POETIC VIEWS BY WILLIAMSJI MAVELI

POETIC VIEWS by
WILLIAMSJI MAVELI
POET:
MRIDULA MENON
Poem:
EPHEMERAL BEAUTY.
Renu young and beautiful
exuberant and bubbling with enthusiasm
lost in her world of her own alluring charm
quite superficial she was in her attitude towards all
her striking beauty her crowning opulence
always she had a condescending attitude
towards those with bland and dull looks
it was years later when she met
her friend Puja’s mother
who was in a coma for months together
lying shriveled and thin with hollow cheeks
the thought hit her with real fierceness
beauty is never the criterion for taking pride
skin deep and shallow beauty lives
which can make or mar our lives
frivolous in trait beauty is
in old age and in sickness
it is not beauty that thrives
but the sacredness of our hearts
the loving touch and the caring words
that can give solace
to a wounded heart and an ailing human.
Mridula Menon.
Mridula Menon's "Ephemeral Beauty" is an emotional exploration of the superficiality of physical beauty and the enduring power of inner qualities. Through the character of Renu, the poem delves into the human tendency to prioritize outward appearance over substance. The initial portrayal of Renu as a "young and beautiful" woman, "exuberant and bubbling with enthusiasm," establishes a stark contrast to her subsequent realization. Her "condescending attitude" towards those perceived as less attractive highlights the societal pressure to conform to beauty standards.

The turning point in the poem arrives with Renu's encounter with Puja's mother, a woman ravaged by illness. This stark reality forces Renu to confront the impermanence of physical beauty and the true value of compassion and empathy. Mridula Menon skillfully employs vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey her message. The description of Puja's mother as "shriveled and thin with hollow cheeks" is particularly striking, underscoring the fragility of human life and the fleeting nature of beauty.
The poem's conclusion offers a profound insight: "It is not beauty that thrives / but the sacredness of our hearts." This line underscores the importance of inner beauty, kindness, and empathy in navigating life's challenges. In essence, "Ephemeral Beauty" is a timely reminder that true beauty lies within, and it is this inner radiance that ultimately endures. The poet’s evocative language and poignant message make this poem a compelling exploration of the human condition.-WILLIAMSJI MAVELI

WILLIAMSJI MAVELI