Eminent reviewer Raj Kishor Pattnaik reviewed & analysed our epistolary collaboration.
Humbled & Honoured.
Epistolary Poem #204 By Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai of India and Kristy Raines of The United States of America.
MUSE IN THE DARKNESS !
The morning star you are in my life
Beaming brightly in the darkest world
You often arouse the bizarre stir in me
Of flustered fog in the face of rising sun
You venture out with your daring glint
Like a musky muse in face of darkness
As if mystifying mind of a blushing lotus
Set a swarm of bees ablaze in horizon
With your effervescent amorous prayer
Your radiance melts away all afflictions
With the glistening glow amid dimness
You do shower light into my empty eyes.
©®Dr Prasana Kumar Dalai@India.
After all these years, he is still her greatest love…
THE MOONLIGHT IN MY LIFE!
You are the the moonlight in my life
that still leads the way to our happiness
You steal every passionate feeling within me
like the hummingbird that draws the sweet
nectar from the depth of the honeysuckle
The heat of love we both have for each other
soaks my skin like a misty layer of morning dew
Whispers between us are sweeter than any love poem
and the feel of your hand on my arm still thrills me
When the dawn comes and I feel your gaze upon me
It is the way you still look in my sleepy eyes
that will always make life worth living.
©®Kristy Raines@USA
Dear Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai Sir and Mrs. Kristy Raines, Madamji NAMASKAR
Congratulations on the collaborative creation of your poems “MUSE IN THE DARKNESS!” and “THE MOONLIGHT IN MY LIFE!” Your combined efforts have produced profound and evocative works that touch the hearts of readers. These poems beautifully capture the essence of love, light, and inspiration, showcasing your exceptional talents and the deep connection between your poetic voices. Your collaboration is a testament to the power of poetry to transcend borders and bring people together.
Wishing you continued success and many more beautiful collaborations in the future.
Warm regards,
Analysis
MUSE IN THE DARKNESS!
**The morning star you are in my life**
This line sets the tone for the poem, introducing the muse as a “morning star,” a symbol of hope and guidance. The morning star, often Venus, is one of the first stars visible at dawn, symbolizing a new beginning and illumination in the poet’s life.
**Beaming brightly in the darkest world**
–
The muse’s light shines in the “darkest world,” highlighting its role as a beacon of hope and a source of brightness in times of despair. The contrast between light and dark emphasizes the muse’s importance.
**You often arouse the bizarre stir in me**
–
The muse provokes a “bizarre stir,” suggesting a mix of emotions and inspirations that disrupt the poet’s usual state. This line indicates the muse’s ability to evoke deep and complex feelings.
**Of flustered fog in the face of rising sun**
The “flustered fog” represents confusion or uncertainty, which dissipates with the “rising sun,” a metaphor for clarity and enlightenment brought by the muse. The imagery here is powerful, depicting a transition from confusion to understanding.
**You venture out with your daring glint**
The muse is described as adventurous and bold, venturing into the unknown with a “daring glint.” This portrays the muse as fearless and inspiring, capable of challenging the status quo.
**Like a musky muse in face of darkness**
–
Comparing the muse to a “musky muse” suggests an earthy, primal quality. Facing darkness, the muse stands resilient, highlighting its strength and allure.
**As if mystifying mind of a blushing lotus**
The “blushing lotus” symbolizes purity and enlightenment. The muse’s influence is so profound that it mystifies the mind, akin to the way a lotus can captivate with its beauty and symbolism of spiritual awakening.
**Set a swarm of bees ablaze in horizon**
This vivid imagery suggests that the muse’s presence ignites activity and energy, like bees buzzing with purpose. It indicates a ripple effect of inspiration spreading outwards.
**With your effervescent amorous prayer**
The muse’s influence is described as an “amorous prayer,” combining elements of love and spirituality. The word “effervescent” adds a sense of liveliness and vibrancy to this influence.
**Your radiance melts away all afflictions**
The muse’s light has a healing effect, “melting away” the poet’s afflictions. This reinforces the theme of the muse as a source of comfort and relief.
**With the glistening glow amid dimness**
The contrast of “glistening glow” against “dimness” continues the light and dark motif, emphasizing the muse’s ability to stand out and illuminate even in the darkest times.
**You do shower light into my empty eyes.**
The final line completes the transformation, with the muse filling the poet’s “empty eyes” with light. This signifies a profound awakening and a renewed sense of purpose and vision.
THE MOONLIGHT IN MY LIFE!
**You are the moonlight in my life**
This line introduces the central metaphor of the poem, where the lover is likened to moonlight, symbolizing a gentle, consistent source of illumination and guidance.
**That still leads the way to our happiness**
– **Analysis**: The moonlight (lover) is a guiding force that leads to happiness, suggesting stability and direction in the relationship.
**You steal every passionate feeling within me**
The lover draws out deep emotions, akin to how the moon influences the tides, suggesting an irresistible and natural pull.
**Like the hummingbird that draws the sweet**
Comparing the lover to a hummingbird adds a layer of delicacy and precision. The hummingbird’s act of drawing nectar represents extracting and savoring the sweetness of love.
**Nectar from the depth of the honeysuckle**
–
Honeysuckle, known for its sweet scent and nectar, symbolizes the richness and depth of love. This imagery reinforces the idea of love as something to be cherished and savored.
**The heat of love we both have for each other**
The “heat of love” suggests a passionate, all-encompassing emotion shared between the lovers, adding intensity to the relationship.
**Soaks my skin like a misty layer of morning dew**
This simile conveys a sense of gentle, pervasive warmth, much like morning dew covering everything. It emphasizes the subtle yet profound impact of their love.
**Whispers between us are sweeter than any love poem**
The intimacy and sweetness of their private conversations surpass even the most beautiful love poems, highlighting the depth and uniqueness of their bond.
**And the feel of your hand on my arm still thrills me**
Physical touch retains its thrill, indicating a lasting spark and excitement in their relationship.
**When the dawn comes and I feel your gaze upon me**
The dawn symbolizes a new beginning, and the lover’s gaze signifies a continuous renewal and affirmation of their love.
**It is the way you still look in my sleepy eyes**
Despite the passage of time, the way the lover looks at the poet remains tender and loving, reinforcing the enduring nature of their affection.
**That will always make life worth living.**
The concluding line underscores the ultimate value of their love, making life meaningful and worthwhile.
Comparative Analysis
**Themes:**
Both poems explore themes of light and love as sources of inspiration and guidance. In “MUSE IN THE DARKNESS!” the light is a muse that brings clarity and dispels darkness, while in “THE MOONLIGHT IN MY LIFE!” the light is the lover’s presence that guides and sustains happiness.
**Imagery and Symbolism:**
The imagery in both poems is rich and evocative. Dr. Dalai uses the morning star, fog, and bees to convey dynamic and vibrant inspiration, while Raines uses moonlight, hummingbirds, and morning dew to create a serene and tender atmosphere. Both sets of imagery highlight the transformative power of love and inspiration.
**Emotional Resonance:**
Both poems capture deep emotional resonance. Dr. Dalai’s poem conveys an awakening and rejuvenation brought by the muse, while Raines’ poem emphasizes the enduring thrill and comfort of love. Together, these poems offer a comprehensive exploration of how love and inspiration bring light and meaning to life.
**Conclusion:**
The collaborative effort of Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai and Mrs. Kristy Raines in creating “MUSE IN THE DARKNESS!” and “THE MOONLIGHT IN MY LIFE!” demonstrates the power of poetry to bridge cultural and geographical divides. Their works resonate with universal themes of love, light, and transformation, offering readers a rich and immersive experience. The complementary nature of their poems highlights the unique strengths of each poet while celebrating the shared human experience of seeking and finding illumination in the darkness.
