Poetry, in any tongue, is a demanding art form for both
creator and reader. The best poetry combines an exquisite appreciation for the
subtlety of language with an ability to convey mood, emotion and content, and a
gift for evocation.
In Ananya Chatterjee’s The
Poet and His Valentine we have an Indian software professional and
translator conveying all that the poet should. This is largely a collection of
what might loosely be termed ‘love poetry’, but that’s by no means the whole
tale. Ananya includes some darker, more disturbing subjects in this anthology.
I found myself moved, amused, outraged and transported to other times and
places as I read her work.
The prevailing mood is one of optimism, often against the
tide of events. This is a brave and questing spirit, a voice many will
empathise with easily. But the poems of love found, love lost, love sought are
interspersed with pieces of observation on life, art, social injustice, and
environment.
There’s inspiration to be found in these verses. Indeed, in
her introduction, Ananya says, ‘If it succeeds in touching a few chords, and in
inspiring more people to read and write poetry, I would know my purpose was
served.’ I can say that, for this reader, that success is complete. I’ve long
considered setting down my thoughts in verse, and have trodden that road with
faltering steps. Ananya’s example has made it much more likely that I’ll continue
on that journey.
This is an enjoyable, amusing and thought-provoking read. I
recommend it to all who love, or wish to, and to all who have a taste for comprehensible
language used to great effect.
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