Why do I write in English ?

English is one of the 22 languages mentioned in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

I write to express myself, it’s my reaction to the world that I encounter and dwell in. Writing releases me from the bondage of being captive to my ideas and thoughts. If I don’t express myself, then I will not breathe freely. By writing I convey my thoughts and expression to the subject which I am discussing about.

It’s not necessary that the readers should agree with my ideas and the points that I discussed in my writing. When it's prose there is a sense of responsible thinking and presenting yourself with your ideas and beliefs, and these need not necessarily be those which the reader should agree upon. But certainly, there would be points that would make the reader to ponder upon. The prose writing could be to amuse the reader at times or it could be an informative piece or maybe it could be a satire. Eventually, the act of writing is also connected to the art of reading, which is mostly neglected at times by the writers.

When it comes to poetry it’s difficult to express one's feelings in English as it’s a language that is limited to the Indian ethos and feelings. But certainly, poetry can be and is written in English.

In short, I write in English to express myself, my feelings and my take on the world around me and its non- transferable which makes it more challenging and enjoyable.
 

WRITINGS
 

POEMS

1.    SHAKUNTALA

(Looks of Love, Raja Ravi Varma, 1870, Oil on canvas)

Three women
In three posture
Barefoot in the jungle

A lady talking to
Another lady
Holding the basket of flowers
In one hand

The onlooker too
Join Shakuntala
Looking for Dushyantha
 

2.    MAGICAL HANDS

(Watching Mattanoor Sankaran Maraar, an Indian Percussionist, who plays Chenda, a traditional drum)

The
Hands and stick
Fall on the chenda
In unison.

Initially
The stick is visible
So does his hand

The sticks move slowly
Then fast
And faster

The rhythm heightens
The hands and stick
Fall from air
Amidst the music
Of the Cymbals.

 

3.    A GOOD DAD

He used to bring
Chocolates for us
Coming back from his work.

His colleague’s daughter
Must have got admission for MBBS
Maybe some other colleague
got promoted.

At night
While I am asleep
He would place his hand
On my forehead and pray

He used to tell us
Prayers can do wonders
Cites examples of people
Cured by prayer

Pa, you lied
While you were in ICU
I prayed earnestly
Observed the fast
But we lost you.

Today is his anniversary
We miss him, his wisdom and patience

I don’t make a good dad.