Book review: Bandha Kotha Ko Jhayal by Hemant Shishir- Subash S. Parajuli

The debuted award winning book "Bandha Kotha Ko Jhayal" ( A Window of Closed Room) written by Hemant Shishir published in Nepali language by Sangrila Books consists 45 beautifully crafted poems that offers such in depth insights into human love, life, and revelation of social and political issues. Like the poet W.B. Yeats “Poetry of the Insurgent” emerges as a profound expression of resistance against oppression, capturing the tumultuous emotions associated with conflict for the Irish people. Shishir emerged more insurgent, not only as a creative outlet, but also reflected the struggles of marginalized voices within the framework of his poetry book. By articulating themes of rebellion and human suffering through poignant language and vivid imagery, the poet dares to convey the complex realities of insurgency, echoing the sentiments of those embroiled in the particular regions. The footprints of the first revolutionary poet of Nepali literature Gopalprasad Rimal is vividly seen in the poems of Shishir book, "Bandha Kota ko Jhyal” with the dogma of freedom of expressions and viability of sustainable development in countryside that the poet inherited for ages.

The poet utilizes local dialects to depict the defiance of marginalized groups, often celebrating their courage in the field of adversity. Through his verse he reveals the persuasive theme of the stark realities of being marginalized, and often delves into the turmoil, highlighting the loss, despair and melancholy of hardships.

His poems are fire and smoke up to awaken all by portraying the harsh reality of Karnali peoples' livelihood. His verses are rebellious, as well as pleading for unity for fundamental change of the particular region to bring prosperity and happiness. Most of his poems are free verse, and each verse speaks about nature, seasons, art, emotions, state of truth, philosophy of life, observation, circumstances, human tendency, rituals, places and their values of existence in both spiritual and materialistic world. In some poems, he puts more local dialects for readers to feel the voice of the voiceless. The voiceless must be heard to gather concern from people regarding fundamental aspects for the social reformation.

The book is a complete blend of inner and outer worlds. The poet's actions and perceptions are encountered and viewed through his self realization. The contrast between our world and its mundane aspects is how the beauty of nature and life's forms, or living sometimes for someone, becomes either meaningful or insignificant. Shishir’s poems vehemently urge mankind to know their motives for presence in the land, and not to be swayed from the soil until remarkable deeds are performed.

The poems in this book are deep. They offer an opportunity to take short breaths and enter the chamber of the poet's muse. Striking metaphors accentuate the emotions; in each line there is irony and satire of modernity and advancement.

Shishir’s poems are vibrant and simple in language but the content is existential, philosophical, evocative and pleading to bring remarkable change. He strongly believes living in the present is always worthy and challenging, giving thrilling and daring experiences in life. Some of his poems are paradoxical. Enigmatic topics like Vhok Ko Mirtu Udtsab (“Congregation of Hunger”), Manbahadur, Chunab (“Election”), Ishwor (“God”), Gaua (“Village”), Naksha (“Map”), Maflar (“Scarf”), Bati (“The Lantern Light”), Samapti (“Ending”) Euta Kinara ko Samajana, etc.

The poet becomes a prayer of nature and its essence to offer inspiration. Every poem astonishingly narrates the path of super-consciousness through its rebellious nature. The poems encourage insightful thoughts on social taboos through the deconstructive persona. Visibility within invisible things are the poet's impressions, bridging his time in Kathmandu and other corners of Nepal. His narrative resonates in diverse forms to knock at the door of governance about social issues, as shown in 'Bazar' (“Market”).

This book reveals the inner monologue of a contemplative soul voyaging through cultural, economic, and ethical courtyards which wall off segments of modern life. It is a  glance through doorways of gender, faith, emotion, and the apparent obsolescence of humanity. The poems are unique. The presentation is like a narration flowing like river to meet the depth of ocean. Unbelievable images and metaphysical forms strike the mind of readers concerning extreme circumstances. The imagery unveils existing marginalised, downtrodden, and countryside people’s actions and lifestyles together for the readers to digest happily!