moments of solitude. This poem stands as a poignant illustration of his ability to translate personal experiences into universal truths, inviting readers to find their own moments of quiet reflection within his verses.

This quiet
On this sultry night
This quiet
With so many stars but no light
This quiet
With nothing but a crow taking flight
This quiet
This deafening quiet

Makes me afraid of the coming dawn
Because the dawn,
Brings promise but no respite

And yet this quiet
holds me close, keeps my mind alright,
This quiet
Makes me realize I can fight
This quiet,
And worries, and sorrows with all my might
This quiet
Gathers my tears without judgment or spite
This quiet
Just this endless quiet
That remains in our lives
Always

I may know how to get rid of it,
I may know how it affects me,
I have known this quiet and it, me
I flow as a black kite
On a sky white
This quiet,
Steers me, shapes me, hones me, trains me
I understand,
the truth may not set me free,
Even though I am; with this quiet.

I'm free, so I fear. I fear, so I grow.
I know, I know.

I've grown more than the years I've lived.
I've grown more than the years I've lived.

As World Poetry Day casts its light on poets and their craft, Khuzaima Miqdadbhai Mithaiwala’s journey and work remind us of poetry's enduring capacity to connect, to comfort, and to inspire. His dedication to the art form and his pursuit of genuine expression showcase the vital role of poetry in the vibrant mosaic of human culture, illuminating the shared human experience through the beauty of words.