It was thought that the gods blew on creative people, who would then inhale the god's breath and have an idea. This is the premise of "inspiration": inhaling divine breath and ideas.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

To Raji with love

Dearest Raji,

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”

How could Shakespeare even in his wildest dreams quote such a thing my love! Can any other name be more beautiful than yours dear? Nay, it cannot. If Shakespeare would have set his eyes on you and called your name through his lips, he would never have quoted any thing like that.

Mr.William Shakespeare, you are not as lucky as I am. Do you remember the day when love beckoned us. Incidentally it was at the 'Romeo and Juliet' play on a rainy Saturday's evening that brought us under the single roof of love. And the moment I caught your eyes Romeo was declaring to himself his love for the lovely Juliet. I remember the exact lines:

O! she doth teach the torches to burn bright. It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
Like a rich jewel in an Ethiop's ear;
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!
So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows,
As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows.
The measure done, I'll watch her place of stand,
And, touching hers, make blessed my rude hand.
(Lines 48-55)
That moment under the dim light I watched a pair of sparkling eyes totally sweep me off my feet. Love invaded me and Romeo at that strategic moment!

And now, I wonder how many months have passed since I wrote to you a love letter. But I know, my love that you very well understand that the life of a revolutionary is not easy. This life I have chosen and I am happy to live with. My writings are inspiring many of our comrades to fight against oppression. I feel responsible now. I feel I am a part of the revolution.

The college days of reading Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson under the green lush trees which shadowed the burning sun are over now. The romance of life fades away when it meets the harsh realities of life. But you are the strength of my life. You know that. Thank you for the love and support. I hope to see you soon dear.

Love
Saki

4 comments:

  1. This is a work of fiction. Any resemblances of characters is purely coincidental.

    ReplyDelete
  2. And a lovely piece of fiction it is. The conflict between love and the duty to resist oppression is vividly shown in the passionate love expressed in the letter and it's recall of past delights.

    As one who has always said that the way I wish to die is while manning the barricades (not sure how I would do this as a pacifist) I relate to that call to duty.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This may be fiction, but I am sure there are many students who remember those heady days of enjoying poetry in the sunlight just because they could.. I am one of them. Sighhhh

    Lovely posting.

    Gemma

    ReplyDelete
  4. and an absolutely lovely piece of fiction at that....

    ReplyDelete