Here is the poem Sanjay recited at the Communication workshop in his office at NetApp.
Sanjay shared : “After I recited it, the facilitator said the poem is “extraordinary”. He said, “Actors often improvise the words in a play or movie. But once in a while, we know that the author’s words carry all the message and the feelings. So sometimes “less is more” “. He then asked me to stand still : no movements, no gestures, and not to pay any attention to voice modulation. “Just immerse yourself, and let it flow. ” It was an intense experience for me. But I felt proud of our daughter, and blessed that she was born to us, and happy to celebrate her beautiful creation!”
Aru wrote this when she was 13 yrs old. You can see how amazing her imagery and her sensitivity was.
POETIC FEELINGS
How can a man be a poet
If he cannot feel?
If he cannot feel the rhythmic beat
Of the waves as they lap about his feet?
Or feel the warmth in the sunshine
Of the bright, golden summer day?
Or feel the peacefulness and the loveliness
Of the first and the last rays of the day
As they splash their colours across the canvas
Pink and yellow, red and orange?
If he cannot feel the serenity
Of the lullaby sung by the trees
On a breezy night, in the rustle of the leaves?
Or if he feels nought
The mystic beauty the moon has brought
As her shimmering, silver light dances on the pond?
If he cannot feel the pain and the pangs of separation
Of the young souls who pine for each other?
Or feel the tiredness seep away, the heart bound with joy
On seeing the baby smile, when her eye meets his eye?
All of you, please hear
What I say, loud and clear
If you, with your heart, desire to be a poet,
Lend your eyes, your ears, your senses,
But also, lend your heart, your soul.
Feel.
For how can a man be a poet
If he cannot feel?
– Arundhati Tambwekar
18 Feb 2004
