ISLAMABAD, June 2: The book launching of Between You and Your Love at Civil Junction - a cafi au food for thought - was a travelogue rooted in the nostalgia of virtual realities with Harris Khalique transcending the boundaries of the past and present through an interplay of words pricking the raw consciousness at different planes of sensibilities.

In a ceremony attended by poets, intellectuals and journalists, eminent scholar Dr Tariq Rehman, mathematician-turned columnist Prof Khawaja Masud, poetess Sadaf Raza and the host, Arshed Bhatti, acclaimed the sensuous experiences of contemporary and old realism which resonates in Harris Khalique's sixth volume of poetry.

With a couple of English poetry publications to her credit, the budding poetess on the social and literary scenes of the capital, Sadaf Raza, expressed a communion with the poet when she dilated on the emotive power inherent in the verses.

"I could relate to every second line which I felt I had said or thought about," Ms Sadaf said. On an another level of understanding, she said, "there are so many poems we could relate to, where I stand, Harris is politically so correct."

Prof Khawaja Masud emphasized the depth of meanings inherent in the new collection of poetry. Reading him over and over again gives a new meaning every time, said Prof Masud. Dr Tariq Rehman, who has also written the preface of the book, acknowledged the creative responses to the contemporary realities of Pakistan.

Appreciating the style of directness and simplicity in the choice of images and diction by the poet, Dr Rehman said these qualities come from sensuous experience compressed by a craftsman who distils thoughts to create their essence. However, not everyone seemed to agree with the uncritical appraisal of the poetic work.

Najam Mushtaque, a professional researcher and critic, said the best lines in the book, which make the title as well, are from Shakespeare. Najam challenged the authenticity of emotions reflecting the nostalgia of partition especially by those who had not experienced it.

Not agreeing with Najam's contention, Harris said we were still passing through the experience of partition. On the occasion, the poet recited a few selected verses which reflected contemporary political realities as while narrating A brief history of Pakistan Harris said:

With their backpacks full of shallowness arrive the men in uniform commanded by generals cut out in tin law makers made of straw. People wait for the sun to die. Happiness lives in the moon. Earlier, Arshed Bhatti of Civil Junction said that the idea of monthly literary sessions, Junction Poets, was conceived to create an interaction between people belonging to different professions.