An Elementary School Classroom in a slum - a reflection

 Stephen Spender touched my heart and forced me to reflect on what the haves do for the have-nots in the name of charity. The very name itself has a pun on 'elementary' questioning what is the elementary, basic requirement of a person, others not in their shoes may not be able to even perceive. 

The dowdiness of the run down school room is amply displayed through the use of 'sour cream walls' and the windows painted with fog depicting the oppressive lives and future cloaking the very neighbourhood, clearly portrayed through, 'street sealed in with a lead sky'. The sibilance serves its purpose of creating a sinister tone.

The pointless donations of classroom paraphernalia in terms of  Shakespeare's picture and a map of the world, encouraging the poor children to a dream world through means of crime as they would be easily misled, in trying to achieve it.

The children themselves merit empathy as they have inherited poverty and disease. The powers that be are focused on feeding their minds and providing a formal education, when their starving bodies need to be nourished. They need to be in open, pollution free environments, in the laps of nature so they become robust children, who are healthy in body and mind. 

The diction  evokes sympathy for the poor children whose fate seems to be doomed right from the outset. Its not completely true we know, but the poet's perspective does make us wonder if everyone should be measured by the same yardstick. The similes and metaphors pack meaning into this short poem of 4 octet verses.

My Mother at Sixty-six by Kamala Das : A synopsis

 Kamala Das is well known for her bold style of expressing herself through her poems and stories. This short poem of a single verse is remarkable in consisting of one complex sentence from beginning to end.

The love for one's parent has been encapsulated through use of similes like: 'a late winter's moon' while dealing with the childhood fear of losing one's parent simultaneously. Kinesthetic imagery of 'Young trees sprinting' and 'merry children spilling' refer to the childhood of the persona while she comments on her dozing mother- 'her face ashen like that of a corpse'. It comes as a shock to the readers as they come to terms with the mortality of each one of us. The apostrophe at the end where she addresses her 'Amma' promising to see her soon is comforting for she smiles continuously more to reassure herself, rather than her mother. 

In just a few lines Kamala Das forces us to reflect on the impermanence of life and our loved ones, specially our parents, particularly our mothers with whom each individual has a distinct bond. 

Moving away from home is not easy, but as time passes, not knowing if we will see our mother on our next visit can be brutal.

 Tokyo Olympics : faster stronger higher together, united by emotion!

The biggest game on the planet which draws the fastest, strongest, highest...together, is also surrounded with controversies, debates and heartstoppers. India sent its largest contingent ever to these games yet most of the medal contenders bit the dust in their initial rounds itself.

The solid few who clinched their medals and proved their mettle remained strong game after game, round after round. It was heartening to see many wind up in the final few confirming the confidence reposed in them.

Its not just the athlete, but their family, their coach, their team and all their well wishers who together boost the sportsperson and are the wind beneath their wings.

It was fascinating to see the women in the squad shining bright from the first silver medal clinched by Meerabai Chanu, in weightlifting to boxer Lovlina Boroghain and shuttler PV Sindhu inching towards the podium. Many others sparkled as they edged towards the finals and were counted among the top few.

The immense mental pressure faced by the athletes can be very demanding and Simone Biles (US Gymnast) won everyone's appreciation as she put her own mental health first, withdrawing from the finals of the competition. A subject which was considered taboo and shoved under the carpet has finally been put out in the open, with complete support from her team and country. Way to go Simone... you have conquered many more hearts with this bold move. 

The Enemy by Pearl S. Buck- a synopsis

 Pearl S. Buck a Nobel laureate who had spent her childhood and youth in China and the east has sensitively crafted the characters in this story. The difference in the cultures and traditions of Japan and America has been juxtaposed, while establishing the effect of the liberal American views on the strictly traditional views of the protagonist Dr. Sadao Hoki.

The characterisation of the fugitive, the runaway American prisoner of war, has been crafted as a gullible, trusting and friendly youth.

The warmth and hospitality extended by the doctor and his wife Hanna towards the enemy though much against their wishes to harbour an enemy condone their humane approach.  

The dilemma and inner turmoil of the doctor doesn't stop him from giving Tom the best medical help that could have been provided under any circumstance. Leading up to his safe get away in the end.

Welcome

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This is a space to read, review, and reflect!

Looking forward to meaningful interactions.

Best wishes

Ms. Anamika