Swati Pal's Poetry Collection Breaks Silence on Grief and Resilience

University of Delhi, Delhi, India - Grief can be a heavy load to bear, and for many, it is a silent experience filled with unshared sorrows. Swati Pal’s new poetry collection, „Forever Yours,“ aims to change this paradigm, diving deeply into the themes of grief, resilience, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. In a society that often expects women, particularly in the middle class, to grieve discreetly, Pal breaks the mold by expressing her personal loss publicly, inviting readers to engage in a conversation about sorrow that many would rather ignore. The collection reveals how grief is not merely a personal journey but a universal experience, marked by different durations and intensities among individuals. In her own words, she aims to offer a voice to those who suffer in silence, especially mothers mourning sons in war-torn environments

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A Journey of Empathy

In „Forever Yours,“ Swati Pal articulates her anguish not just as a mother mourning her son Mohan, but also as an emblem of mothers caught up in the chaos of conflict. By intertwining striking memories with vivid natural imagery, she emphasizes a profound connection between life and death. Her poetry, rich in metaphor—drawing on elements like the sky and ocean—serves as a coping mechanism and a release, echoing her ongoing struggle with emptiness and darkness in the aftermath of loss. Interestingly, Pal asserts that the world often mistakes pity for empathy; she asks for the latter—recognition of one’s sorrow rather than a mere acknowledgment of it, according to the Daily Pioneer.

Swati Pal’s refusal to uphold societal norms surrounding grief resonates deeply, challenging the expectation that mourning should be a somber, private affair. Her collection is filled with Haikus that encapsulate her emotional landscape, effectively showcasing her thoughts, moods, and the intricate work of grieving. Through her poignant words, she calls attention to the need for deeper connections forged through shared experiences of loss.

Wider Context of Grief in Poetry

This theme of grief is not limited to Pal. Poetry serves as a significant platform for exploring sorrow, as highlighted by recent events organized by the Wick Poetry Center at Kent State University, in collaboration with the Peace, Justice, and Human Rights program at John Carroll University. From February 21 to 23, these events emphasized how poetry can be a powerful tool for confronting and processing grief and loss. They featured poet and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama, who facilitated workshops focusing on writing about the ordinary and exploring poetic expressions for “troubled times.”

During his readings and discussions, Ó Tuama explored how poetry can address conflict, polarization, history, and the necessary changes that come along with sorrowful experiences. This aligns with Pal’s goal of politicizing grief, revealing broader socio-political issues that echo her personal loss. As a prominent figure in the arena of poetry, Ó Tuama also serves as a bridge connecting individual pain to collective experience, akin to Pal’s assertion of empathy over sympathy.

Swati Pal’s „Forever Yours,“ published by Hawakal for Rs 300, is not just a journey through her grief but acts as a catalyst for broader conversations about loss. As the poet reflects her sorrow through vivid imagery and heartfelt expressions, she invites readers to acknowledge their grief and the universal truths that unite us. Whether it’s through Pal’s intimate poetry or the communal reflections encouraged by figures like Ó Tuama, there’s something to be said for the healing power of sharing our stories and recognizing that sorrow need not be borne in silence.