Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Vista," by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, is a lyrical poem that blends delicate imagery and subtle metaphors to convey a sense of quiet intimacy and longing. The poem explores the interplay between the external world and the internal emotions of love and desire. The tone is both contemplative and sensuous, as Faiz evokes a tranquil and dreamlike atmosphere.

The poem begins by setting the scene on a "deserted street," surrounded by "shadows of trees and houses" with "locked doors." This description conveys a sense of solitude and stillness, creating a serene backdrop against which the moon becomes a focal point. The moon is personified as a woman, "baring her breast, softly, on the edge of a rooftop." This metaphor imbues the moon with sensuality and tenderness, transforming it into an intimate presence.

Below, the earth is described as "a lake of stilled shadows," reinforcing the tranquil mood. The metaphor suggests a world suspended in time, where shadows float on the surface like leaves on a calm lake. The phrase "the bubble of a second" captures the ephemeral nature of this moment as a leaf floats briefly and then "burst, softly." This imagery symbolizes the fleeting beauty of time and moments of intimacy.

The poem then shifts to the speaker's immediate surroundings, where "wine that is cold color / was poured into my glass." The cold-colored wine evokes a pale, translucent hue that matches the moonlight. The "roses of your hands, the decanter and the glass" are seen "like the outline / of a dream, in focus, for a moment." The imagery of roses and the dreamlike outlines suggest a brief, magical moment of clarity before everything "melted, softly."

This melting of the imagery mirrors the dissolution of time and space, where the external world fades into an internal landscape of love and desire. The softness of these transitions reflects the delicacy of the emotions being experienced.

The repetition of "softly" throughout the poem reinforces this delicate atmosphere. "My heart once again promised love, softly. / You said, 'But softly.'" The heart promises love, but the beloved cautions for gentleness. The moon itself breathes softly as it sets, urging "More, yet more softly." The repetition creates a rhythmic cadence that envelops the poem in an atmosphere of whispered affection.

Structurally, the poem is written in free verse, allowing Faiz to explore his imagery and emotions fluidly. The lack of a strict form reflects the fluidity of the scene, where the boundaries between reality and dreams are blurred.

In "Vista," Faiz Ahmed Faiz masterfully weaves a tapestry of delicate imagery and metaphors to capture a moment of intimacy suspended in time. The interplay between the external world of shadows and moonlight and the internal emotions of love creates a dreamlike atmosphere that is both serene and sensuous. The repetition of "softly" underscores the tenderness and fragility of this moment, making the poem a beautiful meditation on the delicate nature of love and longing.

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