I have published some of my poems during 1997. Ever since I have continued writing more poetry on different themes.

Most of my poems describe the Maldives, revealing the natural beauty of the small islands and also about their rapid progress.

Other poems reflect my thoughts, feelings and desire.

I have tried to express my mental impression or conception in this collection of poems.

I think poetry is more solid and more resonant than prose.

You can't read a poem unless you realise that it is physical object as well as an abstract vehicle for conveying ideas.

ALI SHAREEF
H. Filigasdhoshuge.

People often ask me to write for them. More often than not, these requests coincide with covert intent to coerce me into weaving together a few vague ideas into a coherent whole, which would then inexplicably present itself in public as someone else's intellectual property. Despite my cognizance of the accomplishments of some of these persons who swear by the virtues of plagiarism, I often relent and comply for reasons driven by pity, charity, sympathy or even the survival instinct.
Mr. Shareef's request that I consider writing a forward for a collection of poetry came as a welcome change. In this particular instance, I feel honored to have been given the opportunity!

Poetry, for a certain segment of the population of our country, appears to be nothing more than a cloying confection of forced rhyme and silky-sweet banalities seasoned with a generous helping of cliché. Notwithstanding the abundance of such inherently insipid sonorous symphony, it is not on a rare occasion that one hungers for something diverse.

Poetry, perhaps as defined by others closer to home as the revelation of unconventional points of view of what might otherwise remain mundane and commonplace to the average observer, then begins to acquire a different kind of allure! When these observations come clothed in appropriate sound and sense, reason and rhyme, one feels a gratification and fulfillment that is inexplicably tangible and ephemeral at the same time.

Mr. Shareef, my colleague at work and fellow pearl-diver in the sea of language that surrounds us, is certainly my teacher and better in this collection of poems. He represents a genre and generation that had the last and final opportunity of growing up during those wonderful days when the word ‘Maldivian' still meant a certain sedate dignity flavored with a dash of fishermen's chant, swing-borne lullaby and peace-loving tranquillity. That was when sincere and inner respect rose towards what a man had in the way of experience in the arena of life, what he marked as personal achievement and how one exercised charity, mercy, piety and honor. At a time when individuality rules over community, when ostentation outbids inner strength, and when proof of ability sits confidently framed on the wall, this collection of poetry by Mr. Shareef shows us, above all else, that certain attitudes and points of view need to be rejuvenated for a truly rejuvenated Maldives to be what she truly is.

Thank you, Mr. Shareef.

Ibrahim Waheed "Ogaru", G. Kalaavehi
(Director, Ministry of Information, Arts and Culture)