Clamor of Autumn, a Poem by Rafia Bukhari

Besides a few spring days,

Autumn prevailed around,

Within a hustling bustling haze,

There arose an unusual sound.

Evening with its sealed lips,

Tapped on the closed door,

Stillness tightened its grip,

The thunder rumbled more.

Three were intimate friends,

Setting sun, birds, and she,

They created new trends,

They followed a bumble bee.

- Rafia Bukhari

Pakistan

Email: srafia360@gmail.com

Rafia Bukhari is a distinguished English-language poetess, translator, and researcher from Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan, whose literary voice has emerged as a powerful embodiment of pain, suffering, and human resilience. With a poetic style marked by emotional depth and imaginative expression, she has carved out a unique space in contemporary literature, both at home and abroad.

Her poetic journey began with the publication of her debut anthology, The Painful Payment (2021), a collection that introduced readers to her haunting portrayal of grief, longing, and inner turmoil. This was followed by A Flight of Broken Wings (2023), which further cemented her reputation as a poetess capable of weaving complex emotional landscapes with lyrical grace. Her work often explores the unseen dimensions of suffering, while also engaging with metaphysical and spiritual themes — elements that echo the rich mystical traditions of South Asian literature. Shortly after its publication, her first book The Painful Payment was also translated in her mother tongue Sindhi.

Though primarily celebrated for her rich imaginative poetry, Rafia Bukhari has also 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 that are often overlooked in mainstream literary discourse. Through this work, she bridges linguistic and cultural gaps, affirming her role not just as a poetess, but as a cultural mediator.

Rafia’s literary work has been featured in a variety of national and international literary journals and anthologies, where critics and readers alike have praised the sensitivity and intensity of her voice. Over time, she has come to be recognized as a "poetess of pain and suffering" — a title that speaks to her ability to articulate the complexities of human emotion with rare sincerity and skill.

Beyond her creative pursuits, Rafia Bukhari is also an accomplished academic. She is currently conducting an in-depth research project focused on the English translations of Shah –jo-Risalo, the seminal poetic work of the revered 18th-century Sufi saint and poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. Her research seeks to explore the intricacies of translating spiritual and mystical thought across languages and cultures, further demonstrating her dedication to the preservation and reinterpretation of South Asian literary heritage.

Rafia Bukhari stands today as a multifaceted literary figure — a poetess, translator, and scholar — whose work continues to resonate with a wide and diverse readership. Through her commitment to exploring the human condition in its many forms, she contributes meaningfully to the evolving landscape of English literature in Pakistan and beyond.