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New Delhi, 2007, Rs. 80/-
ISBN 81-7273-384-4
Stephen Gill is a world wide name in the domain of poetry. He is a poet
Laureate and the expressive voice of Canada. India and Pakistan. Stephen Gill
has authored more than twenty books, including novels, literary criticism and
collections of poems. His poetry and prose have appeared in more than five
hundred publications, mostly in Canada, the United States of America and India.
Stephen Gill has received awards and recognitions, including three honorary
doctorates, and Laureate Man of Letters from United Poets Laureate
International, Sahir Award of Honor from Sahir Cultural Society, Punjab India,
Plaque from the World Council of Asian Churches (Canada) . Pegasus International
Poetry for Peace Award (Poetry in the Arts, Inc, Texas). The Best Poet of Peace
Award for the year 1993 from Roger Cable II (Canada) and The Queen's Golden
Jubilee Medal. This volume contains 113 poems dedicated to his mother Christina
Hayatbibi. In the Preface of this volume the poet admits his Poetical Odyssey
and his struggle "Poetry is to present my vision and my concerns, and to
conceive peace in a peaceful way. The compelling influence for my crusade is the
peace that is beauty, the peace that is creative, the peace that makes life
meaningful, I attempt to illustrate that peace in its myriad forms on the rocks
of my words."
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In the
first poem of this volume the poet pays tribute to his mother in these
words.. "A blind boy Shattered in destiny's cage I long for your loving care.
Mother dear. O wish you were here."
Dr. Gill is desiring the help from goddess of poetry in such poems like.
To Be and Poet's Prayer. The Muse that muscles the vision of poets Shape my pen
into the plough that will prepare my land for sowing peace."
Sri Aurobindo writes in his essay "The Essence of Poetry" "Pleasure,
certainly, we expect from poetry as from all art, but the external sensible and
even the inner imaginative pleasure are only first elements, refined in order to
meet the highest requirements of the intelligence, the in agnation and the ear,
they have to be still farther heightened and in their nature raised beyond even
their own noblest levels." |
This is absolutely true on Dr. Stephen Gill's poetry. Dr. Gill is apostle of
peace and in this age of violence and conflicts, he consoles us through his
poems.. This is reflected in such poems as 'The Dove of Peace', 'Peace', 'My
Name is Peace', 'Seeking the Dove of Peace', 'Harmony and Peace'. Evening of
Harmony, Rays of Harmony etc."My name is peace I am love I am
the source The essence of glory." (My Name is Peace)
The poet stresses on the spirit of harmony in such poems as when and harmony."
When Harmony was established among the stars, sun, moon, earth and every other
object. the universe was carved."
(When) Dr. Gill presents himself as a true patriot in his poem 'My Canada'. He
stresses cosmopolitan culture here. There is realistic note in such poems as
'Man of Today', At the Wrong Time, It there be a Third World War, I have Seen.
The poet is very dejected to find violence corruption and degrading of human
values.."I have seen Casts Cuddled and caressed Dogs fed and fattened Judges
bribed or shot Pulpit used for politics Prayers often bought Donations doled for
name." (II Have Seen)
Dr. Gill also expresses his views on art of poetry
writing in such poems as Birth of Poems, Lonely Art, Isle of Art. A Poet, The
World of Poetry etc.."The world of poetry is woven with rainbow strings sorted in the secret caves of
desire to recreate the source of that supreme grace that evolves in the womb of
solitary hours during the creative nights of its conception."
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(The World of Poetry) The poet also expresses his resolve to change the
world and spread the message of peace and brother hood in such poems as 'My
Songs, My Muse, When I See, I am Still a Man', My Dream etc. "A justification
for truth
an embodiment of salvation a defender of justice a reflection of divine grace no
one can shackle the soul of my dream." |
(My Dream) The poet recreate the spirit of Lord Buddha (Enlightened) in such
poems as 'Light of Truth, Nirvana Life, Prince of Peace'. His poem 'Why'
presents the same questions that arose in the mind of Lord Buddha.
"This force Wine for the wise River of life Why dry." (Why)
Dr. Gill looks like a philosopher brooding deep on the future of man in such
poems as "Last Years of the Century, I am Still a Man."
"Departing years of the century rescind your dower a book disgusting."
(Last Years of the Century)
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The poet presents Wordsworthian spirit of "Child is the Father of Man" in
such poems as "Man is Even a child, These Children, Youth etc. There are some
other poems on diverse themes like "Let us Build Bridges, If you Lend me, A
Breeze that is Free, Enigma, Puppet, Election Result, Profile of a Hippie, Ode
to Mosquitoes, A Ph.d. says, Snow flakes, Spring is Around Let us Hibernate, My
Pets, Bride is Watching, Recollection of Texas, Reptiles etc." |
In the end I can say that Dr. Stephen Gill is quite successful in his efforts of
spreading peace, brother, hood and equality in this universe. He has used
different images and symbols to force his words. This volume is a must read for
every avid reader and lover of English Literature. The price is also reasonable.
===============
Contributed By:
Dr.
Ram Sharma, Lecturer in English,
Janta Vedic College MEERUT, U.P.
dr.ram_sharma@yahoo.co.in
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