#gitanjali: song offerings

[doyouknowthisbook-poll]

FINAL RESULT: The majority of voters haven’t read this poem before, but enjoyed it. 😊

“Gitanjali 45” is a poem by Rabindranath Tagore, published in his collection of poetry, Gitanjali (Bengali: গীতাঞ্জলি, lit. ''Song offering''). From Wikipedia: “Tagore received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, for Gitanjali’s English translation, Song Offerings, making him the first non-European and the first Asian and the only Indian to receive this honour.

The collection by Tagore, originally written in Bengali, comprises 157 poems, many of which have been turned into songs or Rabindrasangeet. The original Bengali collection was published on 4 August 1910. The translated version Gitanjali: Song Offerings was published in November 1912 by the India Society of London which contained translations of 53 poems from the original Gitanjali, as well as 50 other poems extracted from Tagore’s Achalayatana, Gitimalya, Naivadya, Kheya, and more. Overall, Gitanjali: Song Offerings consists of 103 prose poems of Tagore’s own English translations. The poems were based on medieval Indian lyrics of devotion with a common theme of love across most poems. Some poems also narrated a conflict between the desire for materialistic possessions and spiritual longing.

Rabindranath Thakur (Bengali: [roˈbindɾonatʰ ˈʈʰakuɾ]; anglicised as Rabindranath Tagore 7 May 1861–7 August 1941) was a Bengali polymath who worked as a poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer, and painter of the Bengal Renaissance. He reshaped Bengali literature and music as well as Indian art with Contextual Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Author of the "profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful" poetry of Gitanjali. In 1913, Tagore became the first non-European to win a Nobel Prize in any category, and also the first lyricist to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Tagore's poetic songs were viewed as spiritual and mercurial; where his prose and poetry were widely popular in the Indian subcontinent.

As a humanist, universalist, internationalist, and ardent critic of nationalism, he denounced the British Raj and advocated independence from Britain. As an exponent of the Bengal Renaissance, he advanced a vast canon that comprised paintings, sketches and doodles, hundreds of texts, and some two thousand songs; his legacy also endures in his founding of Visva-Bharati University. Tagore modernised Bengali art by spurning rigid classical forms and resisting linguistic strictures. His novels, stories, songs, dance dramas, and essays spoke to topics political and personal. Gitanjali (Song Offerings), Gora (Fair-Faced) and Ghare-Baire (The Home and the World) are his best-known works, and his verse, short stories, and novels were acclaimed—or panned—for their lyricism, colloquialism, naturalism, and unnatural contemplation. His compositions were chosen by two nations as national anthems: India's "Jana Gana Mana" and Bangladesh's "Amar Shonar Bangla". The Sri Lankan national anthem was also inspired by his work. His song "Banglar Mati Banglar Jol" has been adopted as the state anthem of West Bengal.”

Do you know this poem?

Please reblog the polls, but KEEP IT SPOILER-FREE to make people read the poem with an open mind 💖📚 Title and author will be revealed after the poll's conclusion.

[b3ll-flow3r]

"This is my delight, thus to wait and watch at the wayside where shadow chases light and the rain comes in the wake of the summer. Messengers, with tidings from unknown skies, greet me and speed along the road. My heart is glad within, and the breath of the passing breeze is sweet. From dawn till dusk I sit here before my door, and I know that of a sudden the happy moment will arrive when I shall see. In the meanwhile I smile and I sing all alone. In the meanwhile the air is filling with the perfume of promise." Rabindranath Tagore, Gitanjali 44

[begottaum]

Thou hast made me endless, such is thy pleasure. This frail vessel thou emptiest again and again, and fillest it ever with fresh life.

This little flute of a reed thou hast carried over hills and dales, and hast breathed through it melodies eternally new.

At the immortal touch of thy hands my little heart loses its limits in joy and gives birth to utterance ineffable.

Thy infinite gifts come to me only on these very small hands of mine. Ages pass, and still thou pourest, and still there is room to fill.

-- from Gitanjali, by Rabindranath Tagore

[indiehaatblogs]

Poetry in Threads

Khadi Khakis on Poetry in Threads: Celebrate Tagore Jayanti in Elegance

Every year, Tagore Jayanti feels like more than just a date on the Indian calendar — it arrives like a whisper. A soft susurrus in the breeze. Somewhere, an old Rabindra Sangeet plays — gentle, familiar, like a memory returning home. The air slows down. The day softens. It isn’t a time for noise or sparkle, but a quiet invitation to pause, reflect, and come back to what truly matters.

It’s a day for grace. A verse. A memory. A touch of tradition.

Tagore’s Spirit, Woven into Everyday Moments

Tagore wasn’t just a poet — he was a feeling. A way of seeing the world that still lingers in Bengal’s wind, in rain-soaked verandas, and in tea-stained books left open on wooden desks. His legacy doesn’t sit in grand monuments. It lives in small, quiet moments that ask us to slow down and listen.

On Tagore Jayanti, everything becomes a gentle homage — the songs we play, the books we return to, and the clothes we wear. They become rituals and acts of remembrance.

And that’s where Khadi comes in.

Not loud. Not showy. Just like Tagore’s words — grounded, graceful, and quietly powerful.

Why Khadi Feels Like the Right Choice

Wearing khadi is like wearing a poem — soft, slow, and intentional. It doesn’t cling. It flows. It doesn’t perform. It speaks.

Especially on Tagore Jayanti, Khadi suits aren’t about dressing up. They’re about showing up — for yourself, for your roots, for the quiet elegance of simplicity.

The fabric tells its own story. Handspun. Handwoven. Made by real people, often in rural India, where looms still hum with memory and meaning. Wearing khadi is a tribute to craft, to patience, and to a slower kind of beauty. And somehow, you just know — Tagore would have admired that.

The Mood of the Day

If you grew up in Bengal, you know the rhythm of this day.

Morning songs. The scent of incense. Children singing in white saris with red borders. Homes echoing with Rabindra Sangeet. Quiet conversations about art, love, and life.

It’s not loud — but it’s deep. And what you wear should feel the same way.

Not an accessory. Not a costume. A continuation of the day’s rhythm. Something like Khadi.

Khadi Style Ideas for Tagore Jayanti

Not sure what to wear? Here are a few soulful suggestions:

1. The Minimal Muse An off-white Khadi suit with light chikankari, silver bangles, and a middle-parted bun. Soft. Serene. Timeless.

2. Rooted & Earthy Choose natural dyes — ochre, indigo, or clay brown — in straight-cut suits with hand-block prints. Add a cotton dupatta and small jhumkis.

3. Subtle Modernity A sleeveless kurta with straight pants and a structured Khadi jacket. Pair with kolhapuris and a cloth-bound copy of Gitanjali.

Whichever look you choose, let it be a reflection of you — thoughtful, grounded, and quietly confident.

More Than Just Fashion

In a world rushing toward more, faster, and louder, choosing Khadi is both an act of resistance and tenderness.

It says, “I choose slow. I choose story. I choose soul.”

Tagore once wrote:

“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”

And that’s exactly what Khadi offers — not just beauty, but meaning.

A Final Thought

This Tagore Jayanti, let your clothing be more than just an outfit. Let it be a part of the poetry — a verse that moves with you.

A tribute not just to the poet who gave us Rabindra Sangeet, but to the idea that beauty doesn’t need to shout. It just needs to be felt.

So whether you're attending a local cultural gathering, reading Gitanjali by candlelight, or simply sipping chai while the rain taps gently on the windows — wear something that feels like home. Like memory. Like meaning.

Wear Khadi. Wear a story.

[gitanjalithoratsblog]

Shreekrishna Janmashtami is the celebration of Lord krishna's birth, the eight avtar of lord vishnu. It is a Hindu Festival. It falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Bhadrapada, according to the Hindu calendar.

Birth story of Shree Krishna

Shri Krishna is the son of Maharaja Vasudeva and Devaki. Devaki's brother Kansa was told by Akashvani that Devaki's eighth son will kill you. Then Kansa was going to kill Devaki but in order to save Devaki, Vasudeva promised Kansa that he would give all his children to Kansa. Kansa then imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva. Kansa killed seven children of Devaki one by one. Therefore, in order to protect lord Krishna, his father Vasudev carried him in a basket across the raging River Yamuna to Vrindavan. There Krishna was adopted and brought up by Yashoda and Nanda.

Celebration of Krushna Janmashtami :

North India:

Krishna Janmashtami is biggest festival of Braj region of north India. Especially in Mathura where shree Krishna was born and Vridavan where shree krishna grew up. Shree Krishna's temples 

Decorated with flowers, lights, and diyas, temples hold special pujas, bhajans, and kirtans.

In Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and other states, Ras Leela (a dramatic representation of Krishna's life) is performed.

Dahi Handi: In Maharashtra, young men form human pyramids to break clay pots filled with curd and butter.

Devotional songs and prayers are sung in temples and homes.Devotees gather in temples for a special puja at midnight, the time of Krishna's birth.

Krishna Janmashtami is also celebrated outside India

In Nepal, people celebrate  Janmashtami by observing a fast until midnight and chanting verses from the Bhagavad Gita while singing religious songs. 

In the United States, Janmashtami celebrations starts early in the morning. Colourful celebrations and cultural events are put on by Hare Krishna troupes and their followers. 

Krishna Janmashtami also celebrate in Singapore, Bangladesh.

Traditions :

Devotees fast throughout the day and break their fast with a grand feast at midnight. They worship Krishna's idol, often decorated with flowers, garlands, and ornaments. Devotees chant sacred mantras, like the "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" mantra. Devotees offer prasad to Krishna and distribute it among family and friends. Devotees read the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text, to seek Krishna's guidance and wisdom.

These celebrations and traditions vary across regions, but they all share a common spirit of devotion, love, and joy, honoring the birth of Lord Krishna.

Significance Of Krishna Janmashtami :

Krishna Janmashtami, the celebration of Lord Krishna's birth, holds immense spiritual, cultural, and philosophical significance. Krishna's life teaches good over evil means encouraging devotees to stand against injustice and negativity.Krishna Janmashtami inspires devotees to seek spiritual growth, self-realization, and a deeper connection with the divine.The festival promotes unity and harmony among people, transcending social and cultural boundaries.Krishna Janmashtami is a celebration of life, joy, and the beauty of human experience, encouraging devotees to embrace life's challenges with courage and optimism.

Today we are celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, let us remember his teachings and strive to cultivate selfless love, compassion, and spiritual growth.

Jai Hind🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

Gitanjali Thorat (Press Blogger Article )

26/08/2024

[rap-bull]

FAMOUS POETS OF INDIA

India has been home to many renowned poets who have left an indelible mark on the world of literature. Here are some famous poets from India:

Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941):

A polymath, Tagore was a poet, philosopher, musician, and playwright. He was the first non-European to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems, "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings). Tagore's work reflects a deep spiritual and philosophical insight.

Gulzar (Born 1934):

Sampooran Singh Kalra, known by his pen name Gulzar, is a versatile artist - a poet, lyricist, and film director. His poetry often explores themes of love, life, and human emotions. Gulzar has won numerous awards for his contributions to Indian cinema.

Mirza Ghalib (1797-1869):

A prominent figure in Urdu and Persian literature, Ghalib is celebrated for his profound and often complex poetry. His ghazals and philosophical verses continue to be cherished, reflecting his keen observations and deep insights into human nature.

Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949):

Known as the "Nightingale of India," Naidu was not only a poet but also a politician and an activist. She played a significant role in India's struggle for independence. Her poetry is characterized by its lyrical beauty and patriotic themes.

Kamala Das (1934-2009):

An influential English-language poet, Kamala Das wrote with frankness about love, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships. Her work often challenged societal norms, making her a prominent voice in contemporary Indian literature.

Faiz Ahmed Faiz (1911-1984):

A Pakistani poet who wrote in Urdu, Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poetry is known for its revolutionary themes and social commentary. He received the Lenin Peace Prize and is celebrated for his contributions to both literature and progressive thought.

Agha Shahid Ali (1949-2001):

A distinguished Kashmiri-American poet, Agha Shahid Ali's work often revolves around themes of love, loss, and the cultural heritage of Kashmir. His poetry, deeply rooted in classical forms, has garnered international acclaim.

[india7d]

Top 10 Indian Authors and Their Famous Works

Celebrating Literary Brilliance: Top 10 Indian Authors and Their Famous Works

India has a rich literary tradition that dates back centuries, with a wealth of talented authors who have left an indelible mark on the world of literature. From the poignant poetry of Rabindranath Tagore to the contemporary narratives of Arundhati Roy, Indian authors have showcased their brilliance, creativity, and storytelling prowess. In this article, we will explore the top 10 Indian authors and their famous works, which have not only garnered critical acclaim but also touched the hearts of readers across the globe. - Rabindranath Tagore - "Gitanjali": A luminary in the world of literature, Rabindranath Tagore was a poet, writer, and philosopher whose influence extended far beyond his native Bengal. "Gitanjali," meaning "Song Offerings," is his most celebrated work and a collection of poems that earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. These poems reflect Tagore's spiritual and philosophical depth, celebrating the beauty of life, nature, and the divine. - R.K. Narayan - "Swami and Friends": R.K. Narayan is hailed as one of India's greatest storytellers, known for his captivating narratives set in the fictional town of Malgudi. "Swami and Friends" is the first book in the Malgudi series, introducing readers to the endearing character of Swaminathan and his adventures as a schoolboy. Narayan's simple yet profound storytelling style has endeared him to readers of all ages. - Arundhati Roy - "The God of Small Things": Arundhati Roy's debut novel, "The God of Small Things," took the literary world by storm and won her the prestigious Booker Prize in 1997. Set in the lush backdrop of Kerala, the novel weaves a poignant tale of family, forbidden love, and the repercussions of societal norms. Roy's lyrical prose and insightful portrayal of complex emotions make this book a literary masterpiece. - Vikram Seth - "A Suitable Boy": "A Suitable Boy" is an epic novel by Vikram Seth that spans nearly 1,500 pages and delves into the intricacies of Indian society, culture, and relationships. Set in post-independence India, the novel follows the lives of various characters as they navigate love, family, and societal expectations. Seth's meticulous attention to detail and captivating storytelling make this magnum opus a beloved classic. - Jhumpa Lahiri - "Interpreter of Maladies": Jhumpa Lahiri's collection of short stories, "Interpreter of Maladies," won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2000, catapulting her to literary fame. Each story in the book offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of Indian immigrants and the challenges they face in adapting to a new culture while holding onto their roots. Lahiri's evocative prose and nuanced exploration of human emotions make this collection a must-read. - Salman Rushdie - "Midnight's Children": Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children" is a tour de force that intertwines magical realism with historical events, tracing the lives of children born at the stroke of midnight on India's independence day. The novel weaves a captivating narrative that mirrors the tumultuous journey of India as a nation. "Midnight's Children" earned Rushdie the Booker Prize in 1981 and remains one of the most celebrated works in contemporary Indian literature. - Amish Tripathi - "The Immortals of Meluha": Amish Tripathi revolutionized Indian literature with his Shiva Trilogy, of which "The Immortals of Meluha" is the first installment. This mythological fantasy novel reimagines Lord Shiva as a mortal hero on a quest to save the ancient land of Meluha. Tripathi's unique blend of mythology, philosophy, and action has won him a vast readership and established him as a prominent voice in modern Indian writing. - Chetan Bhagat - "Five Point Someone": Chetan Bhagat is a contemporary Indian author known for his relatable storytelling and portrayal of urban youth. "Five Point Someone" was his debut novel, set against the backdrop of the Indian education system and the pressures faced by students. The novel struck a chord with young readers and inspired a generation of aspiring writers. - Aravind Adiga - "The White Tiger": Aravind Adiga's "The White Tiger" won the Booker Prize in 2008 and offers a scathing critique of Indian society and its class disparities. The novel is a darkly humorous and unsettling exploration of the life of a chauffeur who breaks free from his servitude to rise in the social hierarchy. Adiga's incisive commentary on power and corruption has earned him widespread acclaim. - Anita Desai - "Clear Light of Day": Anita Desai, a prominent voice in Indian literature, is known for her introspective and evocative writing. "Clear Light of Day" is a poignant family saga that delves into the complexities of relationships and the impact of time on memories and identity. Desai's lyrical prose and insightful observations make this novel a captivating read. Conclusion: Indian literature is a treasure trove of talent, creativity, and diversity, with each author adding a unique voice to the cultural narrative. From the timeless poetry of Rabindranath Tagore to the contemporary brilliance of Arundhati Roy and the imaginative storytelling of Amish Tripathi, these top 10 Indian authors and their famous works have left an indelible impression on readers worldwide. Their contributions to the world of literature continue to inspire, enlighten, and enrich the literary landscape of India and beyond. Read the full article

[bangladesh-er-kreeshi-o-kre-blog]

গীতাঞ্জলির গল্প ll Song Offerings ll The Story of Gitanjali ll Nobel Pri...

[newsraag]

Rabindranath Tagore Biography In English Project

Rabindranath Tagore Biography In English Project: Rabindranath Tagore, born on May 7, 1861, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, was a prolific poet, writer, musician, artist, and philosopher. He became the first non-European Nobel laureate in Literature in 1913. Tagore's work encompassed various genres, including poetry, songs, plays, essays, and novels. He was a key figure in the Bengal Renaissance and played a significant role in shaping modern Indian literature and art. Tagore's most famous work is the poem "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings), which brought him international acclaim. His writings reflect themes of love, nature, spirituality, and humanism. Tagore's legacy continues to inspire and resonate with people around the world.

[whydoqa]

Why was Rabindranath Tagore awarded the Noble Prize for Literature in 1913?

Why was Rabindranath Tagore awarded the Noble Prize for Literature in 1913?The poem collection “Gitanjali” (Song Offerings) by Rabindranath Tagore won the 1913 Nobel Prize in Literature. Tagore’s win marked a significant milestone as he became the first non-European and first Asian to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.   The Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel Prize, recognized Tagore’s literary achievements and the profound impact … Read the full article

[theoptia]

Rabindranath Tagore, from Gitanjali; “Song Offerings”

Text ID: —let me not forget for a moment, let me carry the pangs of this sorrow in my dreams and in my wakeful hours.

[symphonyoflovenet]

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; Where knowledge is free; Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls; Where words come out from the depth of truth; Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection; Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit; Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action– Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

Rabindranath Tagore, Gitanjali 35

[darlinggod]

Rabindranath Tagore, Gitanjali: Song Offerings

[gladiates]

175+ non-Western literature recommendations to diversify your academia, organized by continent + country

I love world literature, and I’ve been frustrated by the lack of representation of it in literature + academia communities on tumblr, so here are some recommendations. I haven’t read all of these myself yet, but the ones I have are excellent and the ones I haven’t come highly recommended from Goodreads and are on my to-read list! 

With the exception of anthologies of older works, all of these books were written before 2000 (some literally thousands of years earlier), since I’m less familiar with super contemporary literature. Also, I only included each writer once, though many of them have multiple amazing books. I’m sure there are plenty of incredible books I’m missing, so please feel free to add on to this list! And countries that aren’t included absolutely have a lot to offer as well--usually, it was just hard to find books available in English translation (which all of the ones below are.)

List below the cut (it’s my first post with a cut so let’s hope I do it right... and also warning that it’s super long)

ASIA:

Bangladesh:

Pather Panchali by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay (1929)

China:

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu (6th century BCE)

The Art of War by Sun Tzu (5th century BCE)

The Analects by Confucius (circa 5th-4th century BCE?)

The Book of Chuang Tzu by Zhuangzi (4th century BCE)

Mencius by Mencius (3rd century BCE)

The Songs of the South: An Anthology of Ancient Chinese Poems by Qu Yuan and Other Poets (2nd century AD)

Li Po and Tu Fu: Poems by Li Po and Tu Fu (written 8th century AD)

Poems of Wang Wei (8th century AD)

Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong (14th century AD)

Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio by Pu Songling (1740)

Dream of the Red Chamber by Xueqin Cao (1791)

Six Records of a Floating Life by Shen Fu (1809)

Diary of a Madman and Other Stories by Lu Xun (1918)

Mr Ma and Son by Lao She (1929)

Family by Ba Jin (1933)

Love in a Fallen City by Eileen Chang (1943)

A Source Book in Chinese Philosophy by Wing-Tsit Chan (1963)

Red Sorghum by Mo Yan (1987)

Soul Mountain by Gao Xingjian (1989)

The Big Red Book of Modern Chinese Literature edited by Yunte Huang (anthology, 2016)

India:

The Rig Vega (1500-1200 BCE)

The Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita (around 400 BCE but not known exactly. The Gita is part of the Mahabharata)

The Upanishads (REALLY wide date range)

The Dhammapada (3rd century BCE)

The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way by Nāgārjuna (2nd century AD)

The Recognition of Sakuntala by Kālidāsa (4th century AD)

The Way of the Bodhisattva by Santideva (700 AD)

Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore (1910)

Annihilation of Caste by B.R. Ambedkar (1936)

The Discovery of India by Jawaharlal Nehru (1946)

Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh (1956) 

A Source Book in Indian Philosophy by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Charles Alexander Moore (1957)

Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie (1981)

A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth (1993)

Women Writing in India: 600 BC to the Present V: The Twentieth Century by Susie J. Tharu and K. Lalita (1993)

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry (1995)

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (1996)

Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri (1999)

Indian Philosophy in English: From Renaissance to Independence (anthology, 2011)

Indonesia:

The Weaverbirds by Y.B. Mangunwijaya (1981)

Iran:

Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings by Abolqasem Ferdowsi (11th century AD)

The Essential Rumi by Rumi (13th century AD)

The Blind Owl by Sadegh Hedayat (1936)

Savushun by Simin Daneshvar (1969)

My Uncle Napoleon by Iran Pezeshkzad (1973)

Missing Soluch by Mahmoud Dowlatabadi (1979)

Iraq:

Fifteen Iraqi Poets edited by Dunya Mikhail (published 2013 but the poems are 20th century)

Japan:

The Ink Dark Moon: Love Poems by Ono no Komachi and Izumi Shikibu (9th-10th century AD)

The Pillow Book by Sei Shōnagon (1002 AD)

The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu (1008 AD)

The Tale of the Heike, unknown (12th century AD)

One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each: A Treasury of Classical Japanese Verse (not sure of year)

Essays in Idleness by Yoshida Kenk�� (1332)

Kokoro by Natsume Sōseki (1914)

No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai (1948)

Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata (1948)

The Makioka Sisters by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki (1948)

Confessions of a Mask by Yukio Mishima (1949)

Masks by Fumiko Enchi (1958)

The Woman in the Dunes by Kōbō Abe (1962)

A Personal Matter by Kenzaburō Ōe (1964)

Silence by Shūsaku Endō (1966)

Korea (written before the division into North/South):

The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyong (written 1795-1805)

Lebanon:

Samarkand by Amin Maalouf (1988)

Gate of the Sun by Elias Khoury (1998)

Pakistan:

We Sinful Women: Contemporary Urdu Feminist Poetry (1991)

The Rebel's Silhouette: Selected Poems by Faiz Ahmed Faiz (1991)

The Taste of Words: An Introduction to Urdu Poetry edited by Raza Mir (2014)

Palestine:

Men in the Sun and Other Palestinian Stories by Ghassan Kanafani (1963)

Orientalism by Edward Said (1978)

I Saw Ramallah by Mourid Barghouti (1997)

Mural by Mahmoud Darwish (2000, which technically breaks my rule by a year but it’s great)

Philippines:

Noli Me Tángere by José Rizal (1887)

Saudi Arabia:

Cities of Salt by Abdul Rahman Munif (1984)

Sri Lanka:

Funny Boy by Shyam Selvadurai (1994)

Syria:

Damascus Nights by Rafik Schami (1989)

Taiwan:

Last Words from Montmartre by Qiu Miaojin (1996)

Turkey:

My Name Is Red by Orhan Pamuk (1998)

Vietnam:

Spring Essence: The Poetry of Hô Xuân Huong by Hô Xuân Huong (1801)

The Tale of Kieu by Nguyen Du (1820)

Paradise of the Blind by Duong Thu Huong (1988)

Miscellaneous Asia (country unclear or multiple current day countries):

The Epic of Gilgamesh (circa 1800 BCE)

Myths from Mesopotamia translated by Stephanie Dailey

The Arabian Nights (as early as the 9th century AD, lots of changes over the years)

The Qur’an

AFRICA:

Algeria:

Fantasia: An Algerian Cavalcade by Assia Djebar (1985)

The Bridges of Constantine by Ahlam Mosteghanemi (1993)

Cameroon:

Houseboy by Ferdinand Oyono (1956)

Egypt:

The Tale of Sinuhe and Other Ancient Egyptian Poems 1940 - 1640 B.C. translated by R.B. Parkinson

Palace Walk by Naguib Mahfouz (1956)

The Sinners by Yusuf Idris (1959)

Woman at Point Zero by Nawal El Saadawi (1975)

The Map of Love by Ahdaf Soueif (1999)

Ghana:

Our Sister Killjoy by Ama Ata Aidoo (1977)

Two Thousand Seasons by Ayi Kwei Armah (1979)

In My Father’s House: Africa in the Philosophy of Culture by Kwame Anthony Appiah (1992)

Guinea:

The Radiance of the King by Camara Laye (1954)

Kenya:

A Grain of Wheat by Ngugi wa Thing'o (1994)

The River and the Source by Margaret A. Ogola (1995)

Libya:

The Bleeding of the Stone by Ibrahim al-Koni (1990)

Mali:

The Fortunes of Wangrin by Amadou Hampâté Bâ (1973)

Nigeria:

The Palm-Wine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola (1952)  

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (1958)

Efuru by Flora Nwapa (1966)

The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta (1979)

Aké: The Years of Childhood by Wole Soyinka (1981)

Sozaboy: A Novel in Rotten English by Ken Saro-Wiwa (1985)

The Famished Road by Ben Okri (1991)

Senegal:

God’s Bits of Wood by Ousmane Sembène (1960)

So Long a Letter by Mariama Bâ (1981)

Somalia:

Maps by Nuruddin Farah (1986)

South Africa:

When Rain Clouds Gather by Bessie Head (1969)

Fools and Other Stories by Njabulo S. Ndebele (1986)

Sudan:

Season of Migration to the North by Tayeb Salih (1966)

Tunisia:

The Colonizer and the Colonized by Albert Memmi (1957)

Zimbabwe:

The House of Hunger by Dambudzo Marechera (1978)

Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga (1988)

Miscellaneous Africa:

The Granta Book of the African Short Story edited by Helon Habila (2011)

The Penguin Book of Modern African Poetry edited by Gerald Moore and Ulli Beier (1963)

AMERICAS:

Antigua and Barbuda:

A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid (1988)

Argentina:

Ficciones by Jorge Luis Borges (1944)

Hopscotch by Julio Cortázar (1963)

The Museum of Eterna’s Novel (The First Good Novel) by Macedonio Fernández (1967)

Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig (1976)

The Sixty-Five Years of Washington by Juan José Saer (1985)

How I Became a Nun by César Aira (1993)

Thus Were Their Faces by Silvina Ocampo (2015 but written earlier)

Brazil:

Dom Casmurro by Machado de Assis (1900)

Chronicle of the Murdered House by Lúcio Cardoso (1959)

Dona Flor and her Two Husbands by Jorge Amado (1966)

Pedagagy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire (1968)

The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector (1977)

Vast Emotions and Imperfect Thoughts by Rubem Fonseca (1988)

Chile:

The Obscene Bird of Night by José Donoso (1970)

Emergency Poems by Nicanor Parra (1972)

The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende (1982)

Colombia:

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez (1967)

Cuba:

The Kingdom of This World by Alejo Carpentier (1949)

Cold Tales by Virgilio Piñera (1958)

Dominican Republic:

In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez (1994)

Guatemala:

Men of Maize by Miguel Ángel Asturias (1949)

I, Rigoberta Menchú by Rigoberta Menchú (1985)

Guadalupe (part of France but overseas):

I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Condé (1986)

Haiti:

Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwige Danticat (1994)

Jamaica:

No Telephone to Heaven by Michelle Cliff (1987)

The True History of Paradise by Margaret Cezair-Thompson (1999)

Martinique (part of France but overseas):

Discourse on Colonialism by Aimé Césaire (1950)

Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon (1961)

Poetics of Relation by Édouard Glissant (1997)

Mexico:

Pedro Páramo by Juan Rulfo (1955)

Aura by Carlos Fuentes (1962)

The Hole by José Revueltas (1969)

Underground River and Other Stories by Inés Arredondo (1979)

The Collected Poems, 1957-1987 by Octavio Paz (1987)

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel (1989)

Nicaragua:

Azul by Rubén Darío (1888)

Peru:

The Cardboard House by Martín Adán (1928)

The Time of the Hero by Mario Vargas Llosa (1962)

The Complete Poems by César Vallejo (1968)

St. Lucia:

Omeros by Derek Walcott (1990)

Trinidad and Tobago:

The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution by C.L.R. James (1938)

A House for Mr. Biswas by V.S. Naipaul (1961)

Uruguay:

Open Veins of Latin America by Eduardo Galeano (1971)

Venezuela:

Doña Bárbara by Rómulo Gallegos (1929)

Indigenous Writers from Canada and the United States:

American Indian Stories by Zitkála-Šá (Dakota) (1921)

Winter in the Blood by James Welch (Blackfeet and A’aninin) (1974)

Emplumada by Lorna Dee Cervantes (Chumash) (1982)

She Had Some Horses by Joy Harjo (Mvskoke) (1982) 

Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich (Chippewa) (1984)

Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko (Laguna Pueblo) (1986)

Custer Died for Your Sins by Vine Deloria Jr. (Dakota) (1988)

The Grass Dancer by Susan Power (Dakota) (1997)

Miscellaneous Americas:

And We Sold the Rain: Contemporary Fiction from Central America edited by Rosario Santos (1988)

Short Stories by Latin American Women: The Magic and the Real edited by Celia Correas de Zapata (2003)

Bordering Fires: The Vintage Book of Contemporary Mexican and Chicana and Chicano Literature edited by Cristina García (2006)

[i-alcocer]

“And when my voice is silent in death, my song will speak in your leaving heart.”

–Rabindranath Tagore

Me encantó esta frase de un libro de poemas del famoso escritor, filósofo y compositor bengalí. Si no conocían la obra o a su autor les recomiendo que le den una hojeada, es uno de esos libros que derrochan belleza y sabiduría...

Rabindranath (Calcuta, 7 de mayo de 1861 - 7 de agosto de 1941), fue un poeta filósofo del movimiento Brahmo Samaj (posteriormente convertido al hinduísmo), artista, dramaturgo, músico, novelista y autor de canciones, premiado con el Premio Nobel de Literatura en 1913, convirtiéndose así en el primer laureado no europeo en obtener este reconocimiento. También fue nombrado caballero de la corona inglesa por el rey Jorge V en 1915 (título que luego rechazó por la masacre de Amritsar).

Tagore revolucionó la literatura bengalí con obras tales como El hogar y el mundo y Gitanjali. Extendió el amplio arte bengalí con multitud de poemas, historias cortas, cartas, ensayos y pinturas. Fue también un sabio y reformador cultural que modernizó el arte bengalí desafiando las severas críticas que hasta entonces lo vinculaban a unas formas clasicistas. Dos de sus canciones son ahora los himnos nacionales de Bangladés y la India: el Amar Shonar Bangla y el Jana-Gana-Mana.

Tagore, quien desde muy pronto estuvo en contacto con la sociedad y la cultura europeas, «se convirtió a todos los efectos en uno de los observadores m��s lúcidos y en uno de los críticos más severos de la europeización de la India»...

_ Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 "because of his profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse, by which, with consummate skill, he has made his poetic thought, expressed in his own English words, a part of the literature of the West..." Tagore modernised Bengali art by spurning rigid classical forms and resisting linguistic strictures. His novels, stories, songs, dance-dramas, and essays spoke to topics political and personal. Gitanjali (Song Offerings), Gora (Fair-Faced), and Ghare-Baire (The Home and the World) are his best-known works, and his verse, short stories, and novels were acclaimed—or panned—for their lyricism, colloquialism, naturalism, and unnatural contemplation. His compositions were chosen by two nations as national anthems: India's Jana Gana Mana and Bangladesh's Amar Shonar Bangla... https://bit.ly/3cnIYed

[gryffindordaughterofathena]

TWO MISSIVES ONE HEART

Part 2

Book:Open Heart

Pairing:Ethan Ramsey x mc(Diana Ramirez)

Word Count:1093 words

Category:Series(WIP), a weird mix of angst and fluff(ends happily I promise)

Warning: None

Summary: Ethan stumbles across a letter Diana wrote to him while he was at the Amazon's. Set between the events of 2.11 and 2.12.

EXILE || EPIPHANY || EVERMORE

Time seemed to have come to a still….

Life had awoken from a deep slumber and had opened it’s doe eyes…..

And a moment’s clarity had deepened all the emotions that stared at him from the worn yellow pages of her book.

A book with that overtly familiar smell of worn pages, a book so different from what it’s owner usually read but also so closely entwined to everything that made his Rookie. The book laid open on her bed, which hadn’t been slept on since the morning of her attack, the slight breeze coming from her open window had turned the pages of the paper-back to a page whose contents were marked by the red of her ink, crouching down he began to read…..

"If it is not my portion to meet thee in this life

then let me ever feel that I have missed thy sight

let me not forget for a moment,

let me carry the pangs of this sorrow in my dreams

and in my wakeful hours.

As my days pass in the crowded market of this world

and my hands grow full with the daily profits,

let me ever feel that I have gained nothing

let me not forget for a moment,

let me carry the pangs of this sorrow in my dreams

and in my wakeful hours.

When I sit by the roadside, tired and panting,

when I spread my bed low in the dust,

let me ever feel that the long journey is still before me

let me not forget a moment,

let me carry the pangs of this sorrow in my dreams

and in my wakeful hours.

When my rooms have been decked out and the flutes sound

and the laughter there is loud,

let me ever feel that I have not invited thee to my house

let me not forget for a moment,

let me carry the pangs of this sorrow in my dreams

and in my wakeful hours."

And before even having to look at the sheaf of papers or the hastily patched up torn picture that fell out of the book onto the threadbare rug, he knew why this particular poem by the Indian author was highlighted…..

He knew it from the pain that those words exuded, he knew that her tears had fallen on these very pages as she cried herself to sleep, mind still reeling from the pain of him leaving and pushing her away despite all the promises he made.

Ethan thought that he knew how to shield his heart from pain and hurt after the trauma of his mother leaving, his best friend succumbing to academic jealousy, losing Dolores and pushing Diana away for an year, but he was wrong, as he always was whenever things concerned Diana. The words she wrote on the piece of paper pierced him like a thousand poisoned knives, the words that were addressed to him, words that accused him and berated him. And he knew he deserved each and everyone of them. Her self depreciating sarcasm, tell tale signs of depression and blatant accusation of his cowardice were all like slaps on his face…. Painful reminders of all the harm that he has done, of the million times he had broken the Hippocrates Oath in the expense of the person he cared the most for….

And all at once he knew what he had to do.

He knew that he had to run again.

Like the last time he ran away.

But this time towards her.

And so he ran….

He ran to his car parked outside her apartment notwithstanding the chill in the late December air and he drove towards Edenbrook, towards her. When he reached her room, she was no where to be seen and a blind panic caught hold of him. What could have happened in his absence, his mind started going through all possibilities. “Hey you are back, did you bring my books? I swear if I have to read a medical journal one more time–“

Diana could not complete her sentence….

As once again time stood still in the sterile hospital room….

Even the water droplet clinging from the tip of her freshly washed hair stayed still without falling as he crossed the room in two long strides, cutting her of mid-sentence he kissed her, their lips met in a startled urgency, surprising both of them, it was as if their lives depended on it, which, it probably was. Once she became used to the feeling of his lips on her, her hands automatically went around his neck just as his got lost in her still wet hair and like two puzzle pieces coming together to complete a greater riddle, their hearts once again entwined in a desperate, fervent worship of their second chance.

Time had no meaning.

For he didn’t know how long they were lost in the feel of the other’s lips before they broke apart for air. “I …. wow!” Diana finally managed to blurt out. A few more moments later she seemed to have gathered her words, while he still reeled from what just happened, “Not that I am complaining, but why this sudden urgency?”, she asked.

Immediately his thoughts went back to the letter, head hanging low he muttered, “I am sorry Rookie– sorry for everything”

And like countless other times, she knew the reason behind his apology even before hearing the words.

“You saw the letter”, it was not a question.

“I did”, he replied head still hanging low, “I am sorry Rookie, if I knew what you were going through–“

“Don’t be, Ethan I still don’t understand your reasoning behind leaving me but after last night if I had any doubts, they have all been cleared…. I know that we still need to talk but if the attack taught me anything it’s that life’s to short to dwell on the past and I understand if you need time. I waited so long and I am ready to wait more.”

“Rookie– thanks, it’s more than what I deserve.”

“You deserve everything and more Ethan, never doubt that. That’s a lot of emotional talk, now, can I get a hug?”

“Gladly”, he replied, not bothering to hide the smile as she melted into his arms. He knew that he still had a long way to go, a lifetime of attachment issues would not go away so easily.

But at that moment, with her in his arms,

everything seemed fine and

that was all he ever wanted.

And all he ever needed…

--------------------------------------------------

A/N: If you have read this far, thank you. This part of Two Missives One Heart is very close to my heart because of its attachment to my own roots. The poem used here is the 79th poem of Gitanjali (Song Offerings) by Rabindranath Tagore, the collection of poems which won him a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, making him the first Non-European to win it. Tagore was born in my own city, the very same city where my MC Diana's mother is from and he is my first stepping stone to a world of literature, I literally grew up listening to and reciting his poems. I decided to honour mine and Diana's roots through this poem.

There will be another final part to TMOH, which I plan on posting before book 3 is released.

Thank you

Dri

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