Arrival of Monsoon

Made and prepared by

Miss Nimra Ilyas

Reviewed by
Aitzaz Khalid

Taufiq Rafat (1927-1998), father of unadulterated Pakistani Expression in English language

(Hussain, 2009), was born within the Indian Punjab’s renowned city Sialkot. He was taught at
Dhera Dhun, Lahore and Aligarh, and at long last “joined the family’s fabricating business”.
A short time later, he was lifted as the guide of aspiring poets of Lahore within the seventies
and was regarded as the crown of all counterparts for numerous reasons. Taufiq has presented
inventive composing in English making his most extreme endeavours for celebrating
unadulterated Pakistani idioms in English poetry’… also known as Ezra Pound of [Pakistani]
writing. Rafat is the most noteworthy of all Pakistani artists who composed in English. His
best work, Arrival of the Monsoon: Collected Sonnets (1985), comprising four parts, brought
him to the climax of respect and acknowledgement. He is a unique and awesome imagist,
impressionist, sentimental as well as classical Pakistani writer for whom the integration of
Pakistani Idioms remained the most excellent hone all through his wonderful career, and the
others were motivated by his enormous poetic faculty. He is the writer who saw ups and
downs on the soil of Punjab both at residential and national levels, and at familial and
political levels. His verse uncovered him to be a genuine eyewitness of the changes taken
from pre-partition to post Partitions times. It appears that he relates the inclination of fashion
with innate topics. Different modes of postcolonial resistance can be connected to analyze his
poetic genius. His utilize of inborn expressions is additionally one of the sorts of resistance
where he appropriates the dialect as his personal choice.

About the poem

The poem “Arrival of Monsoon '' is the poem by Rafat that purely draws the picture of
Pakistani culture, Rafat composes this poem beautifully that shows how the monsoon is like a
blessing in Pakistan, and how it totally changed the conditions and refreshed everything. He
uses the direct and imagery element in the poem and the tone of the poem is humorous,
light-hearted and energetic. The collection of poems “Arrival of the Monsoon” was first
published in 1985 which contains poems of ‘Taufiq Raffat’ written between 1947 to 1978
(according to some resources 1917).

The poem “Arrival of the Monsoon” was composed some years after the liberation of
sub-continent from British Imperialists. Owing to the years it was composed in, it is no
surprise that it has patriotic undertones and imagery that hints towards freedom from long
awaited oppression of Muslims of the subcontinent. Along with the subtle themes of freedom
and liberation a reader can enjoy a fascinating and appropriate sketch of monsoon in
Pakistan. The poem contains carefully crafted sentences which are both raw and
sophisticated. Such juxtaposition of opposites is Taufiq’s specialty.

Line explanations

Line 1-3

Before the thrust of this liberating wind

whatever is not fixed, has a place to go,

strains northwards to the coniferous lands.

Historical view

The metaphor and personification “​liberating wind​” refers to the freedom movement of the
subcontinent in 1947. According to the poet, before 1947 migration for rights and freedom
everything was messed up and nothing was in its appropriate position. But now it was time
for these messy conditions to settle down. Poet points out that things which were unknown
before 1947 are now going to have their own identity and he relates this identity with
“​northwards to the coniferous lands​” which means that Pakistan, new homeland, is going to
give them their identity. These lines not only focus on the migration scenario but also on the
loss of identity whose regain is assigned with the new homeland, Pakistan.

Another interpretation of these lines can also be that the direction of “​liberating wind”​ is
towards “​northwards to the coniferous lands​” of Pakistan. This interpretation holds the idea
that in this new land, everyone will be free and carry equal rights. And also that Pakistan and
independence will place the things in order.

Literary view
These lines portrait the figure of the very harsh summer season in Pakistan. When everyone
was exhausted and suffering from the heat. Then the howling started to fix those garbled
things. Rafat uses personification like liberating wind. Liberating wind gives the image of the
houses and societies of Pak as of freedom. The clothes, plastic bags, and other objects start to
flow with the thunder. Musical echo, screaming of children with joy, the sound of sizzling
food, and the changes in the mood of people… It represents the culture of the west. Again
Rafat uses the picture of coniferous lands which imply the setting of South Asia. Within the
time of Monsoon, the wind blows from south to north. The trees of conifers are in an
incredible number within the northern parts of Pakistan. The picture of blowing wind towards
the coniferous lands reflects Pakistaniness. The arrival of Monsoon Taufiq Rafat

Line 4-6

And drunk with motion, clothes on the washing-line

are raised above themselves; a flapping sheet

turns a roof corner into a battlement​.

Historical view

There is painful and destructive imagery of the 1947 war. These three lines are summarizing
the whole condition of 1947 when “​liberating wind​” was in its full “​thrust​” and the whole
piece of land was disturbed with bloodshed, killings, riots and violence. Taufiq Rafat points
out the war imagery when “​roof corners​” became “​battlements”​ . This shows the extremity of
war that even in homes, no one was safe and homes which are considered as security places
were then in danger. “Washing-line” may refer to the bloodshed which has now crossed its
limits and one can see more blood than human beings. Through this harsh imagery, Taufiq
Rafat is trying his hard to make feel the importance of freedom which he named as
“​liberating wind​”.

Literary view
In how a prepossessing manner Rafat delineates the picture of Pakistani houses. The cloth on
the washing line raised over themselves is quite understandable in the monsoon season of
Pakistan. The dresses which are hung on the roofs start flapping and dancing with the flow of
wind. Flapping sounds of the clothes look-alike the weapons sounds. The roof of every house
gives the image of the battlefield. The symbolism of ‘flapping sheet’ together with
‘everything’ dragged to the corner of the roof making it a fortification reflects our eyes as in
the event that they are battling with each other, and we watch this during the storm.

Line 7-9

Gliding days are over. The birds are tossed

sideways and back, and lifted against their will.

They must struggle to achieve direction.

Historical view
First discussing the significance of the 1947 war and then moving towards the violence as a
result of that war, now Taufiq Rafat suddenly shifts to the beautiful imagery of consequences
of after the war. Poet says that violent days are gone now. Now its peace and everything
which was “​not fixed​” is placed in its position. “​Birds”​ can be interpreted as a metaphor for
diasporic people who are nostalgic about their past and who was “​lifted against their will.​ ”
These are the immigrants who were forced to leave their places back in India hence they are
tossing “​sideways and back”​ and expressing their grief. But in the very next line, the poet
gives them advice to “​struggle to achieve direction​”. Poet is now hoping for good things and
also that he and the nation are going to have his identity now so they must struggle with their
past and memories so that they can pay attention to new life and achieve their goal.

Literary view
The following symbolism is brought skillfully that with a streak we recognize something
extraordinary in the verse of Taufiq Rafat, that’s of gliding, and once more the conclusion of
the floating days reflect Pakistaniness as with the entry of the rainstorm the winged creatures,
particularly pigeons off their coasting. Throughout the year individuals appreciate coasting
but when rainstorm comes, the wind does not permit them to glide. In the heavy wind, birds
try to fly but go against their will, they try harder and harder to achieve the direction.

Line 10-12

A welcome darkness descends. Harsh contours

dissolve, lose their prosaic condition.

All the sounds we have loved are restored.

Historical view

These lines throw light on love which is given by the new homeland, Pakistan. The harsh and
dark darkness which was there in the sub-continent and in people’s lives was now
descending. New homeland was like a candle which brought light into their lives. Harsh
realities were now dissolved and they lost their fanciful and imaginative coverings which
were produced by politicians. There is another nostalgic note when the past “​sounds​” which
were “​loved” are mentioned and thus are “​restored”.​ These sounds refer to the sounds of
love, harmony, unity, discipline, manners and feelings and most important to relationships
which were lost during the 1947 war. These sounds are not only back but also are more
powerful now.

Literary view
Here darkness is used in the special context as a Pakistani custom. The heavy wind brings the
dark clouds and when they spread all over the sky everything turns into darkness but not
unpleasing. That darkness fills the environment with joy, cheerfulness, pleasure, jubilant and
lively and typically Pakistani says it as romantic weather. That’s why Taufiq welcomed that
darkness because it provides pleasantness to everyone. And all the traditional and lovely
sounds alive again. The cheeriness of children, the vehicle sounds, and the attraction of
people to the street foods, the sizzling sounds, sound of clouds, chirping of birds, and insects
hissing are now observed more clearly. And these sounds are the pure cultural sounds of
Pakistan, and we all love it.

Line 13-15

And now the rain! In sudden squalls

it sweeps the street, and equally sudden

are the naked boys paddling in ditches.

Historical view

And here comes the first rain of Monsoon and first blessing from Allah Almighty. This rain is
really very important in the role it plays. In sudden violent winds, it comes and sweeps away
every bad thing with itself. This rain washed the wounds of people and cleared the streets
which were bloody before because of the independence war. Furthermore, this rain not only
cleansed external wounds but also internal ones as well, the wounds which are on the heart
because of losing home and relatives. And everything now is cheering up even the boys are
splashing around in the rain. This shows the extreme excitement and happiness of immigrants
and the new nation.

Literary view
And then a very happy and heavy rain comes and refreshes all the things. Everybody enjoys
the happiness of rain in a particular manner. Elders love to take tea and samosas with rain and
children come out on the road and streets and love to squish in the water that is all stored on
the roads.

Line 16-18

Alice, alive, everything is alive again.

Savour the rain’s coolness on lips and eyes.

 How madly the electric wire is swinging!

Historical view

And now because of “​liberating wind​” and “​rain​”, “​everything is alive”​ . Because of violence,
brutality and destruction, everything was so dead and horrible. This independence war not
only killed peoples but also nature and the physical world surrounding those people. So the
rain which came suddenly washed away all those elements of darkness and gave life to
everything again. This rain also had a soothing effect on people and it soothed their senses.
Not only were this but even material things swinging because of freedom. This
personification explains the very happiness of everything which was now free.

“​Everything is alive again​” is very important if it is taken on more symbolic grounds. It can
also refer to those people who gave their lives for freedom. Hence by this, we can say that
those people who sacrificed are not dead anymore, rather they are “​alive again​” in the form
of this new homeland and independence. While “​electric wire is swinging​” can also show the
zeal and zest of the new nation that now they are so enthusiastic and mad of happiness. So in
these lines, we can see an image of rebirth and new life everywhere.

Literary view
Summer is the sultriest season in Pakistan. Not as it were creatures and plants but human
creatures ended up drowsy as they are dead. So, with the entry of the rainstorm, the climate
changes and everything rises and sparkles. It appears as in the event that modern souls have
been ingraining in everything. The hotness of the climate calms down with the entry of the
rainstorm. Everything notwithstanding its nature begins to taste the cool water of the rain. In
Pakistan electric wires are uncovered in open discussion, they have gotten to be very hot in
summer coming about in moo voltage. When rainstorm rain comes they have to be cool, get
energy, voltage increments, and they swing as in case they are moving in delight. These wires
are so upbeat that the writer says as in the event that they were insane. It appears as in case a
marvel has made everything aroused up from a deep slumber.

Line 19-21

From brown waters eddying round their hooves

the drenched trees rise and shake themselves

and summer ends in a flurry of drops.

Historical view
The rain not only swept away everything and gave life but also is a reason for vegetation and
plantation. “​Round their hooves​” is actually a reference towards the roots of trees. Water is
very much associated with roots of trees because roots get nourishment, throw water and thus
produce flowers and later fruits. Thus the rain gave rise to food as well. And not only had this
but it also made the trees to shed off every dust and drop of violence and blood.
Symbolically, it states that envy was removed and there was harmony and unity for they have
to work shelters and peace in a new land. Trees removed every single dust of hate, violence,
brutality and riots and also shed off all the sorrows that everything seemed new and fresh
now. The poem ends in contrast with previous summer, that summer which was producing
and providing weeds back in other lands before migration was now falling snow. Snow has a
smooth, calm and peaceful effect. Hence, the poem ends at a very beautiful and calm imagery
of brightness.

Literary view
Again the purest portrait of Pakistani culture Rafat describes. After the rain now the streets
and roads fill with brown water because of mud. But it doesn’t affect people more. They love
to enjoy the rainy weather and feel the freshness because of rain. The trees are also alive now
their colours are totally changed now and swinging happily. Now each and everything of the
pure land is thankful and enjoys the rain. The rain that winded up the harsh summer weather
was gratifying.

Themes;
The Arrival of Monsoon is one of a very pleasant poem by Taufiq Rafat. The poem is all
about the monsoon season that comes in Pakistan. It shows the true colors of Pakistaniness.
The main themes are​ Celebration of monsoon​, and ​Freedom.

Celebration of monsoon in Pakistan.

The season of the Monsoon is eagerly awaited and welcomed in Asia, from Singapore to
Pakistan. After the scorching heat of summer, when everything seems to be dead, the
monsoon breathes life into animate as well as inanimate things. Thematically, it is a general
poem, representing a natural phenomenon, symbolizing hope and rebirth in the East.
However, brilliant, almost photographic, depiction of the arrival of the first monsoon rain in a
typical middle class Lahori neighborhood, Rafat invests the poem with a particularly
Pakistani/Punjabi atmosphere. Whenever the monsoon wind has started blowing and it seems
that everything is waking up, feeling fresh and vigorous. The cruel, dog days of summer are
gone, flown away perhaps towards the cold Northern hills to disappear. A joyous sense of
expectation, of relief is felt and even inanimate things and objects seem drunk with this joy,
and the wind give the new life to the people suddenly, shouting out the proof of their
existence, in the fullest sense of being alive; savoring the soothing rain, even the parched lips
and eyes come alive. All the things swing as if dancing and singing in the air. The trees that
rise out of the muddy waters around them and shake themselves. In this surfacing and
shaking, Rafat is sensitive to natural phenomena. Such celebration of the monsoon as a
season of rebirth and revival is likely to leave the impression of an extreme sort of joy.

Freedom

The rain is a natural gift from Allah that washes away and clear out all the dirt. The beauty of
rain blooms every face, even nature smiles with its real colors. Even when the little drop of
rain starts falling it indicates the blessing and happiness to the earth and people also. Our soul
feels the peace and harmony of nature and all worries fly away and souls feel the vibe of
freedom. As Rafat shows how the children are starting to play, having no concern about
anything, they only want to enjoy, same as the people want to feel the blessings of rains
because as the rain wipes all the things it also purifies the mind and soul. It gives the feeling
of freedom from all the worries that people are bound in it.

“LIFE IS FULL OF BEAUTY. NOTICE IT. NOTICE THE BUMBLE BEE, THE
SMALL CHILD, AND THE SMILING FACES. SMELL THE RAIN, AND FEEL THE
WIND. LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST POTENTIAL, AND FIGHT FOR
YOUR DREAMS.” ASHLEY SMITH.