#BlogchatterA2Z challenge and NaPoWriMo-2022
“Poetry is what happens when nothing else can.”
― Charles Bukowski
Have you ever wondered if there were multiple characters secretly residing inside of you? If so, have you ever wanted to give a voice to each of them, distinct, fearless and loud? I don’t know about you, but I have. In fact, a lot of women and a few men in my circle too have felt the same and one thing most common in all was that not every voice was given life; they were all hushed out of the fear of judgement.
Now if you wonder why am I talking about this now, then let me introduce the use of heteronyms in poetry. A heteronym is a literary concept where a writer creates one or more imaginary character(s) to write in different styles and voices. I was introduced to this through the poet Pragya Bhagat in an advanced poetry writing workshop by Bound India. I was instantly attracted to the concept of heteronyms.
You might like reading this- My prior experiences with NaPoWriMo
In this series of 30 poems in 30 days as part of the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge and NaPoWriMo (National Poetry Writing Month), 2022, I will be introducing you to 30 different characters with different voices. There will be voices that might be familiar to you, some even relatable while some totally strange.
Here comes the first in this series, AHALYA.
Ahalya tonight, i undress being laid in a celestial bed my will, the only gravity at work power of the mighty pulls— society, culture, gender—all at a null, tonight, i undress tonight, i undress in the light of my soul aware of my fantasies & fears snaking through the curves of this body—barren, bare— tonight, i undress tonight, i undress lifting off the fabric of familiarity that hath made my self—a stranger—unrecognised i learn: mirrors are fallible & fragile as me tonight, i undress tonight, i undress scars don’t scare me anymore they have become sacred like the stars light-years away— stories of the past as light in the now— tonight, i undress tonight, i undress the layers of labelling secured with the hooks of patriarchy that made me look no more than a muscle mass tonight, i undress tonight, i undress i undrape & unhook to unveil the sinless source free of mandates & masks i swim in the deep ocean of self tonight, i undress tonight, i undress being laid in a celestial bed my will, the only gravity at work tonight, i undress sinking in the source— never to be birthed— a prostitute turns pure screaming- i’m free i’m free i’m free for chastity is a luxury
What are your thoughts on Ahalya? Do you think she’s just a prostitute? Or do you feel that prostitute is the catchword here and there is an undertone to it? Else, do you have something totally different to share? Let me know in the comments.
scars don’t scare me anymore
they have become sacred
like the stars light-years away—
stories of the past as light in the now—
tonight, i undress
Also, if you are participating in NaPoWriMo, do drop a link to your blog. I will be happy to indulge in some poetry!
Recommended read: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/fernando-pessoa
I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.
Hi Seethalakshmi, what a beautiful concept you have drawn in your poem on Ahalya! In my opinion, Ahalya was never a prostitute because she was beguiled by Lord Indra who seduced her in the guise of her husband, Gautama. so, the very word ‘prostitute’ is a misnomer.
All the best in the A2Z challenge! Looking forward to your posts!
My name is Deepti and I am writing on characters from Literature. If you would like to go through my post, the link is as follows:
https://deepties.blogspot.com/2022/04/atticus-finch-characters-from-popular.html
Hi Deepti, thank you for stopping by. I totally agree with you on the misnomer part.Though this poem might have been influenced by the mythological character, Ahalya, this Ahalya is a reflection of someone who could be found in our time! Someone who could just be a wife & be treated that way!
All the best for the A2Z challenge. I will definitely check out your posts.
Thanks again for stopping by
What a beautiful poem this is. I’m a fan and am so looking forward to your other posts in this theme now.
Preethi loved your concept and the way u have portrayed Ahalya is amazing..
Keep writing as am waiting to know more.. All the best..
@Sini… Thank you, dear I hope the upcoming characters too are as interesting as Ahalya. Even I am clueless of what or who may come alive today. Penning poetry intuitively, not knowing what will show up on paper is equal parts exciting & scary!
Thank you for stopping by, Sini
Manaaali… Now this comment of yours makes me set the expectation level high for myself. Hope the upcoming poems too keep you hooked.
Thank you for stopping by, Manali
Beautiful poem. Unexpected one.
Thank you, Pandian I guess beauty of a poem lies in its element of surprise/shock!
I loved the notion of undressing as a form of letting go of things that no longer serve. My favourite line was mirrors are fallible & fragile.
Suchita…You got it so right & you have worded it aptly and it gives a different level of satisfaction when someone understands the poetry for what it is! Thank you so much!
learn something new and poem penned beautiful
Glad to know, Richa. Thank you so much!