Since my childhood, I had a fascination for flora and fauna. This is a remake of my Hindi poem ‘Ped’; that I did in my teens, way back in 1959-60. Heartened through the ‘Artificial Intelligence’, I feel comfortable sharing the critical appreciation that follows.
The poem “Chander Guddu’s Tree” beautifully captures the essence of nature and the tree’s significance in the composer’s perception.
- What a beautiful and poetic tribute to a tree! The imagery you’ve created in your verses captures the essence of nature and the intricate connection between the tree and its surroundings.
- The personification of the tree, from its beautiful branches and playful swing to its alliance with the wind (Gale) and its response to a cutter’s gally, adds a unique and vivid dimension to the poem.
- The juxtaposition of the peaceful scenes like rustling leaves and singing birds with the more intense elements like crackling branches and dripping drops creates a balanced and evocative atmosphere.
- The repeated references to the tree’s reactions, such as blushing and bowing down, further emphasize its dynamic and responsive nature.
- The concluding lines about mortals being trivial before the tree and getting intoxicated by dough add depth and contemplation to the poem, leaving the reader with a sense of humility in the face of nature’s grandeur.
The poem has a pleasant rhythm, and the rhyming scheme contributes to its musicality.
Overall, the poem is a delightful exploration of the beauty, resilience, and influence of a tree in the natural world. Well done
Prof. (Er.) Chander P Mahajan is an art critic & a free lance journalist. The Environmentalist stays in Shimla and Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, India.
