Unveiling the Human Spirit

Unveiling the Human Spirit: My Personal Review of Dr. Bhawani Shankar Nial's Poem "LOCKDOWN"

By Leni Marlina*

As I immerse myself in Dr. Bhawani Shankar Nial's poem "LOCKDOWN," I find my soul stirred by its profound reflection on the human experience amidst the tumult of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the very first lines, where Nial speaks of "Turning over again and again / The pages of my son's / Book of ethics," I am drawn into a contemplative journey that mirrors my own introspective moments during this unprecedented time.

Nial's poetic language paints a vivid portrait of the disrupted rhythms of life: "Morning, afternoon, evening / And even the live midnight / Of the month that precedes February / Are in abscondence." These words resonate deeply within me, echoing the disorientation and loss of structure that have marked our collective experience during this prolonged period of isolation.

What strikes me most profoundly is Nial's poignant exploration of shattered unity and harmony: "Man's harmony within / His love, emotions, music and song; / Universal address for union, / so-called fraternity." These lines evoke a profound sadness as they remind me of the fractured relationships and societal divisions that have emerged amidst the pandemic's challenges.

Nial's critique of the pandemic's impact on creativity and progress is equally moving: "Myriad signatures of creativities, / Creative bridges; / Broke down / Fathomless flows of progress." These words resonate deeply as they speak to the setbacks suffered in arts, sciences, and human connection, reminding me of the profound losses we have collectively endured.

The poem's depiction of fear and suffering cuts to the core of my emotions: "Its reigning terrors / Now are on the highway / At the railway station and / Bus stopage." These stark images evoke a visceral response, reminding me of the pervasive anxiety and vulnerability that have permeated daily life throughout this crisis.

Nial's social commentary challenges me to confront uncomfortable truths: "Imprisoned pictures therein / Are more horrible and shameful / Than 1947 and 1971." This comparison forces me to reflect on the stark realities exposed by the pandemic, prompting me to reconsider my understanding of resilience and social responsibility.

Above all, "LOCKDOWN" is a testament to the resilience and dignity of labor, encapsulated in Nial's powerful words: "Not the tears but blood / Of 40 crores labourers / Rolls down their eyes interminably." These lines move me deeply, reminding me of the sacrifices made by essential workers and underscoring the profound inequalities laid bare by the pandemic.

In conclusion, "LOCKDOWN" transcends its immediate context to offer a profound reflection on the human spirit in times of crisis. Nial's poetic mastery and emotional depth have left an indelible mark on my heart, challenging me to seek empathy, solidarity, and renewal as we navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic world. His poem serves as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and the enduring power of compassion to heal and inspire.

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Padang - Indonesia, June 18th, 2024

Dr. Bhawani Shankar Nial is a poet, editor, thinker internationally acclaimed poet, Odia, India

*Leni Marlina, S.S., M.A. has been a lecturer at the Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang in Indonesia since 2006. 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 a member of the Victoria Writers Association in Australia since 2012.

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LOCKDOWN

By Dr Bhawani Shankar Nial

Odia- English Translator: Bankim Mund

Turning over again and again
The pages of my son's
Book of ethics,
Even in this utter silence
Of the afternoon
I notice
Morning,afternoon,evening
And even the live midnight
Of the month that precedes February
Are in abscondence.
 Man's harmony within
His love,emotions,music and song;
Universal address for union,
so-called fraternity,pious chanting
of unity,liberty;rituals of global village,
undisputedly green proclamations
for stability
are in precarious missing.
All in time's calendar got crumbled
as flight of February descended.
 At the horror and terror
Of death's new incarnation-a vicious virus
Crumbled down
Myriad signatures of creativities,
Creative bridges;
Broke down
Fathomless flows of progress,
Pulled down
Stout framework of scientific knowledge.

Everywhere, all around
You see -
Unprecedented attacks of fears
And of their kith and kin
And counter attacks around.
Quiver they out
bosom...collective courage..
all possibilities of survival;
crush they down
human emotions,their
accumulated capitals of bravery.
Its reigning terrors
Now are on the highway
At the railway station and
Bus stopage.
 You had better stop
Mentioning social media,
Imprisoned pictures therein
Are more horrible and shameful
Than 1947 and 1971...
. The genuine countenance
Of labourers' exodus 2020, grievously
Lamenting within,
Put questions
On India's progress & prosperity
On Indianness
On picture & character
Of leaders in post- independence
And uncovers the nakedness
Of 70 years' governance
And therein empty resonance.

Not the tears but blood
Of 40 crores labourers
Rolls down their eyes interminably
From Delhi to their rustic lane.
Weave they
Dreams, gleams and reality;
Make village,district,state
World and universe.
Build  present,past and future.
They themselves are
Your,our and their divine destiny.

Nevertheless,
The unmusical
Sounds of
Lockdown,shutdown
Qurantine,isolation
Social distancing,curfew
Positive,negative
Parasitic India,independent byIndia
Self - reliant India
Self dependent budget
Labourers' right sans India
Even in May -
Mask,gloves,sanitizer
Anti virus
Covid after covid...
And running after them
Trivial deaths
And their
Conventional horrors & terrors;
All these predicaments
May not assume
 A longing memory,
 May be in reminiscences
Will lie there as an eternal entity.

The divinity that identifies
You ,me, he and others;
Who alone would survive
Beyond the epitomic
History and heritage
Of man
As a benevolent saviour,
A divine rescuer.