Kaleidoscope of memory

Geetu Vaid

"What I writeis water dripping from a child’s cupped hand"

Thus, writes the poet and The Memory of Now encapsulates the childlike innocence and verve of his verse that doesn’t overlook the terse and stark reality. Geet Chaturvedi is not only is an acclaimed contemporary Hindi poet, but also one with a penchant for experimentation. His pen weaves verse at multiple levels, offering philosophical insights and playful visual imagery to the reader.  

This slim collection gives a peep into the art and craft of Chaturvedi. From a dead man’s lips moving to complete the promise of a kiss, to a wife’s devotion reflected through yellow saree or the “pull” of death or gloom of modern cities, Chaturvedi’s poetic quiver is brimming with memorable moments and impressions.  

Apart from the short poems, the collection also has gems like The Women, The Pandit and His Women, The Tongue of Translator. The world cinema series poems are a combination of “conversations or poetic jugalbandi held by the poet and the filmmaker”. Anita Gopalan’s translation keeps the essence of the poet alive in smaller poems, though in the longer pieces the grip seems to slacken at places. 

In the Nietzsche-inspired Little God series the poet writes 
“I exist- doubt it
doubt this poem too
Foremost this book
you are reading
Whether it exists or not”

But there is no doubting his art, the pithiness and impact of his verse. 

“Every memory is a poem/in our books, the count of unwritten poems is much more” and surely this collection will send lovers of Hindi poetry on a hunt for more from Geet Chaturvedi.