16 Years Later: Jon Elia's "Kyun"?

16 Years Later: Jon Elia's "Why"?

December and poetry have a unique connection. Even those with no particular interest in literature adopt a poetic demeanor during this month. This December, however, brings a special gift for everyone.

A new poetry collection by Jon Elia, beloved by both the older and younger generations, titled "Kyun" (Why), has been published. Compiled by Khalid Ahmed Ansari, this beautiful book is nothing short of a blessing for Jon Elia's admirers.

Jon Elia's

Jon Elia's last poetry collection was published in 2008. After 16 years, we now have another book in our hands.

Over the years, Khalid Ahmed Ansari collected and published three more books containing Jon's work.

His devotion to Jon Elia is so moving and inspiring that it’s hard to put into words. 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 realize this or not?

You are no longer yourself.

Are you listening? Tell me,

Are you leaving, or have you already left?"

Jon Elia was given many titles by the younger generation—some called him Jon Olia, others referred to 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 fragrance?

Darling, you’re already so fragrant!"

"To complain about the pain he causes,

There must be an ache in the heart for him."

One of the reasons Jon resonates deeply with the youth 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.

Among us poets, who sees Jon?

The entire troupe’s vision has gone bad."

"Kyun" is Jon Elia’s final poetry collection.* Khalid Ahmed Ansari now has the enormous task of compiling Jon Elia’s Kulliyat (complete works), which he has titled "Kun". It will include all of Jon’s works, including unpublished pieces.

In this digital age, Jon Elia is omnipresent—on literary forums, social media pages, and WhatsApp groups. It wouldn’t be wrong to say Jon now lives on in many forms, but the most authentic face of Jon remains Khalid Ahmed Ansari.

To Khalid Bhai, on behalf of myself and countless Jon Elia fans, thank you for delivering the delight of "Kyun". We eagerly await "Kun" and will continue to raise the Eliai banner high.

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 still, the sky remains."

"Tell her about me, O breeze,

That only life remains within this body."

The phrase "The green garden of life burned long ago" uses imagery to convey a sense of loss or destruction. In simple English, it means that a time of beauty, happiness, or prosperity has been destroyed or is long gone. It suggests that something vibrant and alive no longer exists.

Yet they say the gardener remains."

"From the family of Mir’s meanings,

Only Jon remains young."