Liking someone. That flutter in your chest, the nervous laughter, the stolen glances. It’s a universal feeling, captured beautifully throughout history in poetry. Whether it’s the shy beginnings of affection or the intense yearning for connection, poems about liking someone offer a glimpse into the complex tapestry of human emotion. This article explores various poetic expressions of this profound experience, from classical Urdu poetry to contemporary works, highlighting the diverse ways poets articulate the often unspoken language of the heart.
The Subtleties of Affection
The first stirrings of attraction are often marked by subtle gestures and unspoken words. A shy smile, a lingering touch, a sudden awareness of their presence. These nuances are expertly captured in poetry, like this untitled Urdu couplet, loosely translated by Michael R. Burch:
You will never comprehend me:
I pour out my feelings; you only read the words!
This poem speaks to the difficulty of expressing nascent feelings, the frustration of having one’s deepest emotions misread or misunderstood. It highlights the gap between intention and interpretation, a common theme in poems about liking someone.
Another untitled Urdu poem, also translated by Burch, expresses the hidden nature of affection:
Tears are colorless―thank God!―
otherwise my pillow might betray my heart.
Here, the poet’s secret feelings are symbolized by unseen tears, a poignant reminder of the vulnerability and secrecy that often accompanies liking someone.
Longing and Yearning
As affection deepens, it can transform into longing, a yearning for a deeper connection. Amjad Islam Amjad’s “Every Once in a While,” translated by Michael R. Burch, beautifully captures this feeling:
Every once in a while,
immersed in these muggy nights
when all earth’s voices seem to have fallen
into the bruised-purple silence of half-sleep,
I awaken from a wonderful dream
to see through the veil that drifts between us
that you too are companionless and wide awake.
This poem evokes a sense of shared solitude, the unspoken connection between two people who are both yearning for something more. The image of the “veil that drifts between us” suggests the unseen barrier that separates them, a barrier they both wish to overcome.
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Mirza Ghalib, a renowned Urdu poet, expresses a similar sentiment in his ghazal, translated by Burch:
Not the blossomings of songs nor the adornments of music:
I am the voice of my own heart breaking.
This powerful line expresses the raw emotion of unrequited affection, the feeling of one’s heart breaking under the weight of unspoken longing.
The Joy of Connection
While liking someone can be filled with uncertainty and longing, it can also be a source of immense joy and connection. Ahmad Faraz’s “The Eager Traveler,” translated by Burch, captures the excitement of finding someone special:
And how sweetly I remember you—oh, my wild, delectable love!—
as the purest white blossoms bloom, on talented branches above.
This poem celebrates the intoxicating feeling of new love, the sweet memories that blossom in the heart. The imagery of pure white blossoms evokes a sense of purity and innocence, highlighting the beauty of this nascent connection.
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Rabindranath Tagore’s “Come As You Are,” translated by Burch, expresses the joy of accepting someone for who they truly are:
Come as you are, forget appearances!
Is your hair untamable, your part uneven, your bodice unfastened? Never mind.
Come as you are, forget appearances!
This poem celebrates authenticity and the freedom to be oneself, a powerful message in the context of liking someone. It suggests that true connection is found not in perfection, but in acceptance and genuine affection.
Conclusion
Poems about liking someone offer a window into the human heart, exploring the complex emotions that accompany this universal experience. From the shy beginnings of affection to the intense yearning for connection, poetry captures the nuances of this profound feeling in a way that resonates with readers across cultures and generations. Whether you are experiencing the first stirrings of attraction or the bittersweet pangs of unrequited love, these poems offer solace, understanding, and a reminder that you are not alone in your journey of the heart.