tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786207835641480928.post6696184719469506953..comments2024-03-28T12:59:41.910-04:00Comments on NeverEnding Story: One Man's Maple Moon: Silence Tanka by Kathy KituaiChen-ou Liu, 劉鎮歐http://www.blogger.com/profile/06235248170011255532noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786207835641480928.post-64547307855347903242018-02-22T09:52:58.894-05:002018-02-22T09:52:58.894-05:00the silence
after magpies sing...<br /> the silence<br /> after magpies sing . . .<br /> enough to know<br /> you cradled the phone<br /> the way I did after we hung up<br /><br /> — Kathy Kituai<br /><br /><br /> What struck me about Kathy Kituai's poem is the way the 'silence' is the medium, by which the whole emotional and psychological significance of the imageries comes to light. First of all, as a contrast to the magpies' song it creates a space and moment for the poet's reflection. This lull after the magpies' song and the poet's own conversation on the telephone is charged with poignancy. The detail, 'cradled' evokes the act of nurturing, protecting and caring for someone. There is tenderness and intimacy in way the poet pictures the other person mirroring her own action. :<br /><br /><br /> "you cradled the phone<br /> the way I did after we hung up"<br /><br /> <br /><br /> The ache in this poem strikes a strong chord with anyone who has been separated from a child or a loved one.<br /><br /><br /> I am also grateful to Kathy Kituai for sending me on a search of discovery about the magpie. In many parts of the world this bird has a reputation for being a pest, pilfering 'shiny objects' such as pieces of jewellery and during its breeding season 'swooping' and attacking unsuspecting cyclists and walkers. However, an Internet search reveals that the magpie is also known as the 'flute bird' for its range of accomplished songs and that it is celebrated in aboriginal folklore as a 'sunrise' bird.<br /><br />-- excerpted from "An Appraisal" by Sonam Chhoki, which can be accessed at http://www.eucalypt.info/E-awards.html#20-2016-B<br /> Chen-ou Liu, 劉鎮歐https://www.blogger.com/profile/06235248170011255532noreply@blogger.com