Good morning , Shah. It is morning here at least.
I do recognise that most of your poetry is written from the background and
in the context of your culture and that is fine. However that does distance
your work slightly from readers not of your culture.Poetry often relies on
the cultural connotations of a word, a symbol, an image to have the desired
impact.
I understand that you can only write from your cultural heritage but at the
same time I can only read and respond from mine. Fortunately that gap is not
as wide as perhaps these few words might suggest. I write them only to
explain my response.
Like Christina the tear becoming a pearl concerned me, troubled my
understanding of the process of how a pearl is made. However what redeemed
the image was my grandson who came to see me , as he does most Wednesdays,
but was troubled with his tummy, a virus that gave him spasms there. A tear
rolled down his cheek lit by the pallor of his skin. It seemed a beautiful
pearl. It was as salty as the ocean when I kissed it away. Perhaps it is in
this similitude that your myth/legend was born. Regards Arthur.
----- Original Message -----
From: "c s shah" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2003 9:19 AM
Subject: NEW:Repentance and Resolve


> Repentance and Resolve
>
> I won't say 'turn back',
> for you've stepped in search of truth;
> your decision is worthy of support
> even at the cost of separation.
>
> The tear in my eye symbolizes desperation;
> the gloom is not because I am deserted
> but indicates the anguish at my failure
> to partake of the gems you had collected.
>
> Now the teardrop insists on being recognized;
> (Now the teardrop insists to be recognized;)
> is anxious to merge with oceanic splendour,
> and dreams to become a pearl deep down
> in the womb of one receptive oyster.
> --
>
> c s shah