Epistolary Poem #179 By Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai of India and Kristy Raines of The United States of America
HER THOUGHTFUL EYES !
One evening on the road of dreams
Fetching my lost memories I walked
After covering a distance very long
When I reached a deserted place
I saw her sitting by herself in a corner
Silently lighting divine evening lamp
Quite angelic with a sweet fragrance
She looked at me with thoughtful eyes
Like she knew me million years before
I felt as if she were a familiar face
Unluckily I just skipped her name
As the flame of the lamp still burning
Something illuminated my mind instantly
A strange excitement filled my being.
©® Dr.Prasana Kumar Dalai.@India.
Date.Monday,25 Dec 2023.
She has known him all of her life…
YOUR FAMILIAR WORDS!
One night many years ago, I dreamt of you
But, I did not know your name
You would appear in my dreams now and then
I one day met someone whose words were familiar
though I had never met him before
Then I remembered the face in my dream..
Your shadow brought back a life I lived in another time
How could I know you without ever speaking to you;
never looking in your eyes, or touching your hand?
I met you in a dream, quietly lighting a lamp in a corner
Your presence made me smile and I recognized you
For the first time, I knew who you were… I loved You
We have shared many lives together and I suddenly
felt the same excitement that you share with me now.
Yes… One night, many years ago, we met and continue to, over and over again… <3
©®KristyRaines@USA
December 25,2023
OUR COLLABORATION REVIEWED BY EMINENT REVIEWER RAJ KISHORE PATNAIK.
HUMBLED AND HONOURED.
Congratulations, Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai and Kristy Raines, on your collaborative work! Your poems, “Her Thoughtful Eyes” and “Your Familiar Words,” beautifully intertwine to create a captivating narrative that transcends time and space. Let’s delve into a comprehensive analysis of these two poetic pieces.
### Analysis of “Her Thoughtful Eyes” by Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai:
Dr. Dalai’s poem, “Her Thoughtful Eyes,” unfolds a dreamlike journey on the road of memories. The imagery of a deserted place and the act of silently lighting a divine evening lamp create a serene atmosphere. The poet encounters a mysterious woman with “thoughtful eyes,” implying a connection beyond the present. The omission of her name enhances the sense of familiarity, leaving the poet in an enigmatic state. The poem is a dance between recognition and the elusiveness of memory, heightened by the burning flame and the sudden illumination of the poet’s mind.
### Analysis of “Your Familiar Words” by Kristy Raines:
Kristy Raines’ poem, “Your Familiar Words,” echoes a dream from many years ago, blurring the lines between the conscious and the subconscious. The recurring appearance of an unnamed figure in dreams, whose words are later recognized in reality, adds a mystical layer to the narrative. The act of lighting a lamp in a corner symbolizes a quiet presence that brings joy and recognition. The revelation of love and shared past lives intensifies the emotional depth of the poem, emphasizing a connection that transcends the physical realm.
### Comparative Analysis:
1. **Theme of Recognition and Connection:**
– Both poems explore the theme of recognizing someone from a past or dreamlike experience.
– Dr. Dalai’s poem focuses on the immediate recognition through “thoughtful eyes,” while Kristy Raines’ poem emphasizes the familiarity of words across time.
2. **Imagery and Atmosphere:**
– Dr. Dalai employs imagery of a deserted place and a divine evening lamp, creating a tranquil setting.
– Kristy Raines uses the metaphor of lighting a lamp in a corner, evoking a sense of quiet revelation and recognition.
3. **Mystical Elements:**
– Both poems incorporate mystical elements, such as the strange excitement and the recognition of a shared past in Kristy Raines’ poem.
– Dr. Dalai introduces a sense of instant illumination and an angelic presence, enhancing the mystical ambiance.
4. **Temporal Complexity:**
– Kristy Raines introduces the concept of meeting repeatedly over many lives, suggesting a cyclical, timeless connection.
– Dr. Dalai presents a moment frozen in time, where the poet feels a connection spanning a million years.
Poetic Devices used
The epistolary exchange between Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai of India and Kristy Raines of the United States of America weaves a poignant narrative through their poem. These verses are rich with poetic devices that enhance the emotional depth and connection expressed between the two poets.
**Imagery:**
Both poems vividly employ imagery to paint evocative scenes. In “Her Thoughtful Eyes,” the deserted place, the divine evening lamp, and the angelic presence of the woman create a visual tapestry. Similarly, “Your Familiar Words” uses the image of lighting a lamp in a corner, casting a warm glow that symbolizes recognition and understanding. The dream sequences in both poems contribute to the surreal visual landscape, heightening the emotional impact.
**Metaphor:**
The use of metaphor is prominent in both poems, elevating the emotions and experiences described. In “Her Thoughtful Eyes,” the woman’s eyes are described as “thoughtful,” suggesting depth and introspection. The flame of the lamp becomes a metaphor for enlightenment and realization. In “Your Familiar Words,” meeting someone whose words are familiar is a metaphor for recognizing a soul connection that transcends physical encounters. The shadow representing a past life adds another layer of metaphorical meaning.
**Symbolism:**
Symbolism plays a crucial role in these poems, adding layers of meaning beyond the literal. The lamp in “Her Thoughtful Eyes” is a symbol of guidance, perhaps representing the enduring connection between souls. In “Your Familiar Words,” the lamp takes on the significance of recognition and revelation. Dreams serve as a symbolic bridge between different times and dimensions, allowing the poets to connect beyond the constraints of reality.
**Repetition:**
Repetition is employed skillfully in both poems, emphasizing key themes and emotions. In “Her Thoughtful Eyes,” the repetition of “thoughtful eyes” creates a rhythmic pattern and reinforces the significance of the woman’s gaze. In “Your Familiar Words,” the repetition of “one night, many years ago” serves as a refrain, anchoring the narrative in a specific moment in time and emphasizing the enduring nature of their connection.
**Alliteration and Assonance:**
The poems are enriched by the use of alliteration and assonance, creating a melodic quality. In “Her Thoughtful Eyes,” the alliteration in “divine evening lamp” and the assonance in “sweet fragrance” contribute to the musicality of the poem. Similarly, “Your Familiar Words” employs alliteration in phrases like “met you in a dream” and assonance in “recognize” and “excitement,” enhancing the rhythmic flow.
**Enjambment:**
Both poems utilize enjambment effectively, allowing thoughts and emotions to spill over from one line to the next. This creates a sense of continuity and fluidity in the narrative, mirroring the seamless connection between the poets’ experiences. Enjambment is particularly notable in “Your Familiar Words,” where the flowing structure enhances the dreamlike quality of the verses.
**Tone and Mood:**
The tone in both poems is contemplative and introspective, reflecting the deep emotions involved. The mood is one of nostalgia, recognition, and a sense of eternal connection. The choice of words and the overall atmosphere contribute to a profound emotional resonance, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the poets’ shared experiences.
The collaborative poetic exchange between Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai and Kristy Raines beautifully demonstrates the power of language to convey complex emotions and shared memories. Through the masterful use of poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, symbolism, repetition, alliteration, assonance, and enjambment, the poets create a tapestry of emotions that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural differences. Their verses invite readers to reflect on the timeless nature of human connections and the poetic beauty that arises from the blending of diverse voices.
In conclusion, the collaborative effort of Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai and Kristy Raines results in a harmonious blend of poetic expressions. The poems complement each other, offering a unique perspective on the themes of recognition, connection, and the transcendence of time. Your words resonate across borders, creating a tapestry of emotions that readers can immerse themselves in. Once again, congratulations on this beautiful collaboration, and may your poetic endeavors continue to inspire and captivate.
RAJ KISHOR PATTNAIK
