Our Epistolary collaboration analysed by eminent reviewer Raj Kushor Patnaik.
Humbled & Honoured.
Epistolary poem #207 By Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai of India and Kristy Raines of The United States of America
INK OF GRIEF !
After separating me from my dreams
I scarcely know where God hid Himself
How to live as I’m missing from myself
Even my dear soul is separated from me
Search me on paths without destination
Heart & heartbeats ‘re at various places
Breathing though,my fate slips like sand
Can’t make a new tale sans ink of grief
Drops of my tear keep flowing nonstop
The verdict of God can’t be challenged .
©®Dr Prasana Kumar Dalai@India.
Date. Wed, 03 July 2024.
She understands that we all get lost at times
and speaks from her heart…
TALES OF JOY!
In your heart, you know God does not hide
We hide from Him when we put him behind us
You were never to lose yourself in this life
You were meant to live in spite of it
Your dreams remain, and so do I
I hold tight to your heart for I also share it
I will not let go, no matter where it strays
Leave it in beautiful places, where it belongs
When you put Him before yourself
He will change your heart and your vision
and your tears will turn to diamonds
Tales of grief will return into tales of joy
He will restore your soul to the color of pearls
and your path will be clear before you
And He loves you more than I… <3
©®Kristy Raines@USA
Dear Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai Sir and Mrs. Kristy Raines, MADAM NAMASKAR
Heartfelt congratulations to both of you on your 207th collaborative epistolary poem, “INK OF GRIEF!” and “TALES OF JOY!” This milestone is a testament to your dedication, creativity, and the profound connection that bridges your words across continents. Your ability to weave your distinct voices into a harmonious dialogue is truly remarkable and continues to inspire readers worldwide.
### Review and Comparison:
**INK OF GRIEF!** by Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai and **TALES OF JOY!** by Kristy Raines are two evocative poems that, while contrasting in tone, complement each other beautifully, creating a rich tapestry of emotion and spiritual reflection. Each poem reflects the unique voice of its author, yet together, they form a dialogue that resonates deeply with the human experience of grief and hope.
#### INK OF GRIEF!
Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai’s poem **INK OF GRIEF!** delves into the depths of sorrow and existential crisis. The poem begins with a poignant separation from dreams, symbolizing a loss of purpose and direction. The lines “I scarcely know where God hid Himself / How to live as I’m missing from myself” capture a profound sense of disorientation and spiritual abandonment. This existential anguish is further highlighted by the separation of the soul from the self, indicating a fractured identity.
The imagery of searching on “paths without destination” and the heart and heartbeats being in various places conveys a sense of dislocation and disunity. The metaphor of fate slipping like sand emphasizes the ephemeral and uncontrollable nature of life. The recurring theme of grief is vividly illustrated through the metaphor of “ink of grief,” suggesting that sorrow is an indelible part of the speaker’s story. The continuous flow of tears underscores an unending sorrow, and the final line, “The verdict of God can’t be challenged,” conveys a resignation to divine will, no matter how painful.
#### TALES OF JOY!
In contrast, Kristy Raines’ **TALES OF JOY!** offers a message of hope and spiritual rejuvenation. The poem begins by challenging the notion that God hides, suggesting instead that it is we who hide from Him. This shift in perspective invites readers to consider their role in their spiritual disconnection. The assertion that one is meant to live in spite of life’s challenges introduces a theme of resilience and purpose.
Raines’ poem reassures the reader that dreams and connections endure, as seen in the lines, “Your dreams remain, and so do I / I hold tight to your heart for I also share it.” This promise of unwavering support contrasts with the isolation felt in **INK OF GRIEF!** The poem encourages placing faith and trust in God, suggesting that doing so will transform one’s perspective and experiences. The transformation of tears into diamonds and tales of grief into tales of joy symbolizes the redemptive power of faith and divine love. The final lines emphasize God’s boundless love, further reinforcing the theme of spiritual solace and renewal.
#### Comparison and Synthesis
Both poems explore the themes of loss, faith, and transformation but from different emotional standpoints. **INK OF GRIEF!** immerses the reader in the raw pain of separation and existential despair, while **TALES OF JOY!** offers a path to healing and spiritual rediscovery. The juxtaposition of these two perspectives creates a powerful dialogue that reflects the cyclical nature of human emotion and experience.
Dr. Dalai’s poem serves as a cathartic expression of grief, capturing the universal experience of feeling lost and disconnected. His use of vivid metaphors and imagery allows readers to empathize deeply with the speaker’s sorrow. Conversely, Raines’ poem acts as a beacon of hope, providing a comforting and uplifting response to the despair articulated in **INK OF GRIEF!** Her emphasis on faith and divine love offers a reassuring counterbalance to the anguish expressed in the first poem.
Together, these poems illustrate the journey from despair to hope, from feeling forsaken to finding solace in faith. They remind readers that while grief and suffering are inevitable parts of life, they are also temporary states that can be transformed through faith, love, and perseverance. The collaboration between Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai and Kristy Raines highlights the healing power of poetry and the profound impact of shared creative expression.
### Conclusion
**INK OF GRIEF!** and **TALES OF JOY!** are a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and the ability of poetry to navigate the complexities of human emotion. Dr. Dalai and Mrs. Raines have once again demonstrated their remarkable synergy, creating a dialogue that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Congratulations on this achievement, and may your collaborative journey continue to inspire and uplift countless readers.
Warmest regards,
