POETIC VIEWS BY WILLIAMSJI MAVELI
HER SHADOW
Deep down in the chasm
A little girl beholds
A shadow of her
Grows tall
Learns to wear a smile
On the face of thousand storms.
Deep down...
The little girl weeps
The shadow
Under the gray clouds
Fights battles unforseen
Within and without.
Deep down...
The little girl accepts
The shadow
Adapts to newer shades
Bestowed by the demand of time.
Deep down...
Now the little girl knows
The shadow doesn't
Belong to her anymore
Every phase painted it differently
In hues unknown.
Deep down...
The little girl mourns
As the shadow departs from her forever.
© Rumpa Ray-Ghosh
ANALYSIS
The poem is a moving exploration of growth, change, and the inevitable parting of ways with one's past self. It's a journey through the emotional landscape of a girl who confronts hardship, adapts, and ultimately acknowledges the evolving nature of identity.
The mood is melancholic, yet carries a quiet strength. It's a tender observation of the inner self's transformation, marked by both sorrow and acceptance.
"Deep down in the chasm": This immediately sets a tone of introspection and emotional depth. The "chasm" suggests a hidden, perhaps painful, inner space. "A shadow of her, Grows tall":
The shadow symbolizes the evolving self, a representation of the girl's growth and adaptation to life's challenges. "Grows tall" implies a process of maturing, becoming stronger, and perhaps more formidable.
"Learns to wear a smile, On the face of thousand storms": This powerful image speaks to resilience and the ability to mask pain. The "thousand storms" vividly portray the overwhelming difficulties faced.
"Gray clouds": These clouds are a classic symbol of sadness and uncertainty, reflecting the emotional turmoil within.
"Fights battles unforeseen , Within and without": This line highlights the dual nature of struggle, both internal and external, emphasizing the complexity of personal growth.
"Adapts to newer shades , Bestowed by the demand of time": This is a beautiful metaphor for the way experiences shape and alter us. "Newer shades" suggests a spectrum of emotions and personas developed over time. "Hues unknown": This phrase underlines the unpredictable and often surprising nature of personal transformation.
The poem's structure, with the recurring phrase "Deep down...", creates a rhythmic, almost hypnotic effect. It's like a descent into the girl's inner world, each stanza revealing a deeper layer of her emotional journey. The repetition also emphasizes the constancy of this inner space, even as the "shadow" changes.
The simple, direct language enhances the poem's emotional impact.
The poem evokes a sense of empathy for the girl's journey. It captures the bittersweet nature of growing up, the inevitable loss of innocence, and the complex relationship with one's past self. The ending, where the girl mourns the departure of her shadow, is particularly poignant. It's a recognition that change, while necessary, can also be painful.
The "cuteness" in this poem lies in its tender portrayal of the inner child. It's a gentle, almost whispered observation of the girl's emotional landscape. The image of the "little girl" within, observing her "shadow" grow and change, is inherently touching. The poem's emotional honesty, its willingness to acknowledge vulnerability, is also endearing. It's a reminder that even as we grow and change, a part of us always remains connected to our younger selves.
The way the poem uses the shadow, as a growing entity, has a very delicate and sweet feel to it. It is a very clever way to describe the growth of a person.
Williamsji Maveli
