Kathmandu, September 14
The serene ambiance of Kirateshwor, Gaurighat, was transformed into a haven of poetic expression as the Bartaman Kabita Samuha and Shabdankur Monthly hosted the much-anticipated ‘Short Poems Special.’ In a celebration of conciseness and creativity, 22 poets graced the stage, each sharing their unique perspectives on topics ranging from personal introspection to societal reflection. The event also marked the release of the Shabdankur Monthly Green Poetry Special, a milestone that had been eagerly awaited in Kathmandu’s literary circles.
The program commenced with Manjul Nepal, whose poem artfully used the metaphor of a tunnel to symbolize hope and resilience. This was followed by Shyamal Adhikari, who captivated the audience with a deep exploration of the fine line between reverence and condemnation. Murari Sigdel didn’t shy away from critiquing the shallow promises of political and religious figures, while Prollas Sindhuliya’s reflections on materialism resonated deeply, questioning the price of wealth on true values.
The emotional spectrum widened with Susmita Nepal’s reflection on tears, representing both joy and sorrow, and Avaya Shrestha’s meditation on the fleeting nature of power. Dhir Kumar Shrestha took a more introspective route, delving into the discovery of divinity within oneself, while Bishwa Sigdel highlighted the contrast between personal and spiritual failures.
The event did not shy away from addressing political themes, as Chandra Bahadur Lama’s powerful critique of insensitivity and Sanjay Suman’s musing on life’s impermanence left the audience contemplative. A cultural dimension was added with Tikendra Chemjong’s evocative poem, which honored the enduring strength of Kiranti heritage.
Romanticism and personal musings were not left behind, with Bishnu Kala Rai’s enchanting love poem and Bina Shree Nemkul’s depiction of heartbreak. Meanwhile, Rami Priya grappled with the concept of divinity, and Jitendra Rasik compared life’s transient moments to the storm and lightning. The mood was lifted by Bharati Neupane’s serene portrayal of evening and hope, juxtaposed with Ishwor Thokar’s yearning for a lost love.
The evening’s momentum continued as Purusottam Ghimire reflected on the complexity of life, Ramina Shrestha searched for poetic beauty, and Prakash Dahal drew idealistic inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita.
As the event wound down, Bishwa Sigdel reaffirmed the importance of punctuality and hinted at more literary events in the future. Dhir Kumar Shrestha, the chief editor of Shabdankur Monthly, thanked the participants and attendees for making the event a success.
The ‘Short Poems Special’ wasn’t just a gathering of poets—it was a celebration of Kathmandu’s thriving literary scene, and a promise that this poetic journey is far from over.
