A shooting star leaps to oblivion
A convincing explanation of the title of Shams Monwar's latest collection of poems is not known to this reviewer. But he knows for sure poets have a tendency to remain ambiguous on purpose. Judging by its content the title isn't misleading but somewhat a message about the poet himself which is eerily similar to the tone of grievance for not being taken seriously.
Since the subject of grievance has been raised, so I can't resist quoting a famous saying by Percy Byshe Shelley, he once quoted - Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
So Shams along with countless other poets shouldn't lose heart.
'Among all my previous works it's in this set of poems where i have given my best'- said the poet when he handed over the book to me. The truth is: the poet's best may not conform to readers' yardsticks of best. However, in this collection of 53 poems Shams has focused on various subjects. From the pains of a love lost to eulogising poetry; courage in sacrifice, loving Mother Nature to the agonising torments in the Middle East; from unfulfilled dreams and insomnia to an agnostic mind's resentful cry; exploring redemption, gratitude to tranquillity and many more.....one may call it 53 dreams dreamt by a grumpy and restless mind.
But these dreams have somehow been let known in the form of poetry.
What make Sham's latest set of poems pleasing are his attempts to create a resonance between disparate images and thoughts complemented by a layering of meanings. Not new in poetry, but the poet enriches the resonance further by including historical facts and everyday reality. Also none of the poems are very specific to a theme but carry multiple messages – as if the messages were not pre-planned and appeared rather suddenly as the pen kept striking. Nevertheless, deciphering the mind of a poet could be a startling task at times.
Messages tried to convey through the poems are not new but it's the language in the poems that's self-styled and inherently straightforward, though some intense retorts are tricky to comprehend. Not only the poems are non-traditional in nature but cheekily drafted as far the choice of words are concerned. Shams appear as one of those who care little about norms and rules. As far as poetic canons are concerned he keeps reminding – rules are made to be broken.
It's just difficult for Shams to write without the mention of the late S.M. Sultan. Inspired by the latter the poet's pen is still running while the gratitude to that inspiration seems endless.
The poems Faith, Mississippi Blues, Shukria and Insomnia speak of the poet's style and depth of imagination. Some are deep, some shallow while some appeared unidentifiable to this reviewer.
Poem 09/07/05 drafted maybe some 10 years ago cries out the rebel within the poet seeking justice against the massacres in a war torn globe , an emblematic subject about a decade ago . As a matter of fact a number of poems in the book have been composed on the grounds of a powerless and frustrated plea for change.
Also worth noting, a number of poems are hugely influenced by global events being focused in a scattered way. Had a particular event been chosen as a definite theme, then the poet, perhaps, could have developed a particular culture or genre of his own.
However, poets like Shams or many for that matter deserve a special thank for keeping their pens rolling in a country where not too many dares to write in English. Poetry and especially if it's in English goes hugely unnoticed here, since neither publishers nor poets have any knowledge about marketing, sales or promotion. Collections of works are usually published at the cost borne by poets themselves.
So in reality, in a country like ours, one must have skills, perseverance, passion and also money. As a matter of fact, writing and publishing poetry in Bangladesh reminds me of that famous quote by Robert Frost - To be a poet is a condition, not a profession.
In an age of extreme materialistic ambitions people like Shams struggle to uphold and convey the teachings of the old school of self discovery , soul searching , spirituality and of course a personal meaning of existence. So their success, too, cannot be measured in terms of monetary gains or fame. It's the unseen and unheard impact that calls for a change within and the humane poet craves for it.
Published by Agamee Prakashani the book is priced at Taka 200.The cover page has a nice abstract artwork but like the poet's previous book the book doesn't contain an introductory note or preface – it's annoying. Moreover, writers and publishers in this country will have to get out of the 'offset paper and cheap printing' culture.
Let the changes begin with 'A shooting star leaps to oblivion'.
The reviewer is a journalist.
Comments