Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"If I Were Certain," by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, is a tender yet powerful exploration of empathy, sorrow, and the limits of consolation. The poem reflects the poet's desire to alleviate the pain of a dear companion while acknowledging that true healing can only come from within. Faiz employs rich imagery, metaphor, and repetition to convey the depth of his care while recognizing the helplessness of being unable to completely heal another's wounds.

The poem opens with a conditional statement: "If I were certain of this, my companion, my friend, / If I was certain of this, that the weariness of your heart, / The sadness of your eyes, the burning in your breast, / Would be removed by my sympathy, my affection." Faiz emphasizes his desire to bring relief to his companion by expressing certainty that his words and affection could cure their sorrow. However, the repeated use of "If I were certain" highlights the uncertainty and doubt that accompany this desire, suggesting that the poet recognizes the limitations of his sympathy.

Faiz continues, "If my words of consolation were the medicine through which / Your desolated, unlit brain would recover itself. / These stains of humiliation be removed from your forehead, / Your sickly youth be cured." Here, he wishes his words could be the cure to dispel his companion's sadness and restore their vitality. The imagery of an "unlit brain" and "stains of humiliation" emphasizes the emotional toll of the companion's suffering, while the reference to "sickly youth" suggests the weight of this affliction on one's spirit.

The poet then vows to offer constant comfort if he were sure of its effectiveness: "Day and night, evening and daybreak, I would keep entertaining you, / I would keep singing you songs, gentle and sweet." He imagines weaving a world of soothing imagery through his songs: "Songs of waterfalls, of springtimes, of meadows, / Songs of the advent of dawn, of moonlight, of planets." These are intended to provide relief by transporting his companion to a realm of beauty and tranquility.

In addition to songs, Faiz promises to share stories "of beauty and love," where "the ice-like bodies of proud beauties / Melt in the ardour of warm hands." These stories depict love's transformative power, the way familiar faces can change before one's eyes, and how "the transparent crystal of the beloved’s cheek / Suddenly glows with red wine." Such stories offer hope and warmth, creating a space where joy and affection can flourish.

Despite this desire to offer solace, Faiz acknowledges that his songs and stories alone cannot heal his companion: "But my songs are no remedy for your affliction, / Melody is no surgeon, even though consoling and sympathetic." He recognizes the limits of art and empathy in healing deep wounds, asserting that "A song is no lancet, though it may be a lotion for sickness." While songs can offer temporary relief, they cannot replace the transformative power of action.

The poem concludes with Faiz identifying the only source of true healing: "There is no cure for your sickness, except the lancet, / And this butcher-messiah is not in my power, / It's not in the power of any breathing thing in this world, / Except—yes! except yourself, except yourself, except yourself." The repetition of "except yourself" reinforces the idea that real healing must come from within. The metaphor of the "butcher-messiah" suggests that the solution requires a combination of ruthlessness and salvation, a willingness to confront and cut away the affliction.

Structurally, "If I Were Certain" is written in free verse, allowing Faiz to explore the emotional landscape freely. The repetition of conditional statements and phrases adds a rhythmic quality that emphasizes the poet's longing and despair. The imagery and metaphors create a vivid emotional world, making the reader feel the weight of both the poet's desire to help and his realization of the limits of sympathy.

In summary, "If I Were Certain" is a deeply moving poem that explores the complexities of empathy and the limitations of consolation. Faiz Ahmed Faiz masterfully balances tender care with stark realism, recognizing that while art and affection can provide solace, true healing requires the afflicted person to take control of their own recovery. The poem is a testament to the transformative power of love and empathy, while also acknowledging their limitations.

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