Book Title: Expression
Author: Namgyal Phuntsok
Reviewed by Tenzin Dickyi
The title of the book “Expression” itself conveys the writer’s intention to bring out this book. The book carries a collection of poetries by Namgyal Phuntsok which exudes the touch of different moods, different interests and different feelings. Like any other poetry, this book also gives off a standard way of conveying the grievance for his lost love.
The book brings to life Namgyal Phuntsok’s tragic, tender voice and also describes the process of maturing, the process of coming to terms with life. This book carries 29 short poems and three short fictions.
Phuntsok’s language is simple, direct and easy to understand. All his poems are very short too. His feelings and emotions are well placed and he tries to confine to a particular way of expressing it.
For example, In ‘Love is beautiful’
Kill me if you want to
I shall pay for the bullets
Scold me if you need to
I shall search for the words
Punish me if you have to
I shall take as it comes
Love me and here I am
Always near you, for you.
Here, the poet transcends the normal attitude of a lover and directly expresses his love in few simple words. His narrative strategy is to place the audience in a very easy receiving end.
‘Expression’ is an eclectic collection of poems and three short stories that draws from writer’s imagination, feelings and experiences. This approach is well seen in his work.
For instance, in one of his short story ‘The Pain so dear…’ The writer imagines his call for death which is so soon. He heads towards a Retreat Centre up in the Hills of Mussorie with a big hope that his health could turn little better if not completely. But there is no running away from the reality and the writer too leaves behind everything and accepts the tragic end. The shadow of sorrow surrounds him leaving no room for joy and the time arrives when he will be gone. The writer leaves his love on this sad note, ‘Here I am leaving you alone yet you always take it as a pain so dear…’
Phuntsok has three other books to his credit also, Young Tibet, The Call of the Dying Soul and The Silent Observer. The readers will definitely find this thin book a very enjoyable and interesting one. For those with an interest in writing poetries and fresh beginners, it offers a very simple and clear-out way to begin writing poems.
In short, Expression is a very gentle book which is simply told and a great joy to read.
