A Poet with the Classic Ability

Poetry, over the years has taken various forms and  hues. Today we even speak of the prose poetry. Yet, one quality that can be described as classic and which removes any doubt as to whether a piece is ‘poetry’ is the rhyming in it- “identity in sound of some part, especially the end of words or lines of verse” says the dictionary definition of rhyme.

Seeing  the modern trend, this classic ability could be described as a “dying art.”However, to my mind as long as poetry exists, a trace of ‘rhyme’ will always remain in the vicinity, contributing its fragrance.

It is against this background that we can rejoice in the natural flair of poet Padmaja Iyengar or Paddy as she is known in poetic circles( muse india, boloji, Rate my literature) for her classic ability in rhyming effortlessly. What sets this poet apart from others is the sheer diversity of the subjects dealt with by her, from satire, music, humour, movie reviews to management concepts and the little things that matter and bother “the common man” (of the legendary RK Lakshman)  in his day to day life.

All these and more are available in a reading of Paddy’s  maiden poetry collection- P Enchants (P-En-Chants by Padmaja Iyengar-Paddy. Cyberwit.net, Allahabad.

ISBN 978-81-8253-568-8 Price Rs. 300/- Pages 203). 

 As the subject of our discussion is the classic ability of rhyming, I am focusing and sharing with readers the verses  from this angle in  the book that simply took my breath away- Let's look at some of  the lines in the poem"Helplessness" that describe the plight of one caught in a dentist's chair

"I lie with my mouth agape

with pain in my neck's nape

i stare vacantly at the ceiling

with an acutely helpless feeling.

unable to let out even a "ouch!"

Here am I on a dentist's couch

for an experience really chilling

Go,get yourself a dental filling!  "

"A poet's dilemma" traces the struggle in a poet's mind to get out the appropriate words-

"A poem is all I wish to write

but words remain out of sight

I blame the room and the light

and with my creativity I fight!

My words and ideas don't link

Lines and verses seem to kink

in anger a few things I fling

this writer's block does sting! "

"In what a life...!"the plight of the common man or "aam aadmi" is portrayed:-

"Electricity without power

manholes without cover

Taps without water

roads without side walks

Doctors without principles

politicians without scruples

leaders without a mission

a country without a vision  "

The poem "Public defecation-an Indian birth right!" puts the stark reality in our face as India aspires for a swach Bharat!

"Whenever he sees a hollow space or wall

he just cannot resist the nature's call

he doesn't care where, why or how

it has got to be done here and now..

no matter which wall-be it a school or a mall!

The poet has dedicated a separate section to pay tributes- to cricket and cricketers. to music and musicians ,scientists, humourists and others.Here I am sharing just a few lines from the poem "An ardent fan's tribute to P.G Wodehouse"

"Subtle humour's ultimate powerhouse

was none other than P.G.Wodehouse!

I can just go on and on

PG's humour ever a turn on

thanks Wodehouse for making me smile

and laugh in circs utterly sad and vile! "

Verses from another poem from this section that I felt  needed to be  shared is "To my son Hemant...Ever an inspiration.."

"Life played with me all sorts of games

giving it at different times different names

challenges,problems, issues they were called

as I kept on getting more and more mauled...

Thank you son for always being there

for me, with your love concern and care

and please know that I am there for you

waiting in gratitude to return your due..."

Having read quite a bit of Paddy’s work (Rate my Literature . com & other  internet sites), I  have always been a fan of her great sense of humour. But there were parts in the collection to which I had not been exposed  (perhaps written in an earlier period). These were a revelation and provided for me  the sense of novelty I was seeking. One such  section titled "some stories" tell entire stories in verses- some dipped in humour, some in irony, while others touching and shocking.  In the poem titled "Athithi devo Bhava" (Guest is like God)  the  lines that tell the tale of a 'Casanova guide'  go  like this:

"He was a tourist guide much sought after:

his wit and humour evoked much laughter

foreign tourists were often referred to him

because of his English knowledge and vim

At last with this woman he had his way

as she lay, unable to do anything or say

sated and fulfilled,he fell asleep

to get up later with a hangover deep

They handed him a large sized envelope

that had some cash, a note and a rope

he pocketed the cash and opened the letter

and what he read there gave him a  jitter

"Welcome to the world of aids" it read

"Use the rope to hang yourself"she said

Now a few lines from the poem "Communication" in the  section "Some management Mumbo Jumbo"-

"The way we communicate

tends to often indicate

how well we can express

how well we can impress

Another novelty in the book is a section devoted to movie reviews in verses! some lines of the review on the film "Barfi"read as follows-

"His handling of the film- sensitive

with a story line that is moving and positive!

This film presents you a slice of life

with lessons to laugh amidst strife

"Barfi"leaves you with a huge smile

that stays with you for quite a while!

my rating for the movie is a 5 star

for direction and acting above par!

Finally I am sharing  verses from the last section of the book which is titled the same as that of the book-P Enchants:-

Giving us a glimpse of  her banking career, she writes

I, Me, Myself

Allured by the luscious lucre’s call

I entered the buzzing banking hall

For quite a while, I had a ball

Robbing peter and paying Paul!

Then I heard a higher call

And decided to chuck it all!

The poet confesses to her soft corner for books in this poem...

My Books

My books are my treasure

My love for them has no measure

I hold them close to my heart

In my life they play a key part

Books give me silent companionship

They promise me lifelong friendship

They are there for me in times of need

Ever ready to provide me an enjoyable read!

Then some insights into life in general, looked at from a banking perspective and the poet's take on the obsession of Indians to be fair and lovely-

P& L Analysis

I often ask my mind to refrain

From thoughts of loss and gain

In life, we win some, lose some

To rave and rant would be dumb

FAIR AND Lovely

Let’s get over the silly obsession

For beauty and a fair complexion

To get a fair and lovely face

Here are some simple ways

The goodness of mind and heart

Plays a very important part

In making one fair and lovely

And giving a demeanour lively

So throw away all those creams

That sell unreal fairness dreams

Let positive thoughts and feelings flow

To give the face a calm and serene glow

If Bapu was amidst us today,what would he have said? Interesting thoughts!

An impassioned plea from Bapu

So  folks, just leave me alone!

Don’t wear my dhothi, topi and clone

At the Rajghat, please don’t gather to mourn

Let not my grave flowers or wreaths adorn!

My statues, pictures and birthday celebration

Have all now become caricatured aberration

I refuse to be the father of this corrupt nation

Where the reality and my ideals have no relation!

    

In the poem”  School life” the poet brings out the typical school day experiences that we have all had at some time or other:-

Mom was often my morning alarm

Woke me up with a milk cup warm

But getting up from bed was tough

Unless warned by dad’s office rough!

The most tragic moments in school were

Being caught with surprise tests unawares!

And the best news always a Godsend

Was of the PT teacher being absent!

Friends made during those days of childhood

Remain ours lifelong  for times bad and good

For we were partners in all sorts of “crimes”

That were innocent pranks of good old times!

The travails and tribulations of a new joinee on her first day is recorded  in the poet’s trade mark style:-

First day at work

When this rank new comer

Encountered an irate customer

On the very first day at the bank

Her spirits to the lowest ebb sank

And the ‘bank job’ lost its glamour

Customer queries had her ruffled

Complex accounts had her baffled

She realized banking was no cake walk

And client servicing , not just sweet talk

We all give and receive gifts. But what does it mean to this poet?

Gifts

For me gifts are sacred and special

Not anything artificial or superficial

When I gift something to someone

With it, a bit of my heart too is given

The purposelessness of continuing a relationship that has no future is articulated in the poem “Future Imperfect”

A relationship without a future

Can be a terrible mental torture

as it meanders meaninglessly

and prolongs quite senselessly

Although P Enchants as a book,  is predominantly about light hearted stuff laced with a lot of humour, there are some lines which articulate an underlying pain that makes  a deep impact on the reader.This is evident in the verses of the next two poems :-

Rejection

My life has crossed expiry date

For a Higher call I eagerly wait

This waiting is something I  hate

My name awaits the prefix “Late”

How does one get relief from the physical and mental/emotional pains in life? Poet has given suggestion for patiently healing oneself-

Patient(ly) Heal Thyself

My aches with painkillers did I alleviate

From a daily routine did I hardly deviate

I never gobbled up everything on a plate

My hunger pangs with nutrients did I sate

For loneliness there is no cure

Worry is another disease pure

Both, one has to simply endure

Or distract them with some allure

At last I have found my panacea

I write and that gives me euphoria

My mind is now a lovely playground

Thoughts and words frolic around

We , Indians have heard many times , over and over again of the deep and eternal love of Krishna and Radha. No one knows whether these characters  are a myth or reality..

Myth..? Reality..?

Her tongue moistened lips

He savours them in sips

As her eyes meet his

Their looks caress and kiss

As he plays a tune on his flute

She stands transfixed and mute

Yet the music makes her sway

In enjoyment and abandon gay

In the lines that I have quoted from the poem “Don’t Wait!” the concern of safety of women, the problem of  stalking and unwelcome attention is discussed:-

As she walked home everyday

She sensed being stalked all the way

She had a pepper spray

That she carried everyday

All prepared and set

To let it out like a jet

On his salivating face

And put him in his place!

We all know the Indian judiciary is ill famous for its  inordinate delay (Justice delayed is justice denied).The problem when it comes out in the words of the poet reads thus:-

Justice Delayed…

Civil cases languish in courts for years

Leaving the hapless petitioners in tears

Advocates merrily thrive

On loopholes that deprive

We all have moments which we can describe as “ Pure Bliss”. Let us see what this is for the poet :-

Newspapers and sips from a coffee mug

Make me feel snug like a bug in a rug

With my heels on the cool floor well dug

And the world news before my eyes chug

How does one handle the fear of death?-read on...

Fear, Affirmation

When one’s born

One’s sure to die

This is a truth

None can deny

Then why fear death?

Why fear the unknown?

Life here is God’s loan

To be repaid all alone!

In the lines taken from the poem mentioned below Paddy fiercely defends the right to write the poetry she wants without being apologetic about it... She then, in the next poem quoted below, exhorts us all to write

I too write poems. So what…?

To write about social issues , I  consider my duty

Because of this, some say, my poems lack “Beauty”

Poets to their surroundings are sensitive and aware

Should they not therefore, their views on issues air?

Finally I have this to say to those

That advise me to stick to prose

You adorn poetry with love and grace

But I will continue in my rebellious ways.

Write Away!

Without writing I cannot live

This I wholeheartedly believe

Writing pleasure

Has no measure

My dear writers out there

Write away without a care

On anything

And everything

That you desire to share

That Paddy  gives  feedback to each and every writer is well known to all who have visited her site "Rate my Literature.com" Hence it is not surprising  that she conveys exasperation over those who simply do not give feedback..

On Feedback

I wonder why folks tend to be slack

When it comes to posting a feedback

On the pieces they read with such relish

not knowing, it’s their feedback I cherish

A feedback helps in knowing

The direction in which I am going-

Whether the reader is able to connect

With what my mind is trying to reflect

The lines below have been taken from the poem written by the poet about her granddaughter and the lost tooth-

Ria’s two Front Tooth Gone…!

Despite two front teeth gone

Riya not a bit forlorn

The missing teeth took their toll

Left her gums with a gaping hole.

When Ria woke up in the morning

Lo and behold a surprise was waiting

Under her bed she found

A gift wrapped box round

I have chosen to include and quote  the following lines from the poetry collection as it depicts the noble intention of the poet to serve people while here on this earth and also after  leaving this abode-

One Last Wish

I do not know my worth

As a human on this earth

But it is my burning desire

Before I am consigned to fire

That my organs help those in dearth

 In conclusion, I would like to state  that the book " Paddys Enchants" is a testimony to the fact that the classic ability of rhyming is very much ‘alive and kicking’. Reading the lines of this talented poet who forayed in to poetry quite late, after a distinguished banking career, removes any doubts in the minds of the reader as to the future of rhyming. I am sure the younger generation would be inspired to follow in her footsteps and enhance their ability in this aspect of poetry.