Journey of Self-Discovery: My Personal Review on Bhawani S. Nial's Poem "I Have to Die One Day"
By
Leni Marlina*
In the labyrinthine corridors of my contemplation, I am captivated by the profound verses of Dr. Bhawani Shankar Nial's poem, "I HAVE TO DIE ONE DAY." This poetic masterpiece unfolds with a poignant meditation on mortality, encapsulated in lines that resonate deeply:
"The inevitability of my passing strikes:
'I have to die
At an auspicious hour,
For stuck I was
In the tangles
Of household life
Of ephemeral affairs.'"
These verses pierce through the mundane veil of everyday existence, prompting a profound introspection into the transient nature of life itself. Dr. Nial's choice of "ephemeral affairs" poignantly highlights how worldly distractions often entangle us, diverting attention from deeper existential contemplations.
Throughout the poem, Dr. Nial skillfully navigates the dualities of life and death, weaving a narrative that intertwines the ordinary with the metaphysical:
"A realm of reverence,
No less than my homeland,
Where I took my first breath,
And earned
Both acclaim and scorn,
Where I must inevitably return,
Choosing
My appointed time."
These lines evoke a deep reverence for cultural roots and ancestral ties, juxtaposed with the inevitable journey towards the earth. The imagery of "pious realm" and "homeland" resonates universally, reflecting a profound longing for connection amidst the fleeting pursuits that define our temporal existence.
As the poem unfolds, Dr. Nial introduces a chorus of characters --- beloveds both old and new --- whose presence becomes pivotal in provoking introspection:
"Meanwhile,
There arrived
To convene
Some cherished companions of mine,"
These encounters serve as poignant moments of reflection, where discussions unfold on profound themes such as life's purpose, the mysteries of birth and death, and the enduring legacy we leave behind. Through these dialogues, the poet navigates the intricate tapestry of human relationships and the inexorable passage of time.
In the concluding verses, the poet's voice emerges as a guiding light through the labyrinth of existential inquiry:
"Thus dwindled away
My seconds, hours,
And epochs
Of both mundane
And ascetic life;"
These words encapsulate a journey of introspection and acceptance, where the inevitability of death is embraced not with trepidation, but with a serene resolve to live authentically. Dr. Nial's poetic language resonates with a timeless urgency, urging us to confront mortality as an integral part of life's unfolding narrative.
Ultimately, "I HAVE TO DIE ONE DAY" transcends mere contemplation of mortality; it emerges as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and its capacity for profound self-discovery. Through Dr. Bhawani Shankar Nial's evocative verses, readers are invited to embark on a transformative journey where the pursuit of meaning intertwines seamlessly with the graceful acceptance of life's impermanence.
---
Padang - Indonesia Â
June 17th, 2024
Dr. Bhawani Shankar Nial is a poet, editor, thinker internationally acclaimed poet, Odia, India
*Leni Marlina, S.S., M.A. is a lecturer at the Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang in Indonesia. She is the founder and head of World Children's Literature Community (WCLC). She has also been an active member of the writers' association Satu Pena in West Sumatra, Indonesia since 2022, and the member of the Victoria Writers Association in Australia since 2012.
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I HAVE TO DIE ONE DAY
By Dr. Bhawani Shankar Nial
Odia - English Translator: Bankim Mund
I was in sheer oblivion
As to
I have to die
At an auspicious hour,
For stuck I was
In the tangles
Of household life
Of ephemeral affairs.
A pious realm,
No less than my mother land
Where I was born
And earned
Many a name and defame,
Where I have to die
Searching
And selecting time,
But, alas! I have forgotten
Of my doom,
Getting stuck
With mundane mire.
Meanwhile
There came
For meeting
Some beloveds
Of mine,
Old and new as well;
Some displayed
Their attractive figure
And attire,
The other with
The articulations on
The philosophy and
Definition of life;
The mystery
Of birth and death.
Soon after
Their departure
There appeared
My friends and foes
Rather quite familiar ;
My days got devoured
With their discourse
And directions
On confronting life's
New challenges
And affairs..
Thus dwindling
Were my seconds,hours
And aeons
Of my mundane
And ascetic life;
Eventually oblivious
I was of my death
At an auspicious hour
Before you all......
