From Roots to Reflection: Of Leaves and Longing
“Of Leaves and Longing: An Anthology of Tree Poems,” published by Daastan, is a nature-inspired poetry book curated by Faiza Anum.
This anthology is thoughtful and introspective, offering readers a calm and immersive experience. It explores themes of nature, self-reflection, and renewal, and gently encourages readers to pause and reconnect with the deeper rhythms of life.
In a recent interview with Daastan, Faiza reflects on her literary journey, sharing insights into compiling the anthology and the inspiration behind its evocative poetry.
Faiza Anum: The Author Behind “Of Leaves and Longing”
Faiza Anum is a lecturer in the Department of English at Lahore College for Women University in Lahore, Pakistan. She delves into poetry, creative non-fiction, and translation, showcasing her deep connection with modern literary expression.
Faiza’s work has been published in several respected international and national platforms.
Her work has been featured in:
Essential Voices: A Covid-19 Anthology (West Virginia University Press), White Kites over Gaza, Woven Tales of Palestine (North Meridian Press, US) The Pinch Journal (US), Transnational Literature (Australia), Stoneboat Literary Journal (US), The Lake (UK), The Stonecoast Review (US), The Waggle (Canada), Raft Magazine (US), The Ghazal Page (Canada), Eastern Structures (Canada), Pakistani Literature (Pakistan Academy of Letters) and elsewhere
Her poetry has also been recognized in competitive literary circles, where she was a finalist for prestigious awards, including GLISH, a special project by the University of Memphis (USA), and the Open Road Review Poetry Prize 2015.
Of Leaves and Longing marks her first experience as an editor of a poetry anthology.
Of Leaves and Longing: An Anthology of Tree Poems
When we asked Faiza to share her thoughts about her book, she shared:
“Each poem in this anthology invites the reader to pause, reflect, and grow, like walking through a grove where every leaf carries a memory and reaches toward the sky.”
She also shared an overview of her anthology:
Originating from a creative writing drill at Lahore College for Women University, the anthology Of Leaves and Longing: An Anthology of Tree Poems brings together tender poems on and about trees.
Organized into three sections, the anthology moves from themes of rootedness and belonging, through introspection and observation, to hope, transformation, and renewal, portraying trees as silent witnesses to life’s various shades.
What inspired Faiza Anum to write “Of Leaves and Longing”?
When we asked Faiza about the inspiration behind her anthology. She answered:
“In a world moving at 10x the usual pace, I have long contemplated creating an anthology of poems that offers a moment of pause, a deliberate hiatus from the rush of daily life. Of Leaves and Longing was inspired by the desire to provide readers with a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the quieter rhythms of emotion, thought, and nature.”
She continued to explain:
“This anthology presents trees not merely as part of the landscape, but as steadfast companions, silent witnesses, and essential guides through memory, introspection, and renewal. The anthology thus invites readers to pause, find resonance in shared emotions, and discover hope and growth amid life’s constant motion.”
Daastan as the Book Publisher of “Of Leaves and Longing”
“Of Leaves and Longing” is published by Daastan, a leading book publishing house in Pakistan that supports both national and international writers.
This poetry book on trees is also available on MeraQissa, Daastan’s official bookstore platform, where readers can explore and purchase books from a wide range of authors.
Faiza Anum’s Experience with Daastan in Her Own Words
When asked about her experience with Daastan during the journey of her anthology Of Leaves and Longing, Faiza answered:
“I must applaud the Daastan team for their exceptional attentiveness and support throughout the process. At times, when the demanding task of editing the work of young students and shaping the anthology into its final form felt exhausting, their consistent reminders and regular follow-ups kept the momentum alive and ensured that this book ultimately came to fruition.”
She also acknowledged the support of Ommer Amer, Founder and CEO of Daastan:
“Special thanks to Mr. Ommer for providing invaluable guidance at every stage of the process, from finalizing the cover design to overseeing the finer details of the anthology’s development.”
Key Lessons from “Of Leaves and Longing”
When we asked what readers can learn from Of Leaves and Longing, Faiza shared:
“I would quote from the preface that I wrote for the anthology: ‘Poetry cannot replant a forest, but it can reawaken a connection. It can make us see, and by seeing, care.”
She continued:
“This anthology, no doubt, hopes to encourage readers to notice the often-overlooked details of life, the rustle of leaves, the quiet resilience of trees, and the subtle connections between nature and human experience. It equally hopes to offer lessons in presence, patience, and empathy, showing how slowing down can deepen understanding and nurture the roots.”
Faiza Anum’s Message to Readers
At the end of the interview, we asked Faiza if she had any message for her readers. She humbly responded:
“My message to the readers is: slow down, pay attention, and someday try talking to a tree, feel its skin, offer it some water, let its quiet presence teach you patience, resilience, and calm. And if you can’t plant a poem, plant a tree; both acts would make the world a little more breathable.”
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Dr Haroon Awan
