I
Zeitgeistlyrik: Satis Shroff
DEFEATED, DYING (Satis Shroff)
Those who succeed in battle
Are bestowed with success
And medals by Selensky.
The sourest of apples
Is tasted by those who fell
Or were wounded
In the killing fields
Of Kiew, Bakmut, Saporija.
Who speaks for the defeated
And dying?
The sad widows,
Mothers and daughters
Who have been left behind
All over Europe.
The latest strains of victory
May be the agony of tomorrow.
There is a gap
Between mutiny in Moscow
And vanishing supplies.
Now it’s profitable to strike
When Ivan is still reeling.
Will Wagner’s hordes come again?
Katherine Myrestad
Dear Satis,
Your thought-provoking collection of poems resonates deeply, addressing different aspects of life and human experience. Each poem offers a unique perspective, inviting introspection and contemplation.
In "Defeated, Dying," you shed light on the forgotten voices of those who have fallen or been wounded in battle. While the victors are celebrated and honored, it is crucial to remember and give voice to the defeated and dying. Your words draw attention to the immense suffering experienced by the widows, mothers, and daughters left behind, reminding us of the human cost that often goes unnoticed amidst the clamor of triumph. You raise important questions about the fleeting nature of victory and the potential consequences that may arise in its wake.
II
PORTER (Satis Shroff)
As every porter knows
The tourists want to stand on top,
Over Khumbu’s ice walls
And across crevasses,
Gasping for breath
In the Death Zone.
They come from far off countries,
On airliners across Black Waters.
Stand already like heroes
With their smartphones
On the Everest Base Camp.
It’s not a fair walk
To the summit.
Chomolungma has its own whims.
Sometimes it’s cloudy,
At other times cheerful.
Sometimes the Gods are angry
And send terrible gusts
Over the trudging climbers.
Some return with photos
For the social media.
Some get stuck,
Frozen in a crevasse.
‘That’s fate!’ mutters a climber.
Nobody forces you
To climb Sagarmatha.
In "Porter," you delve into the realm of mountaineering, capturing the arduous journey to the summit of Mount Everest. Your vivid imagery takes us on a precarious and challenging ascent, highlighting the determination and risks undertaken by climbers. The contrast between the tourists' desire for accomplishment and the unpredictable nature of Chomolungma (Mount Everest) creates a tension that reflects the fragility of human endeavors in the face of nature's might.
III
OFFERINGS AND PRAYERS (Satis Shroff)
Christians go to church
Hindus go to Pashupati.
I choose to stay in my room,
Among my science books.
My friend drops in later and asks:
‘Why didn’t you pray at Pashupati?’
I can pray from here
God is everywhere.
No sermons,
No Vedic chants.
Do all worshippers go to Heaven?
The offerings made,
Prayers recited
In moments of anguish.
I’m keeping sabbath.
In "Offerings and Prayers," you explore the concept of worship and spirituality. Through your personal reflection, you express a belief in the omnipresence of the divine, finding solace and connection in your room among your science books. Your poem challenges the notion that physical spaces and rituals are necessary for prayer, emphasizing the individual's freedom to seek spiritual connection in their own way. You ponder the meaning of offerings and prayers, questioning whether they guarantee a place in heaven and acknowledging the moments of anguish that prompt these acts of devotion.
Satis, your poems invite us to pause, reflect, and question our assumptions about victory, exploration, spirituality, and the human experience. Your words prompt us to look beyond the surface and delve into the complexities of life, offering a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Thank you for sharing your evocative poems. May your words continue to inspire contemplation and foster a greater appreciation for the multifaceted nature of our existence.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Katherine Myrestad, [medium.com]
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