Silence on the River Jhelim

Abstract

This poem presents a deeply emotional reflection on memory, violence, and the transformation of once-peaceful surroundings. Set on the banks of the Jhelum River, the speaker recalls a personal connection with nature and childhood innocence, which is now overshadowed by memories of conflict, bloodshed, and fear. The calm moonlit river becomes a symbol of pain and historical trauma as the speaker confronts disturbing thoughts of violence and loss. Through vivid imagery and introspection, the poem highlights how war and unrest alter both landscapes and human emotions, turning a place of serenity into a reminder of suffering and insecurity.