You set the scene so well, Sumana, and your recurring lines take on a chilling significance in the final stanza - how the world reels at such wholesale loss of life in war-torn regions in the last few months, a devastation far worse than that of the natural world.
This is a fascinating poem, Sumana. I had not heard of the play Mother Courage, so it was interesting to contemplate as related to your poem. Right now I do struggle to see what gains will come from all the losses in Baghdad (sigh)....but I do understand this concept as related to forests.
Good poem Sumana. I haven't heard of that either, but what your words made me think of was how warriors really think there may be a gain from someone's loss. Sad.
Brecht is one of my heroes, and his Mother Courage makes me cry. It is a play I would love to direct--her joy in obvious contrast to her grief as she loses one son after another and a daughter, a daughter, oh! Your poem haunts me now. Thank you.
The Circle of Life demands death in order to bring rebirth... The cleansing powers of fire can never be denied. But gods, the burn still hurts so much...
It is probably the very existence of life, which does require the burning of forests etc, to allow the continuation of life as we know it..A natural rebirth in time..
Washington state, where I live, is currently plagued by wildfire...so your piece made me immediately think of that...scary stuff. Strong imagery here Sumana!
This is simply masterful, Sumana. You have articulated the horrors of war with such expressive clarity and strong images, that terror takes on a reality that, I think, often doesn't resonate with those so far removed from that hell - and burns like a wrathful flame.
Yes even in the fire there are the winners.. The parallel to Mother Courage so apt.. Scavengers exist everywhere -
ReplyDeleteWe must find what winners we can, where we can.
ReplyDeleteMankind will find a way to kill himself off. The planet and a few stray but hardy creatures will survive.
ReplyDeleteHarsh reality is becoming harsher by the day.
ReplyDeleteNatural disasters are often beneficial, if only wars would provide some benefits, but sadly I am old enough not to have ever seen any.
ReplyDeletejust recently i watched a documentary about growing shitake mushrooms - they're winners of a fire as well and grow on the burned trunks
ReplyDeleteLife and death in the events all around us, great write.
ReplyDeleteYou set the scene so well, Sumana, and your recurring lines take on a chilling significance in the final stanza - how the world reels at such wholesale loss of life in war-torn regions in the last few months, a devastation far worse than that of the natural world.
ReplyDeleteMother nature knows best ~ I like the refrain of:
ReplyDeleteOne’s loss is another’s
Obvious gain
Lovely work on the form Sumana ~
When fire rages and destroys forests and houses, it is hard to see that there may be a silver lining in this disaster.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fascinating poem, Sumana. I had not heard of the play Mother Courage, so it was interesting to contemplate as related to your poem. Right now I do struggle to see what gains will come from all the losses in Baghdad (sigh)....but I do understand this concept as related to forests.
ReplyDeletePerfect! ...and a good capture from Brecht.
ReplyDeleteZQ
There is always more than one way to look at something...and what you say in your poem is true.
ReplyDeleteI have to confess that I was unprepared for the arrival of the mushroom cloud...
ReplyDeleteGood poem Sumana. I haven't heard of that either, but what your words made me think of was how warriors really think there may be a gain from someone's loss. Sad.
ReplyDeleteBrecht is one of my heroes, and his Mother Courage makes me cry. It is a play I would love to direct--her joy in obvious contrast to her grief as she loses one son after another and a daughter, a daughter, oh! Your poem haunts me now. Thank you.
ReplyDeletePS: I went to DC to see Kathleen Turner in Mother Courage earlier this year!
Deletefires of regeneration, certainly are not fires of war and hatred, your poem speaks plainly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping over at my blog
much love...
This is beautifully crafted Sumana---and yes, chilling in the final stanza!
ReplyDeleteThe Circle of Life demands death in order to bring rebirth... The cleansing powers of fire can never be denied. But gods, the burn still hurts so much...
ReplyDelete'Someone always counting gains' ~ would it be possible ever to move forward with no victims? who knows...~ Great civil poem!
ReplyDeleteSumana,
ReplyDeleteIt is probably the very existence of life, which does require the burning of forests etc, to allow the continuation of life as we know it..A natural rebirth in time..
Eileen
love how you've captured life and death in various forms.
ReplyDeleteCannot imagine there are those who thrive in wars do so without conscience! Nicely Sumana!
ReplyDeleteHank
One's loss is certainly another's gain... in nature, and unfortunately, in war as well. I hear you.
ReplyDeleteWashington state, where I live, is currently plagued by wildfire...so your piece made me immediately think of that...scary stuff. Strong imagery here Sumana!
ReplyDeleteThis is so moving...I cried
ReplyDeleteBrecht understood reality.People make fortunes out of war. That is one of the reasons we we always have them.
ReplyDeletesomeone is winning, and it surely ain't us. thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteForest fires are raging as I type this .. close enough that skies are muted by the smoke, mountains partially obscured. I enjoyed this ...
ReplyDeletePowerful comparison - "one's loss is another's obvious gain."
ReplyDeleteThis piece is vivid and powerful in equal proportions. Superb poetry. Loved this.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that one's loss is another's gain in the natural world. I find that much more difficult in the geopolitical realm.
ReplyDeletethat last bit is quite heartbreaking...hopefully that is not the fire we need...in nature the fire often does bring life...but ....
ReplyDeletewoven well, especially for such a difficult image in the close ~
ReplyDeleteThis is simply masterful, Sumana. You have articulated the horrors of war with such expressive clarity and strong images, that terror takes on a reality that, I think, often doesn't resonate with those so far removed from that hell - and burns like a wrathful flame.
ReplyDelete