Books
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| Regenerative
collection of poetry
The
opening verse is a dedication to her first grandson, with whom she
looks forward to seeing new vistas through his eyes. Wistful memories
of children growing up and leaving home are featured in ‘Reminiscing’
and more forcefully in 'Thunderstruck' where like many parents today
we, She
also draws sharp sardonic observations on the contrast between rich
and poor, the privileged and ordinary persons. From ‘Shockproof’
we have, We
are well aware of many recent time politicians who do believe they
have 'priceless' chests! The old fashioned practice of dealing with children by instinct is now replaced with theories brought out in books. Following this line of thought is an amusing poem called 'Interview' where again, with the modern trend of the difficulties in securing suitable schools for their children, parents are compelled to register their infants with the school of their choice - hence the 'interview' with the one-year-old child! Some poems are a light commentary on other pursuits - such as the joys of reading which can transport us to another world - a world of fantasy - and then bring us back to the real world with a bump - ‘Return to Reality’. One is a cynical study on how a person strives so hard after meditation that in her eagerness to achieve this goal she ends up not meditative but exasperated at what she cannot achieve! The
poet moves on to a more philosophical mood - the constant striving
for perfection as in ‘The Prison Door’. In ‘Becoming’
she writes of the wish to fit in with the larger picture of life
and its environs, In ‘Time Present, Time Future’ the writer muses on how changes take place with time and she questions whether the cycle of change will continue in the same manner after she's gone. The concept of 'letting go' is depicted in ‘The Last Harbour’ where after the many meetings and partings we experience in our lives it is only at the last harbour that the process is finally realized. Some of the poems deal with day to day experiences. A lover of nature she describes her moments of joyful communion with birds in her garden in 'Birds and I'. In ‘Catastrophe’ she castigates those responsible for the destruction of nature signifying that they are to blame for their own downfall. "Disrupting
Nature's balanced intelligence The
most stirring poems however, are those connected with the death
of loved ones. Here the poet expresses her sadness at losing a loved
one but at the same time realizes that she has to get on with her
own life. Some of them refer to the much beloved husband who was
her constant companion and soulmate. She describes the many things
they have experienced together - going on trips, working in the
garden - there is no doubt that the writer feels the utter loss
of her partner at every turn in her daily life. The most poignant
verses express the communion of silence that existed between them
- surely the greatest bond between soulmates of this kind. Although
the writer is regretful about personal loss she rejoices in her
memories of their life together, memories which to her are, Regeneration clearly indicates that through the act of composing poetry the author finds a release to her innermost feelings, a revival of treasured memories and a rejuvenation of spirit. It would also give the reader an opportunity to ponder on situations that are prevalent in today's context and also to learn how to appreciate precious moments in one's own life. It's a book which should be read during quiet moments to relieve the rushed pace of the modern routine of daily life. Green
fingers at home D.T. Ekanayake B.Sc. (Hons) is the former director of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, and M.S. Senaratne is an experienced horticulturist. The book provides information on all aspects of indoor gardening and planting. First of all, it offers advice on how to select the best plants to suit our needs and also how to design a garden full of life. Then it describes the most appropriate growth requirements in detail, valuable information in maintaining a fruitful garden. Also included is information on potting, rooting, watering and choosing the standard potting mixture and how to rearrange your garden according to light requirements. No mere ornamental volume, the book also gives us scientific knowledge on the fertilization of plants and the application of fertilizers for plants. It shows us various ways of maintaining humidity in air-conditioned rooms, which is a problem faced by home gardeners. Then this book takes our attention towards the growth and care as well as the perfect arrangements for plants. How often do we hear of people bemoaning the lack of space in their gardens? This book gives practical advice on how to handle the available space making your garden 'both qualititative as well as quantitative' which helps today's urban dwellers to bring greenery into their homes. Basic methods of how to eliminate pests and diseases are also detailed. Several colour photographs provide an easy to identify guide for the reader. The book also gives us several tips on increasing our stock of plants and includes a brief report on cacti and succulents, their culture and propagation as well as descriptive notes about the culture and the propagation of thirty-seven selected indoor plants. Also the secret of planting miniature trees (Bonsai), a growing interest among gardeners today. 'House plants and indoor gardening' is indeed a handbook for both beginners as well as experienced horticulturist. - Sachi Fernando An
exhaustive account of the Antonians You will find therein, amazing facts and figures that have contributed towards making the school one of the most distinguished and prestigious centres of learning in the country. Achievements made in academics, sports and culture would undoubtedly make an Antonian proud of being a product of the school. It is aptly called the Sesquicentennial Publication as it contains all pertinent information of the past 150 years. The book could serve as a detailed time line taking readers back to the institution's inception and growth over the period. With an attractive layout and pictures of founders, teachers and students, it provides interesting glimpses of the school, skimming over its activities, former and present. The messages from the Pope, President, Church and political leaders and other personalities are followed by accounts of the institution classified into 50-year periods in the first section of the book. The second half of the book presents the school in the modern day, outlining its activities and clubs. St. Anthony's College, Kandy, originated in the British colonial period and was founded by the Franciscan Missionary Fr. Felice Zoppi in 1854 with only 12 students. Today the school has over 2600 students, 136 faculty members and a strong network of alumni, who are the force behind this exhaustive publication. The book also makes detailed mention of students who have gone on to serve their country with distinction in various fields and who have brought honour to their alma mater. The fame and glory of the school, the book indicates, can also be attributed to the hard work, dedication and untiring efforts of successive principals. Articles written by students of year 7 to 13 in English, Sinhala and Tamil and lists of medal and award winners and messages from past principals would be of interest. Of OBA activities, their accomplishments and of OBA branches within the country and abroad there is a fair coverage. The tributes paid to the college and messages from parents and past students goes to show the extent to which the family of Antonians has grown. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be used for the completion of the Antonian Archives and Museum. (E.W.) Shyamalee's
offering in silence Perhaps she wished to bring some relief to the stark and rippling lines of violence and rebellion around us, but one simply does not switch from a stone-throwing eight-year-old who, in doing so, registers his own small rage against an occupying force; and then tell of a woman who abandons her baby because of her shame and guilt. Or, are we to imagine that this infant she thrusts away as a result of the violence against her, the violation of her body? But no; Shymalee paints her as having crossed the untrodden path, forgetting the lines of the Dhammapada that warn of "creepers of passion". A mother's tortured mind, maybe, but not the sort of violence and torture Shyamalee makes her offering to. Anyway,
a few small criticisms should not make Shyamalee's determined steps
falter. Textually, there are seven poems that simply do not belong
but her little offering is very good, most appealing and there is
an awareness in every note as silently played. Sadly, many proofing errors have made her lines rather messy. We are told in ‘to Afghanistan’ that wheat field are now mine field (sic) and of blue rivers red in shade and of the silent prayers of turban (sic) men with their silent prayers in congregation. Really, Shyamalee, do listen to Muslims pray in a body and tell me how silent it is. In ‘The Spirit’ we have the American/Canadian Indian yearning for the land he once freely roamed: where the wind was his brother, the sky his father and the earth his mother. This is a beautiful poem, an encapsulation of the paleface scourge that dug the spirit out of the redskin. Yet, there is something selfsame about the Vietnamese boat people who lost their land, their pride, identity and purpose. ‘A
Survivor’ tells of them neatly but I fear there is nothing
creative in what smacks like an NGO report. It ends the same way
too - Vietnamese refugees in strange lands, struggling to rebuild
their shattered lives. The eternal woman comes out very well in
‘Mehendi On My Hands’ - those twisty, curling decorations
that are the special adornment of a woman who waits at the door
of marriage. A time of anticipation, and yet, Will
it be as beautiful as the mehendi Shyamalee is over-syrupy in ‘Golden Dreams’, a tad prophetic in ‘An American Solution’ (For the sake of humankind we arrived and/we shall not depart) and quite candid in ‘Rebellious 80s’. ‘Fire of Rama’ can apply to the brutal Sinhala village cleansing by the LTTE or the raging bestiality of Hindu fanatic mobs in India. Her allusion to Rama fits either way and only she will know. ‘Obsession’ is a tale of rapture and capture and a seduction that triumphs. It is a pity that the girl must meet her lover on a silver day with golden dreams in her eyes. There is too much of this gold and silver nonsense in a lot of poetry and the adjectives are being worked to death. Poetry has to be more creative and sensible in such approaches. We are given a picture here of a girl with permanent smiles; Is she advertising toothpaste? and I still can't figure it out. How do I kiss a girl in the moonlight if she's wearing a permanent smile? ‘Blue Waters’ carries a secret. How many lovers have lost themselves in the ocean? They could sit safely beneath the palms but the onshore wind tells them secrets of what lies in the depths. The call of the sea, surely. One love may sail away, the other plunge off Swami Rock in Trincomalee. But whether they cross the waters unafraid or stay on shore afraid, the mystery of the ocean remains. Migrants in Toronto tell the writer of their dreams. ‘Big City Subway’ is a crowded car of dreams, hopes shooting up or down track, propelling them to that looked-for fulfillment. Again, a poem that could have been honed to carry the thought better. Nevertheless, Shyamalee has attempted and achieved. That is most creditable and I am sure this "mild" essay will not deter her. Poetry is a great art and all its men and women merely art-bound. I invite her to carry on regardless. She has the will and courage to construct but needs a "leeetle" more care and revision. Then Eureka! Like Archimedes in his bath, she will find the cake of soap! |
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