Miscellany #7 Begin Again, poems by Leonard Cohen & उदय प्रकाश

Read what I’ve written then forget it all. Drink from the well of your self and begin again. - Charles Bukowski

From the Editor

Ship Of Theseus

The poem "Ship of Theseus" explores the philosophical concept of identity and how it relates to the physical nature of the human body. The author contemplates the fact that every atom in their body comes from the collapse of stars and wonders about the purpose of life and the search for one's true identity. The poem poses the question of whether identity is based on the physical body or on the memories and experiences that shape an individual's personality. The author concludes that the search for meaning in life is what gives it value, even if the answer to the question of identity remains elusive.

From stars we're born, to earth we're thrown, The quest for self, forever grown. In my mind, battles rage and roar, As I search for who I am at my core.

Is there a grand plan or just random fate? Consequences unfolding, creating my state. The ship of Theseus, what is it truly? When all atoms are replaced, it seems unruly.

But perhaps it's not the atoms that matter, Rather the memories, the experiences we gather. As time marches on and we shed our skin, The essence of who we are lives within.

So let the stars collapse and the atoms fly, As long as I hold onto my memories, I'll never die. The ship of Theseus may change and evolve, But the essence of who we are will always resolve.

Anthem, Leonard Cohen

"Anthem" by Leonard Cohen is a poem that explores the themes of hope and perseverance in the face of darkness and despair. The speaker of the poem acknowledges the difficulties and struggles of life, but also emphasizes the importance of continuing to strive for goodness and beauty in the world. The recurring refrain "There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in" suggests that even in the midst of imperfection and brokenness, there is always the possibility for redemption and renewal.

The birds they sang

at the break of day

Start again

I heard them say

Don’t dwell on what

has passed away

or what is yet to be.

Ah the wars they will

be fought again

The holy dove

She will be caught again

bought and sold

and bought again

the dove is never free.

Ring the bells that still can ring

Forget your perfect offering

There is a crack in everything

That’s how the light gets in.

We asked for signs

the signs were sent:

the birth betrayed

the marriage spent

Yeah the widowhood

of every government —

signs for all to see.

I can’t run no more

with that lawless crowd

while the killers in high places

say their prayers out loud.

But they’ve summoned, they’ve summoned up

a thundercloud

and they’re going to hear from me.

Ring the bells that still can ring ...

You can add up the parts

but you won’t have the sum

You can strike up the march,

there is no drum

Every heart, every heart

to love will come

but like a refugee.

Ring the bells that still can ring

Forget your perfect offering

There is a crack, a crack in everything

That’s how the light gets in.

Ring the bells that still can ring

Forget your perfect offering

There is a crack, a crack in everything

That’s how the light gets in.

That’s how the light gets in.

That’s how the light gets in.

मैं लौट जाऊंगा, उदय प्रकाश

The poem "Main Laut Jaunga Uday Prakash" describes the cyclical nature of life and the universe, where everything returns to its origin. The poet compares different phenomena, such as clouds returning to the sky, rain returning to the earth, and trees returning to their seeds, to express this idea.

क्वाँर में जैसे बादल लौट जाते हैं  धूप जैसे लौट जाती है आषाढ़ में  ओस लौट जाती है जिस तरह अंतरिक्ष में चुपचाप  अंधेरा लौट जाता है किसी अज्ञातवास में अपने दुखते हुए शरीर को  कंबल में छुपाए  थोड़े-से सुख और चुटकी-भर साँत्वना के लोभ में सबसे छुपकर आई हुई  व्याभिचारिणी जैसे लौट जाती है वापस में अपनी गुफ़ा में भयभीत

पेड़ लौट जाते हैं बीज में वापस
अपने भांडे-बरतन, हथियारों, उपकरणों और कंकालों के साथ
तमाम विकसित सभ्यताएँ
जिस तरह लौट जाती हैं धरती के गर्भ में हर बार

इतिहास जिस तरह विलीन हो जाता है किसी समुदाय की मिथक-गाथा में
विज्ञान किसी ओझा के टोने में
तमाम औषधियाँ आदमी के असंख्य रोगों से हार कर अंत में जैसे लौट
जाती हैं
किसी आदिम-स्पर्श या मंत्र में

मैं लौट जाऊंगा जैसे समस्त महाकाव्य, समूचा संगीत, सभी भाषाएँ और
सारी कविताएँ लौट जाती हैं एक दिन ब्रह्माण्ड में वापस

मृत्यु जैसे जाती है जीवन की गठरी एक दिन सिर पर उठाए उदास
जैसे रक्त लौट जाता है पता नहीं कहाँ अपने बाद शिराओं में छोड़ कर
निर्जीव-निस्पंद जल

जैसे एक बहुत लम्बी सज़ा काट कर लौटता है कोई निरपराध क़ैदी
कोई आदमी
अस्पताल में
बहुत लम्बी बेहोशी के बाद
एक बार आँखें खोल कर लौट जाता है
अपने अंधकार मॆं जिस तरह ।