Introduction
December and poetry have a very unique connection. Even those with no particular interest in literature undertake a poetic demeanor during this month. This December, however, brings a completely unique gift for all.
A brand new poetry collection with the aid of Jon Elia, cherished by both the older and younger generations, titled “Kyun” (Why), has been posted.
Compiled by Khalid Ahmed Ansari, this beautiful book is nothing short of a blessing for Jon Elia’s admirers.
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Jon Elia’s |
This relationship and love have left a remarkable mark on Urdu literature.
The bond between Jon Elia and Khalid Ahmed Ansari deserves a book of its own. Perhaps we’ll undertake this task in the future, especially given our close association with Khalid Bhai. A man of few words, distant from noise and gatherings, Khalid Ahmed Ansari is a man wholly dedicated to his cause. His personality is so compelling that one can reflect for hours on his thoughtful words. And why wouldn’t he stand apart from the crowd? After all, he was Jon Elia’s companion.
While we’ll discuss Khalid Ahmed Ansari further, let’s first introduce you to Jon Elia’s new book, “Kyun.”
“We returned to you in regret…
Otherwise, there was so much to be found in that path.”
Why “Kyun” after 16 years?
Jon Elia wasn’t just a poet, philosopher, or writer; he was also a profound reference for human relationships and connections.
His poetry vividly captures the human connection in all its colors.
- “Do you understand this or not?
- You’re not yourself.
- Are you listening? tell me,
- Are you leaving, or have you ever already left?”
Jon Elia became given many titles by means of the younger generation—a few referred to him as Jon Olia; others cited him as Murshid Jon or Jon Jani.
These titles reflect the immense love and admiration people have for him. In the age of social media, where even trivial content gets thousands of shares, Jon’s admirers continue to share his thought-provoking poetry extensively.
Although Jon left this world 22 years ago, he never witnessed platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. Yet, had Jon been around today, he wouldn’t be surprised at his widespread popularity on social media. He would likely enjoy the new filters and music added to his old videos. And if annoyed by some messages, he’d humorously remark, “Khalid, what kind of specimens are these between us?” before breaking into laughter and diving back into conversations.
My brief encounters with Jon Elia remain unforgettable. My role during these moments was mostly observational, and perhaps one day I’ll write about them.
Khalid Ahmed Ansari, however, possesses a treasure trove of Jon Elia’s memories. While many people may have shared time with Jon, the relationship Khalid Ansari had with him is unparalleled. I’ve been fortunate to see Jon’s diaries, pages, and notes preserved with such dedication by Khalid Bhai. The way he has collected and shared these with the world is commendable. In an era where such selfless relationships are rare, witnessing this bond is nothing short of refreshing.
In truth, Jon Elia is the cornerstone of Khalid Bhai and my friendship. During our gatherings, there’s always a chair reserved for Jon, and at times, it feels as though he’s there, listening to us, smiling, and saying, “Khalid, you being alive among these people is an achievement in itself.”
“A lost yearning accompanies me.
The tone of your voice lingers with me.”
“Kyun” contains Jon Elia’s ghazals, nazms, quatrains, poetic letters, and qawwalis. Reading through it feels like meeting Jon once again. Khalid Bhai often says that Jon’s personality is a reflection of his poetry.
“Do you need perfume?
Darling, you’re already so aromatic!”
“To whinge about the pain he reasons,
There has to be a pain inside the heart for him.”
One of the reasons Jon resonates deeply with the adolescents is the directness of his poetry. Instead of beating around the bush, Jon speaks plainly and to the point.
“The one I used to have a fake fight with,
Shall I now fight with them for real?
“At that historic crossroads,
Shall you now be scolded for real?”
Recently, an evening dedicated to Jon Elia was held at the Ziauddin University in Karachi’s Clifton area. Presided over by Anwar Shaoor, many renowned poets paid tribute to Jon. Fatima Hassan recited poetry that she had once read in Jon’s presence. Young poet Umair Najmi also spoke passionately about Jon’s enduring popularity and the melancholy in his verses. During our conversation afterward, we agreed on one thing: while Jon had opponents, they are hardly relevant. As Jon himself said.
The entire troupe’s vision has gone bad.”
One of the most significant contributions to preserving Jon Elia’s legacy has been made by Khalid Ahmed Ansari, the custodian of Jon’s literary property. His willpower has already talented readers with Kyun, a poetry series that provided a genuine glimpse into Jon’s genius. Now, the statement of Kun, the whole works (Kulliyat) of Jon Elia, has created exceptional pleasure amongst Urdu poetry fanatics.
The importance of Kun cannot be overstated. It guarantees to be a complete collection that no longer best brings together Jon’s formerly published works but also includes his unpublished poetry, essays, and different writings. This enterprise ensures that Jon’s literary contributions are preserved in their entirety for future generations. In a technology wherein fragmented verses of Jon Elia flow into social media regularly without context, Kun will function as the definitive supply of his work.
Jon Elia’s poetry resonates deeply because it captures the human experience in its maximum uncooked and unfiltered shape. His themes of loss, existential melancholy, rebel, and unfulfilled love make him relatable across generations. The energy of his words is such that even these days, his couplets are extensively quoted in normal conversations, social media discussions, and literary gatherings.
For fanatics of Urdu poetry, Kun can be more than just a book; it’ll be a treasure trove of feelings, mind, and philosophy. As we watch for its release, we express our gratitude to Khalid Ahmed Ansari for his tireless efforts in keeping Jon Elia’s legacy alive. Via his work, Jon Elia maintains to live, his words immortal, his presence everlasting.
Let’s conclude with a few verses from Jon Elia’s ghazal
“What trial remains to test me?
Speechless, yet a tongue remains with me.”
“What hasn’t happened on this earth?
And nevertheless, the sky remains.”
“inform her approximately me, O breeze,
That simplest life stays inside this body.”