Protest of Wind, a Poem by Rafia Bukhari

Darkness was more bright,

Once it sounded so sagacious,

Somewhat of incredible light,

Streaming to earth so gracious.

It sounded as if something split,

It might be a rarest kind of silence,

That frequently ruled and hit,

Prolonged hours of prudence.

From the stillness of the street,

There came a surge of whispers

That appeared clear and sweet,

As if wind protested in whimper.

BIOGRAPHY:-

Rafia Bukhari is a distinguished English-language poetess, translator, and researcher from Pakistan, known for her powerful embodiment of pain, suffering, and human resilience in her literary work.

Early Life and Background-

Rafia Bukhari was born on June 15 in Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan. She is the second English writer to emerge from Larkana after Fatima Bhutto. Her connection to nature, particularly the setting sun, has been a recurring muse in her poetry.

Literary Career-

Rafia's poetic journey began with the publication of her debut anthology, *The Painful Payment* (2021), which introduced readers to her haunting portrayal of grief, longing, and inner turmoil. This was followed by *A Flight of Broken Wings* (2023), further cementing her reputation as a poetess capable of weaving complex emotional landscapes with lyrical grace.

Translation Work-

Apart from poetry, Rafia has made significant contributions to literary translation. Her 2025 publication, *Reflection*, presents English translations of selected Sindhi short stories, offering global audiences access to regional narratives and cultural insights often overlooked in mainstream literary discourse.

Academic Pursuits-

Rafia is currently pursuing her MPhil in English at Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, focusing on the English translations of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai's Risalo. This project aims to bring the timeless wisdom of one of Sindh's most revered poets to a broader audience ¹ ².

Research Interests-

Her research interests include generating research-proven quantifiable benefits of 'health in all policies' for low and middle-income countries. She has also assisted research in treatment-seeking behaviors related to psoriasis and treatment compliance related to injectable interferon used in Hepatitis C treatment.

Awards and Recognition-

While specific awards are not mentioned, Rafia's work has been featured in various national and international literary journals and anthologies, earning her recognition as a "poetess of pain and suffering."

Impact and Legacy-

Through her commitment to exploring the human condition in its many forms, Rafia contributes meaningfully to the evolving landscape of English literature in Pakistan and beyond. Her work bridges linguistic and cultural gaps, affirming her role as a poetess, translator, and cultural mediator.