Shikdar Mohammed Kibriah.

A Philosophical Review

by TAGHRID BOU MERHI 

In the poem “Feelings and Thoughts” 

by Shikdar Mohammed Kibriah written By Poet and Translator Lebanese Brasilian

TAGHRID BOU MERHI 

Literary criticism is an intellectual practice that seeks to interpret, evaluate, and analyze literary works by exploring their aesthetic, thematic, and philosophical dimensions. Poetry, as one of the most expressive forms of literature, transcends time and space, capturing the depth of human emotions, experiences, and reflections. It serves as a bridge between thought and feeling, between reality and imagination. The poem “Feelings and Thoughts” by Shikdar Mohammed Kibriah presents a philosophical meditation on emotions and intellect, drawing upon metaphorical representations of two figures, Shiuli and Shefali, to illustrate the dichotomy between passion and contemplation. This critical review will explore the poem’s artistic structure, thematic depth, philosophical undertones, and linguistic style, while assessing its effectiveness in conveying its intended message.

Kibriah’s poem is built upon a reflective and philosophical framework, wherein the poet navigates the complexities of human emotions and thoughts through the allegorical figures of Shiuli and Shefali. These two personifications represent contrasting yet interconnected aspects of existence—Shiuli symbolizes sensuous passion and the allure of immediate experience, while Shefali embodies intellectual depth and serene contemplation. This duality forms the foundation of the poem’s narrative, as the speaker grapples with an internal struggle between the tangible and the abstract, the material and the spiritual.

The poet’s approach to this thematic exploration is deeply philosophical, reflecting Aristotelian notions of matter and form. He asserts, “I know a matter unformed is blind / And, a form without matter is void.” This line highlights the necessity of balance between the sensory and the rational, suggesting that true understanding requires the integration of both emotional and intellectual faculties.

Kibriah employs rich and evocative imagery to bring Shiuli and Shefali to life. Shiuli is described as “a growing damsel— / An inflaming spring,” portraying her as a force of nature, vibrant and intoxicating. She is further likened to “an Eucalyptus tree flying hair / In blusterous air,” which conveys a sense of movement, wild beauty, and youthful vitality. The reference to Kazi Nazrul, a revolutionary Bengali poet known for his impassioned and rebellious verses, reinforces Shiuli’s association with unrestrained energy and desire.

In contrast, Shefali is depicted as “Autumnal noon,” a phrase that encapsulates maturity, serenity, and introspection. Her presence is likened to “an unmoved pond,” an image that evokes stillness and depth, while “a lady-dove of / Hidden branch” signifies subtlety and quiet grace. The invocation of Rabindranath Tagore, a poet celebrated for his profound philosophical musings, further establishes Shefali as the embodiment of wisdom and poetic contemplation.

These symbolic representations serve as a means for the poet to examine the eternal human dilemma: the tension between passion and reason, between the ephemeral and the enduring.

The poem is not merely an exercise in contrasting imagery; it delves into the psychological and existential conflicts that define human experience. The poet expresses his inability to choose between Shiuli and Shefali, stating, “No ability avoiding any.” This confession underscores the inevitable coexistence of both impulses within the human psyche. The poet’s acceptance of this duality reflects a nuanced understanding of love, desire, and intellectual fulfillment. Rather than positioning one as superior to the other, he recognizes their interdependence and necessity.

Furthermore, the poem suggests that the speaker’s love is not bound by conventional norms but is instead an evolving entity shaped by both sensory and intellectual engagement. He states, “Then, both Shiuli and Shefali are to be / The real category of my lively love.” This resolution affirms the idea that human experience is most complete when it encompasses both passion and wisdom, both immediate gratification and long-term introspection.

Kibriah’s poetic style is marked by fluidity and a rhythmic cadence that enhances the lyrical quality of the verse. His use of repetition, alliteration, and parallel structures creates a harmonious flow, reinforcing the thematic contrasts within the poem. The diction is carefully chosen to evoke both sensual and contemplative moods, allowing the reader to experience the emotional fluctuations of the speaker.

The poet also employs metaphor extensively, transforming abstract concepts into tangible images. For example, Shiuli’s “body smells green” is a synesthetic expression that fuses scent and color, making the reader viscerally experience her essence. Similarly, Shefali’s “clarified buttery scented entity” conveys a sense of refinement and purity, reinforcing her association with intellectual clarity.

Kibriah masterfully employs rhetorical questions to engage the reader in his philosophical inquiry. The central question, “Who would be accepted? Shiuli or Shefali?” invites reflection and encourages the audience to contemplate their own inclinations. The poet does not impose an answer but rather presents the paradox as an open-ended meditation on human nature.

Additionally, the poem’s structural symmetry—where both Shiuli and Shefali receive equal descriptive attention—mirrors the thematic equilibrium that the poet seeks to convey. This deliberate balance underscores the poem’s core message: the necessity of embracing both passion and intellect as integral components of a meaningful existence.

“Feelings and Thoughts” by Shikdar Mohammed Kibriah is a profound and introspective exploration of the dual forces that shape human experience. Through its masterful use of imagery, symbolism, and philosophical reflection, the poem presents a compelling meditation on love, desire, and intellectual pursuit. The poet’s ultimate realization—that both Shiuli and Shefali are essential to his “lively love”—serves as a universal truth applicable to the human condition. In a world often divided between extremes, Kibriah’s poem reminds us of the beauty of balance, the necessity of both feeling and thought in the pursuit of a fulfilled and enlightened life.

Poem: 

“Feelings and thoughts” 

by Shikdar Mohamed Kibriah 

Feelings emerge from sensitivity.

Thinkingness from the feelings.

Two sisters- Shiuli and Shefali.

I love both of them. 

No ability avoiding any.

You could call it 

A double standard,

But I am not confused 

Of this ambivalence. 

Shiuli a growing damsel- 

An inflaming spring.

An Eucalyptus tree flying hair 

In blusterous air,

Knocking in a tremendous beauty 

A corporeal content binds itself

With a wild gesture.

Naughty boys run after her

Even Kazi Nazrul! 

Me too passionate to go to astray! 

Youthful Shefali- Autumnal noon.

Aloof glamor in public.Softness

Of an unmoved pond. Mango tree

On the bank.A lady-dove of

Hidden branch. Silent call

In a vigilant glance. 

Centenary sitting of Rabi Tagore.

Me too waiting prehistoric! 

Shiuli’s body smells green.

Response to the sense – 

I am the direct bloke of the sensuous soul

And,Shiuli is the lusted lady nature

Of my sensitive existence

Undeniable element of feeling

A perfect form of my perception. 

Shefali- a clarified buttery scented entity

Solidarity of senses in profound feeling- 

Calm, compact and composed

Stability of the soulful sensibility

The form of understanding feelings. 

Who would be accepted? 

Shiuli or Shefali? 

I know a matter unformed is blind

And,a form without matter is void.

Then, both Shiuli and Shefali are to be

The real category of my lively love.”