“Irshaad…” is an Urdu word used to encourage someone to recite a couplet or poem. There is a ring to the word which casts a spell-like effect wherever it is heard. It makes the people around attentive to listen to the poetry.

But why? Why do we like poetry? What is it about a fancily strewn set of words that attract people? Whether or not they fully understand its meaning, they enjoy it. They want to hear more. Thus, the word Irshaad is heard over and over.

The thing is that there is enough monotony in the world. So when someone uses a different manner to engage people, the same everyday topics start seeming more beautiful. Monotony is given colour by poetry. The blacks and whites of life begin to show many other hues in between. The more one immerses oneself in it, the larger the panorama of colours one sees.

That is why many people would agree that there is hardly a better way to court someone than by poetry. In the world of shortcuts, to find someone old-school enough to write you a few words is like finding an oasis in a desert. Which is exactly why poetry becomes all the more exotic!

So open your heart and let the words flow. Let them make a couplet or a poem.

“Irshaad, Irshaad…”