PAST
1902
wasn’t that far
I
felt its pulse
Heard
its voice
Saw
the movement of history
As
I touched my grandfather
Who
was a 1902 born
And
saw this vast land
Being
pieced
And
shackled with borders
Blood
oozing out slowly
From
Gandhi...
Now
the olden times
Don’t
vibrate with life
Memories
are only memories
Posted for Grace's prompt @ d'Verse Poetics
Amazing that you got to meet your grandfather born during those momentous times of your country ~ My parents have survived wars when they were young & I have seen my own country changed from dictatorship to one of democracy ~ Thanks for sharing your memories Sumana ~
ReplyDeleteWhat interesting times you have lived through – or have had first hand accounts shared with you by family members – or, simply, the knowledge of their presence there. Having this up-close observation post on history: feeling its pulse, hearing its voice – does give one a unique perspective on “olden days”, I think, and you’ve captured that well, here, Sumana.
ReplyDeleteThose of us who have relatives born at the turn of the century and remember them well are very fortunate indeed because if we were lucky they told their stories over and over again...and we caught glimpses, albeit second hand, of their lives and the events of those times...short and sweet but to the point!
ReplyDeletewow. you went quite vivid in your imagery...nice...and in listening to their stories we do get to touch a bit of that history...and hopefully we learn from them as well....
ReplyDeleteReally is amazing, isn't it, to be able to know someone who saw all the changes that the 20th century brought. I think those early 20th century years brought lots of changes everywhere. I am sure that your grandfather had some fascinating stories to tell, Sumana.
ReplyDeleteIts good to have met grandparents who have lived so long and seen so much. I met mine who were born in the 1880's but i was very young at the time. Excellent poem Sumana.
ReplyDeleteThis is poignant writing...beautifully expressed.
ReplyDeleteNot so far removed...and yet an age away. It's cool to think that through your grandfather you are connected to such history making events.
ReplyDeleteoh wow.. i bet he has some amazing stories to share - it's both - a blessing and a curse if you live during such history marking times
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how much that have happened.. And that you have met those that lived through those changes.
ReplyDeleteI know what you are saying here..and to have a grandpa who saw it all..smiles
ReplyDeleteOne of my grandmothers was born in 1899. I think that that generation witnessed and lived through many momentous changes.
ReplyDeleteVery timely poem.The old people can be testimony.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea of hearing the past and feeling its pulse through your grandfather. That continuity is so beautiful and important.
ReplyDeleteI liked the feel, the heart of this piece. I was thinking that my grandparents were born in the late 1890's, & they witnessed all the technological wonders from there to the 1980's, that yes, the 20th century, the entire thing, is a living memory with me, within my family.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a fascination to be able to benefit from the stories of those who had seen them all. They on their part may be utterly shocked at the progress happening in front of their eyes. Good write Sumana!
ReplyDeleteHank
This is wonderful!!
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ReplyDelete1902, how the world has changed, hasn't it. Maybe the biggest period of change of any period in Man's history.
Strong history with your grandfather, thank you for sharing.
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