The Poetic Liminality in M.D. Muthukumaraswamy's "An Imagery Wins, An Imagery Kills”
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Muthukumaraswamy, M.D. *An Imagery Wins, An Imagery Kills*. Translated by J.P. Rajendran, Rudran & Rudran Ltd Co, U.K. 2024.
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Stephie Bursowa
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In the realm of literature, the subtle intersection between image and meaning forms the bedrock upon which true poetic craftsmanship is built. M.D. Muthukumaraswamy’s collection, "An Imagery Wins, An Imagery Kills," translated by J.P. Rajendran, is an exemplary manifestation of this intersection. Comprising 170 poems that oscillate between the tangible and the transcendental, this anthology invites a deeper reflection on the dialectic of presence and absence, reality and hallucination, connection and alienation.
The movement of Eyelids and Dreams
"Movements of the Eyelids," the opening section, exemplifies the symbolic richness that pervades the collection. In these poems, the act of blinking becomes a potent metaphor for the fleeting nature of human consciousness. "The Endless Flame," with its evocative imagery of an undying light, serves as a crucial entry point into Muthukumaraswamy’s exploration of existential persistence:
*"A flame that dances in the wind,
Yet never bows, never fades,
An ember in the heart that burns,
Beyond the night, beyond the shade."*
The flame here is not merely a symbol of hope but an interrogation of permanence in an impermanent world. The poet's use of the flame—a classical motif—recontextualises it within the ephemeral human experience, compelling readers to reconsider their understanding of continuity and change. This interplay of light and darkness, continuity and disruption, is a fundamental thematic concern in the anthology.
Hallucinations as Epistemic Doubt
In "Hallucinations," Muthukumaraswamy delves into the fragility of human perception. The poem "Sesame Flower" encapsulates the elusive nature of reality through its delicate imagery:
*"In the fields of whispering sesame,
Blooms a flower that no hand can hold,
Its petals, a mirage of desires,
Fading into the horizon's fold."*
Here, the sesame flower becomes a locus of epistemic doubt. The mirage of desires speaks to the insubstantiality of what we often consider tangible. This section critiques the certainty of empirical knowledge, urging a more nuanced appreciation of the illusory aspects of human experience. By confronting the reader with the transient beauty of the sesame flower, Muthukumaraswamy underscores the inherent instability in our pursuit of meaning.
Earth as the Ontological Ground
"You, Me, and Earth" shifts the focus to the ontological grounding of human existence. The poem "A Memory of the Forest" is a poignant meditation on the interconnectedness of nature and memory:
*"Amidst the ancient trees, I found,
A memory etched in bark and leaf,
Whispers of the past surround,
A solace in the earth's brief."*
This poem evokes a sense of timelessness, where human memory is inextricably linked to the natural world. The forest becomes a living archive, a repository of collective and individual histories. The imagery of "bark and leaf" suggests a symbiotic relationship between human consciousness and the environment, a theme that resonates deeply in an era of ecological crisis. Muthukumaraswamy’s ecological poetics not only celebrate the natural world but also position it as essential to our understanding of self and history.
Lunacy and Cosmic Inheritance
The section "Lunacy, Crescent and Father" explores the intersection of madness, heritage, and the cosmos. "After Father’s Pyre" stands out as a powerful reflection on death and cosmic continuity:
*"From ashes, rise the silent winds,
Carrying whispers of the past,
A father's pyre, where life rescinds,
Yet in the stars, his shadows cast."*
This poem intricately weaves personal loss with cosmic imagery, suggesting that death is not an end but a transformation. The "silent winds" and "whispers of the past" evoke the idea that the deceased continue to exist in a different form, influencing the living through memory and legacy. The poem's celestial metaphors—stars and shadows—highlight the enduring presence of the departed, suggesting a continuity that transcends the physical.
The Ethical Dimensions of Karma
"The Karmic Law of Action" delves into ethical considerations, using everyday elements to illuminate profound philosophical truths. In "Salt," Muthukumaraswamy employs the mundane to reflect on the consequences of human actions:
*"Grains of salt upon the tongue,
A taste of life's enduring weight,
Each crystal, a story sung,
Of actions past and future fate."*
Salt, a ubiquitous yet essential substance, becomes a metaphor for the weight of karma. Each grain represents an action, each action a story, reinforcing the idea that our deeds have enduring repercussions. This section invites readers to reflect on the moral dimensions of their actions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of cause and effect.
Rejuvenation Amidst Crisis
"Rejuvenation" presents a contemplative examination of renewal, particularly in the context of contemporary crises. "Pandemic Time’s Love Story" encapsulates the resilience of love amidst global upheaval:
*"In a world that’s paused, our hearts beat on,
A rhythm of hope in times of dread,
Through screens and silence, love is drawn,
A thread of life when all else is dead."*
This poem poignantly captures the paradox of isolation and intimacy in a pandemic-stricken world. The imagery of love persevering "through screens and silence" speaks to the adaptability of human connection. The notion of a "thread of life" amidst death and despair underscores the tenacity of hope and affection, suggesting that even in the bleakest of times, the human spirit finds ways to endure and connect.
Fragmented Reflections
The "Fragments" section presents 55 micro-poems, each a distilled meditation on various facets of existence. These brief yet potent pieces, such as "A single tear," capture the essence of human emotion:
*"A single tear upon the cheek,
Speaks volumes words cannot express,
In silence, strength, in sorrow, weak,
A universe in one’s distress."*
Each fragment is a crystallised moment of insight, reflecting the complexity of human experiences in a few lines. The brevity of these poems demands a concentrated engagement from the reader, inviting them to delve into the layers of meaning packed within each verse. This section serves as a testament to the power of poetic conciseness and the profound impact of minimalistic expression.
Urban Existentialism
In "The City," Muthukumaraswamy navigates the existential dichotomies of urban life. "Your Desire is a Jasmine" juxtaposes natural beauty with the artificiality of the urban environment:
*"Amidst the concrete, jasmine blooms,
A fragrance in the urban sprawl,
Your desire, a scent that looms,
Over the city’s ceaseless call."*
The jasmine flower, a symbol of purity and desire, stands in stark contrast to the relentless pace of city life. This poem explores the tension between natural instincts and the constructed realities of urban existence. The persistent "ceaseless call" of the city signifies the constant demands and distractions that often overshadow the more subtle, natural desires.
M.D. Muthukumaraswamy’s "An Imagery Wins, An Imagery Kills" is a sophisticated interweaving of poetic explorations that demands a nuanced and critical engagement. Through his adept use of imagery and metaphor, Muthukumaraswamy challenges readers to reflect on the complex interplay between the seen and the unseen, the ephemeral and the eternal. Each poem serves as an invitation to contemplate the deeper layers of human experience, urging a reconsideration of the binaries that often define our understanding of the world.
This collection can be seen as a profound commentary on the human condition, utilising the power of language to transcend mere representation and evoke a more profound, almost visceral understanding of existence. The anthology’s thematic diversity and linguistic richness make it a significant contribution to contemporary poetry, offering readers not just a collection of poems, but a journey through the multifaceted landscapes of the mind.
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