JungaliPhul: A Poetic Tribute To The Wilderness

BOOK REVIEW

 After nearly five years of Travel History, the poet DawaYonzon has released his latest anthology, JungaliPhul, a culmination of his five-year stay in the Himalayan region, including Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Valley in East Sikkim. As a policeman by profession, DawaYonzon had the opportunity to explore the region's breath-taking mountains, valleys, rivers, woods, and streams.

The anthology, JungaliPhul, is divided into five parts: Swa, Jijibisha, Astitwa, Pida, and Ajambari, featuring a total of 108 poems. It is published by Manuscript Publication House, Sikkim.

The anthology highlights the often-overlooked 'wild' flowers that bloom in the dense forests, as opposed to the more recognizable flowers that grow in plain sight. As the poet notes, wild flowers too have their own stories, joys, pains, and strengths. Through his poetry, DawaYonzon beautifully depicts the images and thoughts that these flowers evoke, offering a unique perspective on life in the wilderness.

"Phulnalaimailethhaurojina

Thhaurojneharuchhan var laiphule

Ek din

Jaba uh bagar ma faliye

Meraiaankhaaghi,

Usleantimsaaspheryo!

Thhauharuswarthihunchhan,

Swabhimanarthi banchan "

As a realistic poet, Yonzon's work reflects his observations of the Himalayan ecosystem, portraying the interplay between humans and nature with unromanticised clarity. His experiences in the region likely influenced his focus on the everyday beauty of wild flowers, highlighting their resilience and significance in the ecosystem. The anthology also touches on the themes of conservation and coexistence of preserving these natural spaces.

"Aakhirphulnai ta hovanera

Ma jungle ma phuley

Uh kasai ko mutu ma phulyo,

Jabamutunai

Hatyarasaabitvayepachi

Mailegareko hu

Jungalihunu ma garvabodh!

Yaha

harek din hatyahunchha

Phulharu ko

Ishwar ko naam ma!

Ma ta jungle ma chhu

Ishwar dekhi

Kosauntaada

Ra nai

Jeudochhu!"

Yonzon's poetry invites readers to slow down and appreciate the intricate web of life in the Himalayas where human existence is intertwined with the natural world. By giving voice to the voiceless wild flowers, he encourages a deeper understanding of our place within the ecosystem.

"Ma jungle ma phulchu

Oilinchhu

Jharchhu

Ani

Marchhu jungle mai

Tara

Yas arthamai jungle lai

Mero chihannasamjha,

Yo ta meroghar ho..."

In JungaliPhul, the depiction of wild flowers and their stories could be seen as a realistic portrayal of the natural world, stripped of anthropocentric biases.

"Ma bematlabphuley,

Behisabphuley,

Ma vitradaahachaina

Ra ta bhuin ma phuley…"

The anthology highlights the often overlooked "wild" flowers that bloom in the dense forests, as opposed to the more recognisable flowers that grow in plain sight.

"Ma ta

matolaijeevanmanchhu

Jungle laighar…"

This focuses on the wilderness and the poet's role as a mediator between nature and humanity adds a rich layer of ecocritical depth to the poetry. As the poet notes, wild flowers too have their own stories, joys, pains, and strengths. Through his poetry, DawaYonzon beautifully depicts the images and thoughts that these flowers evoke, offering a unique perspective on life in the wilderness.

"Abhagyawas

Kunai din phulechuvaney

Ma

Kasaikobagaicha ma

Tesai din meroSwabhiman ko

Antaihunechha,

JungaliPhulmarnechha."

Yonzon's focus on wild flowers challenges anthropocentric views, positioning nature as a subject with its own narratives. The vivid descriptions of the Himalayan landscape evoke a sense of awe and connection to the natural world. The themes of conservation and coexistence subtly highlight human impact on nature.

"Ghaasidaai ko khurpa

Meraichheu ma aaipugyo,

Ma tarsiye

Tara

Hasiya le

Ghaasmatrataaneralagyo

Mo jogiye..

Bevasta

Uslemalainataanerai

Ma tukriye..."

Ecocriticism in JungaliPhul might encourage readers to rethink their relationship with the environment, recognising the intrinsic value of non-human entities.

"Yaha

Hypocrite table haruma

Sajinukoartha

Khaaschha

Tara

Jungle ma sajinuko k artha?"

Environmental poetry often highlights the human-nature relationship, emphasising interconnectedness and the impact of human actions on the environment. DawaYonzon's work seem to fit the bill, given its focus on wild flowers and the Himalayan landscape.

"Unle

Saundarjyavitrakurupata

Lukayekochaina..

Matra naam le jungaliuni…"

In JungaliPhul, DawaYonzon's poignant verses weave together the threads of nature, humanity, and existence, inviting readers to pause and appreciate the wilderness that thirsts in the Himalayas. Through his ecocritical lens, the poet gives voice to the silent wild flowers, echoing the intricate balance of life and urging us to rethink our place within the natural world. As the petals of these unsung blooms whisper their stories, Yonzon's poetry blossoms into a powerful testament to the resilience of nature and our shared existence within it.