The heart takes charge

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Published: Fri 6 Mar 2020, 3:00 PM

Last updated: Fri 6 Mar 2020, 5:00 PM

A captivating article lets you imagine (My mama had a big dream, I wasn't in it, Feb 28). Only this dream was in total contrast to what one would want to expect, a happy ending. The article takes you to the other end of the spectrum. It throws light on the dark reality of some minds. It's a slap on the face and wakes you up to the vagaries of the human mind. It stirred my heart and I couldn't helpbut pen down a few lines in response. As the author rightly says, ".the heart takes charge of rendering the emotions".  
My heart wept seeing the still one
Eyes frozen wanting to be held by someone
But I could do nothing, only sob
As the image painted slowly wore off

A salute to the poet who passed on
The emotions that tugged on
Causing pain to my heartstrings
A silent spectator in the realm of things
    
Can this open one's eye a little more
And stop further cries down the road?
Cause the little finger that curls one's own
Is seeking safety, not wanting to be alone
Latha Subramanian, by email

 
The power of the verse
Emily Dickinson once said: "If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold, no fire can ever warm me, I know that is poetry." Suresh Pattali's tear-jerker, when coupled with the seraphic face of young Viyan, pulls at one's heartstrings. We cannot help but be aghast at the iniquities a human being, rather a mother is capable of. The heart-breaking story of Viyan became more profound in verse. While we can read news stories and be furious at the foibles of the present generation where selfless love and motherly care have seemingly become an anachronism, such verses invoke a much more potent emotion that leaves you emotionally drained. Our heart goes out for the young Viyan who must have craved for his mother's love and attention.
Thejalakshmi Anil, by email

As someone who has been following Viyan's case  closely, I pondered over it for some time. As a mother and a woman, I cannot think of anything that would prompt a human being, let alone one's own mother, to perform such a heinous act. But as a student of psychology, I analysed the case deeply from all viewpoints. And I strongly believe this is a true example of the irresponsibility and immaturity of Generation Z who grew up in the virtual world without any real connection with their family, friends, society, and their own selves. They do not possess the maturity to tackle life's uncertainties nor the skills to deal with the surprises life hands out. Since they have hardly known a life outside the virtual world, it is difficult for them to face real life issues. But it is frightening that she could not understand that what she had done was unspeakably wrong.
Sajida Kamal, Abu Dhabi

The poem, My mama had a big dream, I wasn't in it was extremely tear jerking. It communicates the baby's emotion. It was with a heavy heart that I read each stanza. Let's pray for the poor innocent baby's soul. Looking forward to many more exceptional write-ups and poems.
Devipriya K, by email

Can we be upfront always?
Last Word is a treat to read - delightful, humorous, poignant and realistic. Last week's piece (Why don't you say it like you feel?, Feb 28) made valid observations about the art of putting forth your opinions without hesitation. Being upfront or saying what you feel without mincing words may be a good quality. But it will not work on all occasions. Sometimes, people may not take your honest opinions lightly and you may be labelled as rude, harsh or cynical.  Directness or being straightforward is good, but it should be laced with diplomacy. Being diplomatic, sensitive and tactful are some qualities one needs to possess while expressing one's opinion.
Jayashree Kulkarni, India

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