The Poet
My name is Esma Ashraf. I am a Pakistani-American bilingual writer/poet. I have a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work from New York University. I have been writing in two different languages for years.
My Urdu poems have been published in International newspaper and were distributed among boroughs of New York City, New Jersey and Washington DC. Few years ago, Brown Girl Magazine recognized my work by publishing one of my english poems, 'Wish List' in their magazine. Couple of my poems were also published at the local Community College's Literary Magazine in the year of 2018. My first publication; Shamma: The dancing flame won an award in the year 2019 at Independent Author Book Experience (IABX) for best poetry book.
My passion for writing gives me the opportunity to express my words that turn into authentic experiences. My diversified background and bilingual heritage add icing on the cake. It gives my pages a new identity, a fresh face.
My first publication, Shamma: The Dancing Flame is a book of poems that is published by Archway Publishing from Simon & Schuster.
'Shamma' in Urdu language means; A flame of the candle.
This is a feminine name that has created a unique identity for me. 'Shamma' is fire, she is vivacious and have the love to spread around.
My second and most recent publication is; Afsanah in her words.
Afsanah is the Urdu word that means; Story.
Afsanah is she...
she is an ode
and a sonnet.
She is a storyteller
and a tale herself
ready to narrate
to be recited
and to be
endured forever!
The book consists of poetic titles that are in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Urdu and English languages along with translation.
My publications are available on Amazon, Archway Publishing and Barnes and Noble websites. You can also buy from this website under the "My Books" section.
Come meet my muse here!