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English literature - Poets and poetry:
Lakdasa Wickramasinghe
Lakdasa
Wickramasinghe is a Sri Lankan poet. The language style used
by the poet is gifted with local names and idiomatic phrases. His
expression consisting of local idiom, maintaining the serenity of
expression, rhythm and rhyme, thus reserving the cultural value.
Wickramasinghe's poems invite his readers to experience the various
incidents described by the poet.
In his popular poem 'COBRA' the
poet has used local expressions and idioms to describe a significant
event - the death of his partner in life - The description of the cobra
relating the experience, fatal and tragic. The poet's wording is
extremely impressive.
The word "DEATH" using capital
letters highlights the tragic event - the death of his wife, embossed
with a note of fear and sadness. The most significant and emotionally
cropped up phrase 'THE VERY LAMP OF MY HEART"
highlights the inner feelings of the husband, in a distinctive manner.
"The very lamp of my heart" The poet's wording is superb, arousing
the feelings of the reader as well. The interaction of a calm and sad
preparation; creating the background for the funeral of the loved one.
The poet has attempted at slight criticism of certain attitudes and
beliefs of the village folk. The poet uses local words familiar to those
of the rural community.
Lakdasa Wickramasinghe's popular poem"THE FOLK POET YSSINO", in
narrative style, consisting of names and idiomatic phrases of the folk
in the rural areas; their attitudes and concepts.
The poet's exquisite wording depicting the exact picture of the rural
areas in Sri Lanka.
The Hut of Yssino in its deteriorated condition with a little child
seeking shelter. The contrasting attitudes and lifestyle of the rich
people while the humble poor folk sweated labour in order to pave way
for the luxurious survival of the rich people.
Deviating from real English Poetry the
writer has attempted at creating the exact background to express his
feelings, and imagery to suit the situation created. Charm
and simplicity of the diction style used by Lakdasa Wickramasinghe
creating the verbal images, adding colour and rhythm to the poem.
"Intrusion of Sinhala idiom" highlighting the theme of the poem with
its charm lying in its exquisite picturesque descriptions of the rural
locality and its residents.
The poet seems to follow the Nigerian poet Pablo Neruda in his poem
"The Lazy one" calling his wife "my woman" to create the background
closer to their hearts.
Lakdasa Wickramasinghe has used forceful
language, exposing his feelings, in a touching manner.
Mrs. C. Ekanayake,
Retd. Specialist teacher
Eng., St. Anne's College, Kurunegala. |
