* 'Me' is one of my dearest poems. Wrote it one day while thinking about what I have, what I inherit and how different I am from others due to the cultural and historical aspects that define the entities called Assam and Assamese, and this person called 'Aruni'. . . Though written in English, I would say it is a 'very Assamese poem in Indian English'. Yes, I recall at this point, Nissim Ezekiel's 'Patriot', which was published in Contemporary Indian Poetry In English (1972) under the title 'Very Indian Poem in Indian English'. But here I'm just trying to say, I'm different and how different I am from others; nothing else.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Two Poems in Indian Literature, (Sahitya Akademi), Issue 243
* 'Me' is one of my dearest poems. Wrote it one day while thinking about what I have, what I inherit and how different I am from others due to the cultural and historical aspects that define the entities called Assam and Assamese, and this person called 'Aruni'. . . Though written in English, I would say it is a 'very Assamese poem in Indian English'. Yes, I recall at this point, Nissim Ezekiel's 'Patriot', which was published in Contemporary Indian Poetry In English (1972) under the title 'Very Indian Poem in Indian English'. But here I'm just trying to say, I'm different and how different I am from others; nothing else.
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3 comments:
Now that I see these, I think I saw them in Indian Literature. They are really great; full of surprising images. I love how they evoke but don't try to explain stories that most outside readers won't know. The fact that these are so grounded in place is part of what makes these work for me.
Michael
I'm relieved to know that these poems have worked for you, as I have always feared even if such poems work for an Indian, would they make sense to someone who isn't; and you, an American, created a meaning of your own with the images. The myths/ legends that i have used here are many : the story of Tejeemola (you can Google for the folk tale), the legend of the unfinished staircase to Kamakhya left unfinished by Narakasur,and many more.Thanks.
You write very well.
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