This article looks at how traditional literature through the use of proverbs is a source of influence in poetry. We look at their thinking & proverbs significance and use and try to associate and relate them to aspects of real life. In relating them to our life situation, this article will also try to attach and associate these proverbs' meaning to real life situations as we witness them in our everyday life/interaction. This will create an extended interpretation or meaning of these proverbs to the one(s) intended by the poet. A very significant point in the use of proverbs in the poetry is that the poet has artistically presented two proverbs in succeeding lines mostly to supplement and emphasis each other. According to the poets, the reason for doubling or twinning these proverbs is purely to beautify and bring something unfamiliar to poetry/writing. It (this article) also draws our attention to the lessons mankind can learn to improve or better his life. One of the advantages of using proverbs in literature/writing is that despite their shortness, they have much in them. For instance, a long occurrence can be summed up and shortened by the use of proverbs. Rauf Sheikh and Iqbal Salah-ud-Din are writers who have contributed to Punjabi literature by writing poetry volumes. They are writers who have been greatly influenced by proverbs of Punjabi. Their love for oral traditional literature and its aspects, which they always include in their writings developed in them by listening to their grand-parents narrating folktales and other forms of oral traditional art-forms. Therefore, their writings contribute enormously to Punjabi Poetry / Literature.

Syed Farman Ali Shah