Nishi Pulugurtha
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Eagle’s Coin
Author: L.S. Rathore
Publisher: Authorspress, New Delhi
Year: 2023
Price: Rs. 350/-INR
The first time I read the poems in Eagle’s Coin was when the work was in manuscript form. I had reviewed Rathore’s earlier volumes of poems, Romance Over Coffee and Delphic Musings, some years ago and hence was acquainted with his work. Rathore had sent me the poems to write a blurb for them. As I read the poems all over again to write a review I went back to the blurb.
Eagles Coin is volume of poems that speak of the lived experience. The poems in Eagle’s Coin chart out a myriad canvas of life. Written in a language that is simple, the poems have idioms and metaphors that linger on for long. Images and myths coalesce in harmony to create vignettes that are evocatively expressive of life. Moulded into art, into poetry, these thoughts and expressions speak fluently and clearly to all.
I quote the blurb here because I believe it gives a good idea of the poems in the volume and an idea about Rathore’s poetic oeuvre.
The sixty six poems in Eagle’s Coin are divided into seven sections – Self Portrait, Nostalgia, Nature, Foreign Fable, Native Tales, Romance and Poet’s Choice. The first and the last section have the greatest number of poems in them. ‘Eagle’s Coin’ is the first poem in the volume. It is one that is based on real life incidents as the poet mentions. Referring to a commonly held belief that is steeped in local lore, the poem goes on to speak of the life of a young child and the impact these stories have on the child. The metaphor of the school figures prominently in the poem bringing in the idea of how ideas and thoughts influence young minds of children “Fed on . . . superstition/ Which never seemed fiction”. As is often seen in Rathore’s works, myth and mythical references abound, so too in this poem.
There are several poems in the first section that are steeped in nostalgia, in childhood memories that remain. ‘Binaca’ brings in memories of Radio Ceylon and Ameen Sayani, a programme that had many tuned in regularly, listening in to Hindi film songs. A short poem, ‘Stack-yard Sojourn’, speaks of fun and games
We’d play hide and seek at night Sometimes pole jump for delight, Felt our height increase inch by inch Not caring for chaff causing itch
The carefree life of a young one, lost in games and play, with friends comes out wonderfully in the lines.
Rathore’s poems in his earlier volumes of poetry reveal his fondness for using references and lines from Hindi film songs. One sees that in Eagle’s Coin as well. Hindi film songs often come to mind when one is looking at things or situations, or trying to find a way to express them in real life too. They are so much a part and parcel of our world. ‘Home’ refers to “Ae mere pyare watan” and “chitthi aayi hai”, two wonderful songs that beautifully bring out the references to home.
The section Native Tales has poems that are based on stories, for instance from the Betal Pachisi story. ‘Chandralekha’ and ‘Supreme Sacrifice’ are poems based on the Betal Pachisi stories. In both poems King Vikramaditya figures as he ends the tale with his wisdom and judgement.
Therein lies nothing unsual But the king’s wish to kill Himself for subjects loyal Who made sacrifices selfless Deserve unbounded praise Pleased with the wise repartee, The spirit flew back to the tree.
The poems in this section are mostly long narrative ones that recount tales of yore, tales from legends that were often recited and were oral in nature. As one reads these poems there is that element of story telling in them as well.
Rathore seems to be particularly fond of retelling fables and such tales. The section Foreign Fables has poems that refer to and are recreations of poems and tales by other poets and writers. ‘The Quack’, for instance, is a reworking of Kafka’s short story ‘A Country Doctor’. Many poems in the volume are based on real life incidents. It is also but natural that a poet would be reacting to incidents happening around, including the Covid 19 pandemic. ‘After Covid (AC)’ speaks of life during pandemic times,
The streets throbbing with life Lie desolate, with rush rife, Panic writ large in our eyes Which nothing can disguise Belittles our essence, Claims of significance.
Written in a simple language, the poems are easy to read and move with a flow and would appeal. Rathore’s poetic voice rings out loud and clear.
Nishi Pulugurtha
Nishi Pulugurtha is academic, author, poet and translator. Her publications include: travel writing – Out in the Open, Across and Beyond; poetry – The Real and the Unreal and Other Poems, Raindrops on the Periwinkle, Looking Poems; short stories – The Window Sill and essays – Lockdown Times. She is also the Secretary of the Intercultural Poetry and Performance Library.