Cries of the Thorn Bird is a captivating collection of 57 poems that takes readers on a deeply introspective journey through the poet’s inner world. The book is divided into two parts: the first 44 poems are original works by Sarwar, spanning sixteen years of creative expression from 1986 to 2002. The final thirteen poems are Sarwar's translations of works by renowned Urdu poets such as Nida Fazili, Parveen Shakir, Sardar Jaffery, and Faiz Ahmed Faiz. These translations are included to highlight the shared sensibilities between Sarwar and these celebrated poets.

Sarwar’s poetry is intensely personal and introspective, delving into themes of existential anxiety, emotional turmoil, and the complexities of human experience. His use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and symbols reflects his inner landscape, transforming his deepest thoughts and feelings into concrete, tactile expressions. His style often draws comparisons to the techniques of Russian Formalism, employing "defamiliarization" to make...