{"id":3991,"date":"2025-02-14T05:18:30","date_gmt":"2025-02-14T05:18:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/afflatuscreations.com\/?page_id=3991"},"modified":"2025-02-14T05:20:12","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T05:20:12","slug":"intellectual-attitude-to-life-poetry-of-d-c-chambial","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/afflatuscreations.com\/index.php\/intellectual-attitude-to-life-poetry-of-d-c-chambial\/","title":{"rendered":"Intellectual Attitude to Life Poetry of D C Chambial"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Intellectual Attitude to Life Poetry of D C Chambial<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chambial, one of the most eminent voices in Indian English Poetry has so far published more than twelve anthologies of poems namely: Broken Images<\/em> (1983), The Cargoes of the Bleeding Hearts <\/em>and Other Poems <\/em>(1984), Perceptions <\/em>(1986), Gyrating Hawks and Sinking Roads <\/em>(1996), Before the Petals Unfold <\/em>(2002), This Promising Age <\/em>and Other Poems <\/em>(2004), Mellow Tones<\/em> (2009), Words<\/em> (2012), Hour of Antipathy<\/em> (2014), and River of Happiness <\/em>(2018) are notable collections of poetry from Poetic Publications, Maranda, Himachal. Broken Images<\/em> is a Samkaleen Prakashan, New Delhi (1983) and The Cargoes of the Bleeding Hearts <\/em>& Other Poems,<\/em> is from Golden Books of India, Calcutta (1984). His eight collections appeared in one book, Words: 1979-2010<\/em> from Aadi Publications, Jaipur (2012), and two latest as Songs of Sonority and Hope<\/em>, from the Authors Press, New Delhi (2018) and the latest is Song of Light and Other Poems<\/em> from Aadi Publications, Jaipur.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

One of the most prominent features of Chambial\u2019s poetry is an intellectual probing into life\u2019s dilemmas in the contemporary scenario. The man in the poet is disturbed as the poet\u2019s multifaceted personality interferes too often and a coherent view of life is possible only when one goes into the psyche and intellect of the poet. Only then one is competent enough to understand. It is imperceptible but it stirs.\u00a0 He authentically speaks about the modern anguish, of pains arising out of chaotic living conditions, of scrambled thought processes while man fails to locate a correct existential position amidst surging despair and overshadowing frustrations. Chambial\u2019s intellectual intensity befuddles a gentle heart. To understand the poet, it is necessary to know the intellect of the people. The post-independence period witnessed many changes at various levels in the system in totality and the people minds and hearts throbbed with the exciting possibilities of charting out a bright future. It is pertinent to point out that Chambial\u2019s \u2018intellect and heart\u2019 was more inclined to observe what was taking place around than what had occurred. He is away from the colonial hang over and tries to depict life as it is with all the Indianness.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

In Chambial\u2019s poetry, one feels an intensity of experience which gets unique expression in wonderful images.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Life \u2013an urge to go<\/p>\n

to deeper recesses<\/p>\n

but annulling force<\/p>\n

of buoyancy doesn\u2019t relax<\/p>\n

until volcano erupts.<\/p>\n

(\u201cVolcano,\u201d Broken Images<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em> 27)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Man in life confronts mysteries of life and wishes to unravel the meaning hidden beneath the surface of apparent life. For the poet, it is a continuous process to find meanings in volcanic intellectual struggle pestering life and existence.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Despite despairing moments in life, a rigorous search prolongs.\u00a0 Still hope of an \u2018enthralling melody simmers\u2019 when it satisfies the parched heart and intellect under a breezy shower. An earlier stoic attitude creates a stage of unfeeling and vacuity.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cold and stolid stones<\/p>\n

senseless and apartheid<\/p>\n

Wriggle with<\/p>\n

spades and sickles<\/p>\n

Atop murderous hills\u2026\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0(\u201cStones,\u201d Broken Images<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em> 27)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Harsh realities of life shock and an apathetic and hardened attitude brings carnage and violence. Stones, apartheid, spades and sickles are words loaded with terrific images, which create fears in the minds of peace loving people. The images created with words like falcons, skeletal sky, colliding thoughts, blank canvas and myriad \u201cIn a Trance\u201d shock and bewilder signaling a frightful callousness and brutality in experience.\u00a0 A merger of emotions and thoughts, cries for meanings amidst struggles ending like a collapse of \u2018a rootless tree \/ in the storm.\u2019\u00a0\u00a0 Intellectual wailings make existence disturbing as harmony is a distant dream where modern life seems rootless and so lacks synchronization.\u00a0 He is distressed at nature\u2019s anguish as hills tremble and sky weeps, where smoke appears like a sea of desolation.\u00a0 Poet\u2019s hints of frequent blood-thirty wars, communal riots, bomb blasts and fanatic religious battles in various parts of the world are timely; and warn men of the ominous extinction. To find identity is an enigma defying reasons and scrutiny that renders intellectual exercise futile<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Highly philosophical lines below astonish with brevity and candor. Earlier the poet was disillusioned but this verse exhibits tremendous faith in life as the poet\u2019s optimism gushes out with a rare spontaneity.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Life is music\u00a0<\/p>\n

attuned by<\/p>\n

maestro divine.<\/p>\n

Pleasant to those<\/p>\n

who pick<\/p>\n

and dance with the song.<\/p>\n

Jargon to those<\/p>\n

who fail to find rapport<\/p>\n

On the steps of melody and heart.\u2019<\/p>\n

(\u201cLife,\u201d Broken Images<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em> 33)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chambial lives in poetic aura and radiance and rarely opens up to the outside world. Possibly sufferings in contemporary life disturb him. The Cargoes of Bleeding Hearts and Other Poems <\/em>appeared in 1984 <\/em>heralding a return to disillusionment. Hopeful cynicism and illusive world drive him away to abstruse imaginings.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The sun\u2019s gone<\/p>\n

the moon wails<\/p>\n

meteors play funny tricks.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Tomorrow will be a cloudy<\/p>\n

morning. Wolves are out<\/p>\n

To devour earth and sky.<\/p>\n

\u00a0(\u201cCargoes of Bleeding Hearts,\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cargoes of Bleeding Hearts & Other Poems<\/em> in Collected Poems <\/em>42)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

These lines are disheartening but truth exists in the lines below when one reads the meaning of images the words create.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

A moth mad to kiss flame<\/p>\n

the flame, bright and beauteous.<\/p>\n

but cruel burns the moment you<\/p>\n

approach it. A bee-spider episode!<\/p>\n

(\u201cMoth,\u201d The Cargoes of Bleeding Hearts & Other Poems<\/em> in Collected Poems <\/em>42)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

I sink my feet in the cold water<\/p>\n

on a bed of sand and stones<\/p>\n

dreamed about past when<\/p>\n

bacteria struggled in snow.<\/p>\n

\u2026\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026<\/p>\n

A boat dances on waves<\/p>\n

river sobs, clouds bleed<\/p>\n

Hills turn blue.<\/p>\n

(\u201cBleeding Clouds,\u201d The Cargoes of Bleeding Hearts & Other Poems<\/em> in Collected Poems <\/em>44-45)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0An incessant struggle in the mind continues as mad engagement in daily run shadows life with emptiness and escape from this \u2018bee-spider\u2019 run-about never terminates.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chambial\u2019s forte is to create images, paintings and pictures out of life and nature and at intense moments out of nothing. Objects which usually escape a common man\u2019s attention draw poet\u2019s vigilant eyes. The world of nature is an inexhaustible cache from where he draws out pearls of wisdom and weaves dreams while trying to give rational interpretation of life. Objects dead or alive, plants, animals, birds, water, earth, stars, sky and ocean are instruments to carry emotions, thoughts and philosophy. The poet uses these as symbols of man\u2019s internal strife and the camouflaged quality of life. Hypocrisy, violence, mendacity and fears in life repulse the poet to the inner world. Man is discontented in the modern world despite varied comforting gadgets. Poet\u2019s finds apt words and images to depict the intensity of agony.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chambial\u2019s mental and physical sufferings pile-up as meaningless wars fought around the world burden his inborn sensitivity. He is anguished that man seeks life and existence in incessant violence. \u201cA Cry for Peace\u201d carries the burden silently and the \u201cMasks\u201d exposes deception and vanity as a modern man makes strenuous efforts to find causes and reasons of a not very happy destiny.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

One after another<\/p>\n

mile-stones are left behind<\/p>\n

With a hope<\/p>\n

of reaching some destination<\/p>\n

\u2026\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026<\/p>\n

The straw has caught the fire<\/p>\n

ready to singe the spirit<\/p>\n

Of cats and rats.\u00a0<\/p>\n

(\u201cTo My Friends,\u201d The Cargoes of Bleeding Hearts & Other Poems<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em> 46)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

In these lines, a ray of hope, a stream of flowing life and again a wish to fill the world with \u201csatyam, shivam, sundram\u201d is observed. A melancholic shadow overtakes while one reads gentle lines of \u201cTo Mother\u201d. A child\u2019s psychology finds fine expression with the eternal question: \u2018Who I am?\u2019 \u201cA Prayer\u201d again makes a startling departure where the will to live encourages the poet to discern the true meaning of beauty, truth and God in life.\u00a0 Soon the poet settles down contentedly in life as words form images impregnated with meaningful reflections. Strangely enough, one is mildly irritated.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The poor pigeons<\/p>\n

stare at the horizon<\/p>\n

in the hope of a new sun<\/p>\n

will it dawn?\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

(\u201cThe Burning Tree,\u201d The Cargoes of Bleeding Hearts & Other Poems<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em> 62)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

In \u201cAwaiting Moments,\u201d the poet exhibits determination:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

In this hour full of loneliness<\/p>\n

Hence you cruel time!<\/p>\n

\u00a0Cease my waiting moments<\/p>\n

To my idol let me run.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0Chambial\u2019s philosophic anxieties and tensions almost disappear as the years roll on.\u00a0 Perceptions<\/em> (1986), makes a radical shift in the poet\u2019s mind and heart. Now, the poet is relaxed and meditates on life in cheery countenance. For him life is an opportunity to create and disseminate joy around. In the verse \u201cThe Ripe Time\u201d, the theme is forceful with an eye for the future. Concentration and single-minded devotion leads man to achieve the target the poet appears to say.\u00a0 Chambial tries to establish that poetry is not merely an emotional outburst but it has a definite purpose.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

I have a few acres of land<\/p>\n

with the coming of rains,<\/p>\n

Thundering of clouds<\/p>\n

I get ready to sow the seeds.<\/p>\n

\u2026\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u2026\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026.<\/p>\n

I have\u00a0 belle blithe and debonair;<\/p>\n

she sings, snorts, laughs<\/p>\n

Weeps and fumbles.<\/p>\n

Is it time? Is it time to sow the seeds?<\/p>\n

\u2026\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026<\/p>\n

I think it is time to sow the seeds.\u00a0<\/p>\n

(\u201cThe Ripe Time\u201d, Perceptions<\/em> in Collected Poems 67<\/em>)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Here land, rains, sow, seeds and belle are significant words presaging creation, procreation and rejuvenation and that is exactly the purpose of life and living. If the poet hints at the famous sloka of Gita, it is focused. Desire if inspires action for fruit or reward, is futile. Karma, if selfless, makes life meaningful. It seems Chambial\u2019s is worried about humanity. At times, poet\u2019s symbols and images obscure clarity and also the poet refuses to work on a predetermined pattern. He writes naturally and spontaneously and it creates difficulties in understanding his poetic prowess.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0If \u201cTo her Luscious Lake\u201d is a sizzling and sensuous love verse with a sprinkling of fresh thoughts, love for humanity worries the poet in \u201cLet Us March\u201d where he is blunt and philosophic. Humanity and humanism do not recognize any religion or dogma or doctrine but repose faith in man and life.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Let us march, today, hand in hand<\/p>\n

concatenating souls like beads<\/p>\n

into the thread of the greatest ROSARY<\/p>\n

the ever cherished HUMANISM.<\/p>\n

\u2026\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026march in search of that heaven<\/p>\n

where milk of humanity gushes out<\/p>\n

and springs of fraternal love flow.<\/p>\n

\u2026\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0 \u2026.<\/p>\n

\u2026march into that land and time<\/p>\n

where colour and creed do not impede;<\/p>\n

impede not the free flow of fellow feeling\u2026<\/p>\n

(\u201cLet Us March\u201d Perceptions<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em> 68-69)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0When the poet thinks deeply without respite, even \u201cSilence\u201d tortures mind and spirits. Nature\u2019s silence before the storm is not terrible as compared to inner chaos:<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

In the silence of the seas<\/p>\n

I smell a perilous storm<\/p>\n

Brewing in the womb of time<\/p>\n

\u2026\u00a0 …\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026<\/p>\n

The silence of the heart more harrowing<\/p>\n

than all seas and storms<\/p>\n

A lesson taught by time.<\/p>\n

(\u201cSilence\u201d Perceptions<\/em> in Collected Poems <\/em>85)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

In a subtle intellectual power, in \u201cSummer to South\u201d, Perceptions<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em> 100, sovereignty of God is established. God is the invisible power who controls life, birth, death and rebirth of human beings. Poet\u2019s sense of discrimination is revealed here.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

It appears that for a long period the poet\u2019s meditative and emotional, analytical and philosophical faculties were not idle or lethargic. As the years roll on, he is able to crystallize and straighten a few ambiguities. Earlier love for images and metaphors made it difficult to go deep into the mind of\u00a0\u00a0 this poet. But with uplifting, mild filtering and sieving, there is precision and transparency. Contemporary realities are dealt with an empathetic feeling as symbols and similes flow with a refreshing liquidity when one confronts Gyrating Hawks and Sinking Roads<\/em> (1996) a new collection of verses.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

In an age of insecurity and stark faithlessness, the question of survival reigns supreme and so it is a mind that \u201cone hand severs the other\u201d and feelings of \u201clove and compassion\u201d mean nothing. \u201cSinking Crossroads\u201d talks of vacuity and chill in fragile relations though elsewhere in \u201cFlaming Candle\u201d, in fine images transient nature of life, worries the poet. Bit by bit life lingers on and finally goes deep down in the abyss of oblivion and so the mystery remains:<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Drop by drop I melt<\/p>\n

like a flaming candle<\/p>\n

into the unfathomed deeps.<\/p>\n

(\u201cFlaming Candle\u201d Gyrating Hawks and Sinking Roads<\/em> in Collected Poems <\/em>105)\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Grief and gloom are just temporary. In life, darkness and suffering may dampen spirits but it has an end. \u201cNight can\u2019t be Long.\u201d celebrates optimistic view of life.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Night can\u2019t be long<\/p>\n

Dawn peeps from the eastern hill<\/p>\n

Swan peace to knock the sill.<\/p>\n

(\u201cNight can\u2019t be Long.\u201d Gyrating Hawks and Sinking Roads<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em> 106)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0Materialistic living is the theme of modern life. Demon of corruption is the god today, the poet deliberates. It shocks when one learns \u201cfor they also love who rape and kill\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ultra-modern mentors<\/p>\n

set examples to toll the knell<\/p>\n

At the altar of Mammon<\/p>\n

care a fig for men and morals;<\/p>\n

Indebted to these caring captains\u2019<\/p>\n

Brain-babies: hawalas & scams.<\/p>\n

(\u201cConfessions\u201d Gyrating Hawks and Sinking Roads<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em> 108)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0In \u201cWithout the Qualms of Conscience\u201d the poet talks of cunningness, violence and loot of a modern man bereft of ethics and morals where horse-trading is a trait of politics. It is life of arson, rapes, violence and sexual orgies. A graphic picture emerges that provokes to think agonizingly.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

We feel safe<\/p>\n

with whisky in pegs<\/p>\n

legs in plates and become<\/p>\n

Blind to everything else<\/p>\n

even our nudity.<\/p>\n

(\u201cWithout the Qualms of Conscience\u201d Gyrating Hawks and Sinking Roads<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em> 110)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rhythm is the causality and if a man aspires to the contrary, it is \u201cLonging in Void\u201d and he observes only \u201cVultures in Sky\u201d with no hope of tranquility. In a heartless world a sensitive thinker like the poet is \u201ccausality\u201d at last, and \u201cI feel cut asunder \/ from the world \/ like a shuttle lost in space\u201d (\u201cThe Casuality\u201d121). If a man sticks to a little quality life \u2013 with morals and virtues \u2013 he is a non-entity during this age where.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sun is proscribed here<\/p>\n

only dead walk<\/p>\n

with a cross<\/p>\n

on shoulders<\/p>\n

for our deliverance!\u2019<\/p>\n

(\u201cDreams\u201d Gyrating Hawks and Sinking Roads<\/em> in Collected Poems 121<\/em>) \u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

It is the self \u2013a metaphysical inquiry that is important for a modern man. Though not lyrical like the metaphysical poets -Cowley and Herbert, Chambial exhibits a fine mix up of intellectual inquiry and passion. Like these poets, he draws images from nature in a startling rapidity. Nature is eternal and nothing can hurt it, is the message of \u201cSinging Blossoms\u201d (125). The blossoms symbolize beauty, harmony and meaning.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sing about the innocent<\/p>\n

Tears shed in gang rapes, bomb-blasts<\/p>\n

\u00a0Sing about the epileptic morals<\/p>\n

in moments of white fancy.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Again:<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

He\u2019s left for from where<\/p>\n

none ever returns<\/p>\n

to tell about the voyage\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0These words succinctly sum up life\u2019s dilemma and complexities where everybody pursues meaning in living but comes out empty handed \u201c<\/strong>in the search of the face \/ lost in void in \/ the valley of maya.\u201d(\u201c<\/strong>In the Memory of a Dead Friend\u201d 127)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The poet\u2019s pangs and pains arising out of modern life are evident in Before the Petals Unfold<\/em> (2002). The lyrics embarrass and disturb but the themes of fragmented, vicious, corrupt and unethical life provoke to think deeply about life.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

In Hopkins\u2019 poetry, one finds immensity of love for nature and genuine imparting of meaning and beauty to nature around. Hopkin\u2019s images are quite distinctive having an integral quality. For Chambial, natural objects have deep meaning and each segment of nature gives material for images with multi-dimensional meaning of life with intensity.\u00a0 In verse \u201cLife-An Enigma\u201d life is equated with a map on the palm where life\u2019s movement can be visualized.\u00a0 \u201cHeat\u201d stands for life and \u201ccoldness\u201d for death. The poet, in fine words emphasis that:<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2026crawling fingers crave<\/p>\n

to feel the peaks of moon<\/p>\n

in this frost with a hope to flow<\/p>\n

from stasis to flux<\/p>\n

from coldness to heat.<\/p>\n

(\u201cLife and Death,\u201d Before the Petals Unfold<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em>142)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The symbols of \u201cheat\u201d and \u201cicy chill\u201d stir the poet again as he thinks \u201cof mangled relations\u201d:<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Let us leave behind<\/p>\n

this world full of icy chill<\/p>\n

And mount up a higher hill<\/p>\n

where sun shines<\/p>\n

Warm and bright<\/p>\n

against mundane gall and fright.<\/p>\n

(\u201cIn quest of Cheerfulness\u201d Before the Petals Unfold<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em> 147)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The poet knows that man is occupied with routine thoughtless pursuits and has turned insensitive in spite of splendid progress. Angst and uncertainties continue to depress the poet. The harsh realities of life resurface in another lyric \u201cLife\u201d. Life to the poet is \u201can endless tale of \/ vales, dales and hills \/ from the black holes of eternity, and individual is: mere cog \/ in the wheel of time \/ no will\u201d. The poet is conscious of the fears, which assume different shapes and challenge the intellect.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The philosophic attitude lessens agonies of life. If one looks into the embryonic meaning of \u201cYesterday is not Today\u201d it is evident that man not for a moment is cut off from the past. Man\u2019s life is embedded in the past and so the flow of:<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Every new moment<\/p>\n

springs from the womb<\/p>\n

of the moment gone by<\/p>\n

Fertilized in mind<\/p>\n

bears young one of its kind.<\/p>\n

(\u201cYesterday is not Today\u201d Before the Petals Unfold<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em> 158)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

If the intentions are clearly understood, \u201cThe Nudging Present\u201d gives a new tilt to the above meaning when the poet says –<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

the past far behind\u00a0<\/p>\n

the future far ahead\u00a0<\/p>\n

the present nudges from\u2026the wound bleeds<\/p>\n

the hoary \/past full of dead dreams.<\/p>\n

(\u201cThe Nudging Present\u201d Before the Petals Unfold<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em>146)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Past and present become inseparable and stealthily tell of past and predict future. The poet lifts images from nature and is fine-tuned to sensations stimulated by nature. \u201cA Sluggish January Evening\u201d is mildly cozy and is a gently motivating experience as it excites a brooding mind to observe-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0sun slowly sinks down<\/p>\n

shadows rise to the sky<\/p>\n

A toddler tittle-tattles at the whining dog<\/p>\n

Labourers look at watches<\/p>\n

at their cozy hearths.<\/p>\n

(\u201cA Sluggish January Evening\u201d Before the Petals Unfold<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em> 167)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0The poet recalls fire tragedies that occurred a decade ago at Dabwali, Baripada and Mina in Mecca. Here, he is serious about the turns fate takes.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

What a poetic justice! Fruit of past Karma?<\/p>\n

\u2026\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026<\/p>\n

Man, a helpless mortal<\/p>\n

in this drama of despair.\u00a0<\/p>\n

(\u201cDeath by Fire\u201d Before the Petals Unfold<\/em> in Collected Poems<\/em> 142)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The poet dwells on contemporary age, its predicament, failure and glory in This Promising Age and Other Poems<\/em> (2004). If it is at the pinnacle of brilliance, it has also touched nadir of disgrace and sin. Man\u2019s life and philosophy move between two pendulums and in-between, he builds a world of truth and facts, fancies and dreams. The heart feels, eyes observe and intellect analytically interprets life and society. \u201cThis Promising Age\u201d is a realistic poem in fragmented rhythms. Like the age itself, words disregard a pattern. But the narration is obvious and the images stridently frighten.\u00a0 It is life of inner contradictions and outer variations. Life is mechanical and just looks as if it were designed years back. This \u201cantagonistic society\u201d is \u201cacute\u201d with heartless \u201cattitude\u201d. The misfortune is that \u201cin this robot culture \/ where soul defies \/ the principle of metempsychosis \/ and enter into \/ wires, screws, transistors\u2026\/ to help, interpret and amuse?\u201d (\u201cThis Promising Age\u201d) in a chilling series seems ghastly.\u00a0\u00a0 Finer sensibilities feel a vacuum and aridness and look sterile.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Compassion, pity, sympathy<\/p>\n

face retreat<\/p>\n

in the face of hypocrisy and cynicism.<\/p>\n

\u2026\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026<\/p>\n

Nature has been cruel<\/p>\n

to the honest individual\u2026<\/p>\n

Ordinary time flows into<\/p>\n

Bhrigu time.<\/p>\n

Unknowingly know centuries<\/p>\n

yet feel not so<\/p>\n

\u00a0(\u201cThis Promising Age\u201d This Promising Age and Other Poems<\/em> 6-7)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

This age structures and reshapes man\u2019s life and activities.\u00a0 Man moves around below the surface and above into the deep sky; and feels and yet is unfeeling and this is man\u2019s intellectual anguish<\/p>\n

\u00a0 When nature is enraged, the poet appears to warn and bluntly tells that nature destroys and spells peril.\u00a0 Wreckages and remnants are its indelible marks on the earth and here a man learns to reconstruct life. A little verse \u201cWith a Whimper\u201d makes a grave situation, witty. Morning rituals of brushing teeth and shaving assume a ludicrous character and inspire to think differently.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0I look like a fool<\/p>\n

on the face of the mirror<\/p>\n

\u00a0for an easy answer<\/p>\n

with a whimper.<\/p>\n

(\u201cWith a Whimper\u201d This Promising Age and Other Poems<\/em> 11)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0The poet looks at transient human life with a philosophical eye and through images created out of the objects of nature, interprets it. In \u201cSand-Smell Spreads\u201d a unique fragrance emanates, as if, from the vast desert of Rajasthan. His control over the images is fantastic and in this little poem, while tributes are paid to women in Rajasthan for the sturdiness and vigor, the verse also prompts invigorating thoughts to look at life from another point of view.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sink into, emerge from the vast wilderness<\/p>\n

Ploughing the sands<\/p>\n

Mirage metamorphoses into reality.<\/p>\n

Pagodas of water<\/p>\n

Poised on steady heads;<\/p>\n

The fiery sun feels defeated.<\/p>\n

(\u201cSand-Smell Spreads\u201d This Promising Age and Other Poems<\/em> 24)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0I am inclined to reaffirm here that in the intellectual horizons of Chambial, one discerns a characteristic blend of realistic and rational mind of Harvansh Rai Bachhan, superb perceptive authority of Ageya, Suryakanth Tripathi and Shamsher Bahadur, who exercise a lasting influence on people as they are well known Hindi poets and authors of India.\u00a0 He is genuinely worried about the contemporary sufferings, injustice and sense of discrimination prevailing in the society. Like Shiv K Kumar, I K Sharma, O P Bhatnagar, I H Rizvi, K V Dominic and P C K Prem, he fully understands the dilemmas and asserts an intellectually viable presence in many lyrics.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

One is often escorted by Chambial to an impenetrable and cryptic land of frequent changes in sequences, mindscapes and heretofore, strange inner areas of vibrations filling the physical and psychic world, where a man is scarcely aware of the internal developing growth. A sensitive heart feels and contemplates deeply when one goes deep into the poetry of Chambial. His poetry is difficult to understand as there are abrupt shifts in images. It happens often and if this unintentional technique of his poetry is fully comprehended one enjoys his verses. The poet\u2019s search for perfect images to interpret life is still unfinished and so to understand Chambial, one must try to know the energy and horizons of poet\u2019s creative activity and his own limitations. The moment truth opens up, understanding is a reality. In the case of Chambial, energy with creative urge is essential to understand his poetic perspective.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ****<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Works cited:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Chambial, D. C. Before the Petals Unfold. <\/em>Maranda: Poetcrit Publications, 2002.<\/p>\n

—. Broken Images <\/em>in Collected Poems. <\/em>Maranda: Poetcrit Publications, 1983. .<\/p>\n

—. Collected Poems (1979-2004)<\/em>. Maranda: Poetcrit Publications, 2004.<\/p>\n

—. Gyrating Hawks and Sinking Roads. <\/em>Maranda: Poetcrit Publications, 1996.<\/p>\n

—, D.C. Collected Poems (1979-2004). Maranda: Poetcrit Publications, 2004.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Reddy, T.V.\u00a0 The Poetry of D, C. Chambial (Essays in Evaluation). <\/em>2008.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Editor Poetcrit\u00a0 Publications. The Poetry of D.C. Chambial: Views, Reviews<\/p>\n

and\u00a0\u00a0 Comments. 2008<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Further Readings<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0Ram, Dr Atma. Contemporary Indian English Poetry<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Calcutta: A Writers Workshop Publication, 1989.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0Prem, P. C. K. Contemporary Indian English Poetry from Himachal<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Delhi: Konark Publishers Pvt. Ltd., 1992.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Prem, P C K\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 English Poetry in India: A Comprehensive Survey of Trends and Thought Patterns, Authorspress, Delhi 2011<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

—\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 English Poetry in India: A Secular Viewpoint-Co-edited with D.C. Chambial,\u00a0 Aavishkar Publishers, Jaipur, India 2011<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

—\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ten Poetic Minds \u2013Towards Indian Consciousness<\/em>, Authorspress, Delhi 2016<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

—\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Time and Continuity<\/em> (a brief study of 12 poets) ibid. 2016<\/p>\n

—\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 History of Contemporary Indian English Poetry \u2013An Appraisal<\/em> in Two Volumes, Ibid<\/em>. 2019<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

PCK Prem<\/strong><\/p>\n

Email: pckpremkatoch@gmail.com<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Intellectual Attitude to Life Poetry of D C Chambial \u00a0 Chambial, one of the most eminent voices in Indian English Poetry has so far published more than twelve anthologies of poems namely: Broken Images (1983), The Cargoes of the Bleeding Hearts and Other Poems (1984), Perceptions (1986), Gyrating Hawks and Sinking Roads (1996), Before the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3991","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nIntellectual Attitude to Life Poetry of D C Chambial - Afflatus Creations<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Chambial, one of the most eminent voices in Indian English Poetry has so far published more than twelve anthologies of poems namely\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/afflatuscreations.com\/index.php\/intellectual-attitude-to-life-poetry-of-d-c-chambial\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Intellectual Attitude to Life Poetry of D C Chambial - 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