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.

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.

Banished Dreams, a Poem by Rafia Bukhari

It was an everlasting impression.
Every lock was impacted by rust
Carrying a loss was a profession
All dreams were covered by dust. 

The dashed dreams were kept
The eyes remained wide-open
whenever broken being slept,
The interpretation was stolen.

It arrived early in the morning,
The letter containing the content    
The bond unbroken till the ending,
Banished dreams life to be meant.
- Rafia Bukhari 
Pakistan 

Rafia Bukhari is a Pakistani author and poet who writes in English. born in Larkana, Sindh, on June 15. "The Painful Payment" (2021) and "A Flight of Broken Wings" (2023), her two English poetry books, have already been released. Her books have been well received, even though there are not many English-speaking people in the area. Her poetry frequently finds inspiration in nature, especially in the setting sun. Her poems typically depict internal conflict that results in self-discovery.

She has also translated between forty and fifty sindhi short stories in English. A number of these translations have already been released, and more will be added shortly. At Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, she is currently working toward her MPhil in English with a focus on Shah Abdul Bhittai's Risalo into English.

Two Poems by Rafia Bukhari

Be a Trend Setter

Rather than the rising one

The setting sun is better 

Every problem will be solved

If you are a firm believer in God

Once I was abandoned on the shore

An unknown path was just before

Don't dishearten those people

Who opt for the less chosen path

Rather than trudging the same way

Isn't it better to build a new dale?

□

Like a Pearl

Around me lies a pile of empty, frozen words

One by one, they are flying like birds

All words have fallen apart.

It has shattered an already cracked heart.

I'm as clear as a crystal

Neither any layer nor a single freckle.

Those who didn't deserve my respect,

Even I gave them more than their state.

In return, I received that I didn't expect.

Waste not your words with them,

Who are deprived of a sense of shame.

Silence is the best answer for them,

If you inherit the heart of a gem.

It is easy to forgive and relieve,

But neither trust again nor believe.

□

- Rafia Bukhari

Pakistan

Biography:-

Rafia Bukhari, an English-language poetess and writer from Pakistan. Born on June 15 in Larkana Sindh. She is the second English writer from Larkana, following in the footsteps of Fatima Bhutto. Her two English poetry books, "The Painful Payment" (2021) and "A Flight of Broken Wings" (2023), have already been published. Despite the limited English readership in the region, her books have been well-received. Her poetry often draws inspiration from the natural world, particularly the setting sun. Most of her poems are representative inner conflict that leads to self-discovery. 

In addition, she has translated forty to fifty stories in English. Some of these translations have already been published, with more to follow soon. Currently, she is pursuing her MPhil in English at Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, focusing on the English translations of Shah Abdul Bhittai's Risalo.