Origin and Development of Essay (Part-II)

Samuel Coleridge 

                       

William Hazlitt                   

 

      

Thomas Carlyle

                                           

                            

             

    

At the beginning of the nineteenth century the periodical essay gave place to critical essay. It had little concern with social and personal topics, its main content, being literary and other critical matters. The best known of these reviews are “Edinburgh” and ‘Quarterly”. In journals like “Blackwood’s magazine”, “London magazine” and “Fraser’s magazine” miscellaneous types of essays (creative, critical, entertaining and informative) were contributed by eminent essayists like Hazlitt, De Quincy, Coleridge, Thackeray and Carlyle.

 William Hazlitt (1778-1830) influenced by concise social commentary of Addison’s “spectator” and personal tone of Montaigne became a celebrated writer of familiar essays using conversational diction and personal tone. Often beginning with an aphorism, his essays are characterised by informal diction and emotional tone. He contributed essays to Leigh Hunts” Examiner” and worked as a columnist for “Edinburgh review”. His personal essays collected in volumes of “The Round Table” Table-Talk” and “The Plain speaker” are his finest works. He wrote critical essays in volumes like “Shakespeare’s characters” (1817), “Lectures on English Poets” (1812), “A view of the English Stage” (1818), “The spirit of the age” (1825) and “The Biography of Napoleon Bonaparte” (1826-1830).

    Leigh Hunt(1784-1859) wrote hundreds of essays but he was first and foremost a journalist and deliberately chose such topics that would appeal to the man in the street. He wrote essays in a conversational manner reminiscent of fireside talk.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) is one of the eminent critics who applied principles of philosophy and psychology to literary criticism. He introduced the concept of the organic theory of art and the superiority of imagination over reason and fancy. His book “Biographia Literaria” is a collection of thoughts dealing with the philosophy of Kant, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, and Schelling. This book also contains Coleridge’s distinction between Imagination and fancy and the famous critical concept of the “willing suspension of disbelief.” The later chapters of the book deal with the nature of poetry and on the quality of Wordsworth’s poetry. He used plain and simple language with a conversational tone. Coleridge was influenced by German Romantic writers like Schiller and philosophers like Immanuel Kant. His famous prose works are: Lectures on Politics and religion (1795), Lay Sermons (1816) and “Lectures and Notes on Shakespeare and Other English Poets” (1811-1812) and “The table talk” (1836) and “The Constitution of the Church and State (1839). 

Thomas Carlyle(1795-1881) was a prolific writer who used a strong passionate style with unusual syntax, coinages, and rhetoric. He was also influenced by German writers like Goethe, Schiller and Kant. His famous works are: Sartor Resartus (1836), critical and miscellaneous essays (1838), “On heroes, hero-worship and the heroic’ (1841), “Past and the Present”(1843), Frederick, the great(1865) in four volumes and “reminiscences (1881). He emphasised the cult of a great man as a national moral leader. Carlyle became famous for his three-volume magnum opus “French revolution” published in 1837. When his friend John Stuart Mill accidentally burnt his first work in 1834, Carlyle re-wrote this book with the help of notes he had with him. In this book he described the historic struggle of French revolution that happened between 1774 and 1795. The three volumes were titled as “The Bastille”, “The Constitution” and “The Guillotine” respectively. Charles Dickens inspired by this book wrote his famous historical novel “A Tale of Two Cities” in 1859. Carlyle’s style seems idiosyncratic with peculiar features like Germanized compounds, new coinages, frequent use of italics and ellipsis, use of many allusions, frequent use of inversions and oratorical style. But his knowledge was very wide covering many subjects like mathematics, science, philosophy and economics. Readers will appreciate his passionate style, depth of knowledge and his sarcastic tone. 

Charles Lamb (1775-1834) often called “the prince of essayists” published most of his essays under the pseudonym “Elia” in “London magazine” and later brought them out in book form as “essays of Elia” in 1823 and as ‘last essays of Elia” in 1833. Charles Lamb published “Tales from Shakespeare” in 1807 in collaboration with his sister, Mary Lamb. In 1808 he published “Specimens of English drama who lived about the time of Shakespeare” which show his critical observations. Charles Lamb was influenced by Elizabethan dramatists and Elizabethan writers like Thomas Browne, Richard Burton and Thomas Fuller. His style shows typical Elizabethan characteristics like Latinate diction, archaic and obsolete words, allusions and quotations from various classical writers. So, his style seems quaint and old-fashioned. But his friendly and genial attitude, variety in theme and poetic descriptions mixed with humour, gentle wit and pathos and a sense of nostalgia for the past lend a peculiar charm to his essays.  Most of his essays deal with events and characters he came across in his own life. His keen observation and perceptiveness along with his verbal felicity made his essays popular and interesting. His essays like “The South-sea House’, “dream children”, “A dissertation upon a roast pig”, and “Old China” show his mastery of form and style. Charles lamb published “Tales from Shakespeare” in 1807 in collaboration with his sister, Mary Lamb. 

John Ruskin (1819-1900) was a famous art critic, social thinker, painter, philosopher and social reformer. He had a wide knowledge about subjects like geology, architecture, literature and Botany. In his essays he revealed the connection between nature, art, environment and society. In his book” Modern painters” in five volumes (1843-1860) argued that modern painters in contrast to old masters are superior in the art of landscape. He defended the works of J.W.M. Turner which provide a profound insight into natural forces and atmospheric effects. He also emphasised on symbolism in art expressed through nature. In “Stones of Venice” published in three volumes between 1851 and 1853 was an overview of the history of architecture in Venice. He tried to show the intimate connection between art, architecture and morality. He tried to show art as an ethical teacher and moral yardstick of a civilised society. He argued that Gothic style though not so technically perfect as the renaissance style, its roughness conveyed emotion and reverence for God. Renaissance architecture is cold and emotionless created for man’s own glory while Gothic architects are created for the glory of God. In “Sesame and Lilies” published in 1865 Ruskin discusses the qualities of and duties of men and women in Victorian times. He said that women are moral guides to their families and hence they should be well-educated. “Unto this last” was published between August and December, 1860. He criticised the capitalist economists of the 18^th and 19^th centuries and the destructive effects of industrialism on natural world. Mahatma Gandhi was very much influenced by this book and translated it into Gujarati in 1908 under the title of “Sarvodaya.” He formulated many of his social and economic ideas based on Ruskin’s views. Ruskin used formal and literary style in “Modern painters” and a picturesque style in “Stones of Venice.” He was influenced by the poetic prose of 19^th century writers like Charles Lamb, Thomas de Quincey and Sir Walter Scott. He also derived inspiration from the Bible and the blank verse of Wordsworth’s poetry. His perception, keen observation and emotional style along with his wide knowledge marks him as a unique writer. 

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a famous essayist, novelist, travel writer and short story writer. He evolved his own style after experimenting with various types of styles he observed in other great writers like Hazlitt, Lamb, Sir Thomas Browne, Defoe, Hawthorne, Montaigne, Baudelaire and Oberman who lighted his ways of composing essays and other writings. He studied with keen Interest the Bible and the writings of Bunyan, Shakespeare, Scott, Whitman, Spenser, Meredith and Dumas.  The fifteenth century French writers  captivated his attention and he wrote essays and short stories based on French themes such as “Victor Hugo’s Romances”, “Providence and the Guitar” and “The Treasure of Franchard.” Stevenson tried to express his thoughts with precision, sincerity, elegance and simplicity with characteristic frankness. In his style we can see a perfect accord between sense and sound with a masculine vigour. By his study of music he found that the ideal of prose should be harmony and of poetry the melody. He was impressed by the musical nature of Latin and used sonorous Latin words appropriately. The handling of old words in new combinations, discerning use of adjectives, apt similes and effective use of repetition are some of the features of hi style. In his essays like  “Technical elements of style in Literature” and “Books which have influenced me” he voiced his opinions and views on style. He was admired by great writers like marcel Proust, Arthur Conan Doyle, Louis Borges and Bertolt Brecht. His travel stories influenced Joseph Conrad and henry James. After his trip with Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott wrote his famous novel “The Pirate” in

Stevenson’s famous books are “An Island Voyage” (1878), “travels with a donkey in Cavennes”(1879), “Treasure Island”(1883) and “Strange Case of Mr. Jekyll and Hyde”(1886) and of course a number of essays on various topics dealing with nature, authors, and experiences of the common world. Though he experimented with various styles, his creative imagination and his talent for perfect rhythm and harmonious combination of sounds made him a great prose writer of all times. 

In modern times a number of journals, periodicals and daily newspapers afford an unlimited scope for the essay. Most of the modern essayists use racy, conversational style coupled with interesting and amusing characteristics of their own. The best of essayists follow the manner of lamb and are subjective in selection of topics and style. The modern essays provide a scrutinising and critical approach towards judging social, political and cultural values. It has an unlimited scope in selection of themes. The themes are as varied as life itself. The modern essayist tries his best to present his views in the simplest manner possible so that even a lay reader can understand him. The style is simple though dignifies. His language is the language of everyday speech. There is no attempt at deliberate ornamentation. Wit and gentle humour are the leading charms of the modern essay. Informal speech rhythms and decent slang terms are allowed.  The eminent essayists of the modern period are : Robert Lynd, E.V.Lucas, A.G.Gardiner, G.K.Chesterton, Max Beerbohm, J.B.Priestley, Hillaire Belloc, Aldous Huxley, E.M.Forster, Bertrand Russell etc. of course there many other types of essays based on specific subjects like medicine, science, Engineering, Art, philosophy and other fields of knowledge. 

Through immense varieties of the English essay there runs a moral purpose which is sometimes boldly revealed and sometimes hidden behind humour and irony. The English essay is a serious form of literature. It is generally intended to edify rather than to entertain, whether it deals with social behaviour, books, science, politics or any other purpose. But Lamb and Hazlitt wrote not to reform or instruct their public but to interest and amuse them. This informal manner continued till the present time although serious subjects have come to be written in essay form. Indeed the essay has become a popular and easy-to-handle flexible popular literary medium (flexible in theme, style, length, tone and texture)  for all types of writers, journalists, reviewers and newspaper columnists. In modern age, short story and essay are the most popular literary forms which provide useful information and satisfy people’s interests, feelings and thoughts and aspirations.

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       14th December, 2020                    Somaseshu Gutala

Origin and Development of Essay in English (Part--I)

 

Francis Bacon (1561-1626)

Sir Thomas Browne (1605-1682)

John Dryden (1631-1700)

Abraham Cowley (1618-1667)

Joseph Addison (1672-1719)

Dr. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

 The essay is a very flexible and free literary form through which one can express one’s ideas, feelings, thoughts and opinions without any constraints and limits. The length of an essay varies from one page to twenty or more pages depending on the range of the theme, content and ideas. At the beginning the essay was treated as not a great artistic medium. Most writers preferred epic, lyrical and dramatic forms to express their ideas in verse. But in the writings of classical writers like Cicero, Seneca, Plutarch, the tone and style of the essay are perceptible. According to oxford English dictionary Ben Jonson first used the word “essayist” in 1609. Sr William Cornwallis published essays in 1600 and 1617. Robert Burton (1577-1641) and Sir Thomas Browne were other essayists of this period.  The compositions of University Wits like John Lyly, Robert Greene, Thomas Lodge, Thomas Nashe have some of the features of novel and that of an essay. Philip Sydney’s prose work “Apology for poesy” has some semblance of an essay though of uncertain style. Ben Jonson’s critical comments also have some features of the essay. But the style of Elizabethan writers was somewhat rhetorical with ornate style, Latin words and phrases and complicated long winding style with poetic rhythm.

No accurate and precise definition of the term “essay” is seen as it is a very flexible and free prose form. Dr. Johnson defined it as “a loose sally (sudden out rush) of the mind, an irregular, undigested piece, not a regular and orderly performance.” The oxford English Dictionary explains it as a “composition of moderate length on any particular subject or branch of a subject; originally implying want of finish, but now said of a composition more or less elaborate in style, though limited in range.”  From this it is clear that the essay is limited in its scope and does not cover all aspects. But its thematic range is very wide. One can write on any subject and express ideas and thoughts without any restraint. It is a composition not devoted to narrative and the essayist’s role is that of a social philosopher, critic, friend or guide.

The essay can be distinguished more easily by its manner than by its matter. An essay is comparatively short and incomplete in the sense that it treats the subject only in outline or only a branch or division of some greater theme or subject. It can evoke, of course in a narrow range, various types of feelings and emotions. According to W.H.Hudson, “The true essay is essentially personal.” It is subjective and belongs to the literature of self-expression. According to Alexander Smith, the essay resembles the lyric. It is intensely subjective, an expression of moods, likes and dislikes of the writer. 

The origin of the essay is attributed to the Roman writers like Cicero and Seneca whose epistles are regarded as essays rather than letters. Plutarch’s “Moralia” belongs to the same category, being a collection of essays on moral subjects. Montaigne at first used the word “Essais” which means “an attempt” for his collection of writings. He did not deal with the topics elaborately, but made an attempt towards the elucidation of the subject from his own individual point of view. His principal object is to portray himself.  Thus, Montaigne is the first writer who used the essay as a systematic art form. He may be called the father of the subjective or personal essay. He used the essay as a means of self-discovery. The writings of University Wits like Lyly, Robert Greene, Thomas Lodge, and Thomas Nashe had some traces of novel and also features of the essay. Ben Jonson’s critical works also show some of the features of the essay.

The essay form found true expression in the popular essays of Francis Bacon (1561-1626) who is considered as the “Father of English essay.” He transplanted the essay form in England, but he followed a line different that of Montaigne. He wrote on a variety of themes in a laconic style and his essays read like strings of mottoes, proverbs or moralistic sermons on conduct with factual observations and precepts of worldly wisdom. His essays do not portray the man himself but his counsel, civil and moral, in short and crisp sentences which read like aphorisms. So, his essays may be called aphoristic essays with an impersonal or objective touch. They say what they have to say directly without any preface or introduction. His sentences are brief and short and come down like the strokes of a hammer. Bacon regarded the essay as “a receptacle for detached thoughts”. So he called his essays as “dispersed meditations.” His purpose was not to preach ideal morality but to give valuable guidance on a variety of subjects drawn from day to day affairs of practical life. As a busy man of the world he jotted down his experiences and his views on man and life. That is why he defined his essays as “counsels civil and moral.” He used apt analogies, metaphors, similes, classical allusions, scientific facts antithesis and balance to make his statements read like proverbs.  His style is called aphoristic with clarity, precision, brevity and directness. His essays are impersonal, objective and didactic in nature giving advice on civil and moral themes. Bacon published his first volume of ten essays in 1597 and his last volume of 58 essays in 1625. According to Legouis, the French critic, “These essays are the classics of English prose.”

 Abraham Cowley is deemed as the connecting link between Bacon’s essays and the succeeding 17^th century periodical essays. While Bacon’s essays are aphoristic and impersonal, Cowley’s essays are intimate and personal. Sir Thomas Brown’s “Religio Medici” is a classic prose written in 1635 (published in 1643) when he was just thirty years old. It reveals personal reflections on religion mixed with scientific reasoning, faith and scepticism. He used his wide knowledge of classics and theology to prove his views. His style is ornate, Latinate, sonorous, and rich mixed with wit and subtle humour. Both Thomas Cowley and Thomas Browne tried to be more personal like Montaigne in their essays. 

 In Restoration age, there were many prose writers like John Locke, William Temple, Lord Halifax and John Dryden.  Dryden developed a lucid professional style relying on patterns and rhythms of the everyday speech. He wrote in precise, direct and lucid manner with force and vigour. His prose works like “Of dramatic poesy (1667) and “Preface to fables” (1700) reveal a definite progress in the development of the English essay as a means of literary criticism. As a translator he developed an easy manner of what he called paraphrase and he made translated the works of many ancient writers like Homer, Lucretius, Horace, Ovid, Juvenal, Boccaccio, Geoffrey Chaucer etc. His translation of “The Aeneid” is considered as perfect. 

A periodical essay is an essay published in a magazine or journal as a part of series. The eighteenth century is considered as the great age of the periodical essay. Joseph Addison created memorable characters and portrayed the eighteenth century class society, its manners and fashions in a simple, straight and natural style free from extravagant expressions without obscurities and superfluities. He used the language of the contemporary clubs and coffee houses avoiding vulgarity. Addison tried to “enliven morality with wit and to temper wit with morality” setting a model for a decent and refined conduct of a gentleman. His essays show the manners and attitudes of his age. Addison was meticulous and elaborate in the presentation of details and his essays are intended to be “light in tone but weighty in influence.” He brought simplicity, clarity, good manners and elegance to the essay. He contributed nearly 42 essays for the Tatler, a magazine edited by Richard Stele. In “The Spectator” started which lasted from 1711 to 1712, Addison took a leading part and contributed 274 essays. Addison also assisted Steele with “The Guardian” which lasted from March, 1713 to October, 1713. Addison and Stele also gave the essay greater attractiveness and vitality by catering to a much wider circle of readers having a more varied range of interested then others.

 

 Dr. Samuel Johnson, the famous critic and lexicographer, wrote nearly 208 essays from 1750 to 1752 for “The Rambler. His style is often ponderous, lofty and abstract. His tone is mainly didactic, serious and concerned with universal human anxieties and frustrations. He wrote 104 essays in a lighter and casual way in the manner of Addison and Stele in “The idler” in the weekly journal “The Universal chronicle”. These essays are noted for their refinement of English language. In his “Lives of the poets” he expressed his views on the writings of authors like Dryden, Milton, Swift, Thomas grey and Pope.

 Oliver Goldsmith, a contemporary of Samuel Johnson, wrote a series of “Chinese letters” from the perspective of a Chinese philosopher visiting England. These letters were later published in a single volume “The Citizen of the World” in 1762. His character sketches are remarkable for their simplicity, grace and gentle humour.  These essays show vivid and rich human detail and his felicitous style.  He continued the tradition of Addison and Stele using a simple, conversational and lucid style spiced with wit and humour. He was as much inclined as Addison to comment on social behaviour and his attitude was more humane than that of Addison.

The essayists of this period sketched certain type of human characters with specific qualities. They followed the method of the Greek philosopher Theophrastus and the Roman Seneca. The character sketches of various types of men and women are seen in the essays of Joseph hall, Thomas Overbury and John Earle. They are filled with realistic description, humour and satire. Addison used the middle style seasoned with wit and gentle irony to correct the defects and give friendly advice to the society. On the continent La Bruyere’s “Caracteres” was published in 1668. Sir Thomas Browne and Cowley also followed this trend in spirit and style though they tried to be more personal like Montaigne.

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   4th December, 2020                       Somaseshu Gutala

   

 

CURRY LEAVES

 

                       

                    

     1)   These dark green leaves with pungent smell now seen

       As a storehouse of vitamins, a herbal source

      That purifies our guts and gives us strength and force

      Maintains our system strong and clean.

 

    2)       Whatever people assume and perceive

      These leaves add flavor and spice up our plate

      Their presence enough to tickle our taste

      Our steaming soup without them we can’t conceive.

3)   A few leaves suffice to enrich our food

     In every kitchen their use a must

    This healthy herb in spices stands as first

    That cleans our lungs and makes our blood-flow good

 

   4)    Without their touch our curries taste too bland

     Our preparations turn too stale and dull

     In Indian cuisine they cast a magic spell

     These fresh green leaves, a culinary gift to our land.

 

      5) These fresh, green leaves thrown out after their use

          Their essence grabbed; none notice their worth

      Though their fragrance and taste enhance our health

      Mercilessly thrown out as wasteful refuse.

 

   6)       Like them we too, a part of Nature

     We too share same fate in our existence

     When counted most power and wealth immense

     When none respects values and moral stature.

 

     7)  Those whom we love and deeply trust

    Those whom we earnestly help with feelings warm

    Throw us at once like leaves in a storm

    Our steadfast faith shaken crumbles down to dust.

 

     8)    Our elders too suffer similar fate

     Deprived of status lose their power and hold

     When their youngsters rebel defiant and bold

     Showing scant attention to their state.

 

9)    Our hearts feel deepest pang of pain

When thrown out like worthless trash in haste

As if our feelings count nothing but waste

When whom we love treat us with disdain. 

 

10)     Once you quit your seat you lose your right

       Like orange peels thrown out seems your plight

       Your services and none brings to light

       Your former staff turn cold and avoid your sight.

 

11)      Our leaders use people as their tools

   Once they succeed look down as fools

   They feel supreme and violate all rules

   To grab their gains, make others slog like mules.

 

12)     Persons deprived of their status seen

   Like curry leaves well-used and thrown

  Who strained their every muscle, nerve and bone;

  And yet they spice our lives like those leaves, fresh and green.

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      28th November, 2020                      Somaseshu Gutala

 Note : 

1)    The curry leaf plant is a native plant of India and is now grown in other south Asian countries like Burma, Ceylon, Australia and China. In every Indian home it is widely used in many dishes like soups, dals, curries and chutneys. In seasoning items, it has an important place. It has many nutritious values and contains calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamins. It has anti-bacterial properties and improves our digestion and functioning of heart. It lowers blood sugar and bad cholesterol. The curry leaf oil is also used in soap industry. But most of us throw out these leaves after extracting their essence. Hence the Indian idiom “thrown away like curry leaves” implies showing scant regard and recognition after making use of a person. It is equivalent to the English idiom “thrown away like an orange peel.”

2)    In this poem “curry leaves” is symbolically used to show the present trends of the world where man exploits everything with acquisitive tendency and neglects moral values and obligations.   

 

DEAR SON !

                                          

 1)         Alone you strove to reach your goal

             You seem to take everything in easy stride

             Yet never did you go back on what you decide

             As best as you can, you played your role.

 

2)         Your hard work made you win what you sought

             You spent your time in studying a lot

             A group of loyal, beloved friends you got

             A precious gift in this world of greedy thoughts.

 

3)         Fortune too favoured you with ease to obtain

            A decent job in eminent field

            Without too many constraints to yield

            With wider scope much experience to gain.

4)         You observe everything with keen insight

            Your blogs reflect your picturesque style

             With dramatic turns and spirit agile

             Without concealing aught in black and white.

 

 5)        With an exploring eye for everything

             You seem to scrutinise people around;

             Your liberal heart in your dealings found

             A holistic approach from the beginning.

 

6)         Though witty sometimes with sarcastic sting

             Your talk conveys your feelings warm

             You never stay idle, passive and calm  

             Wherever you are, a happy climate you bring.

 

6)          In varied subjects your attention keen

             Gave you much wisdom and knowledge wide;

              Made you a friendly guy with no sense of pride

               A jolly, lovable person with conscience clean.  

 

7)           Though busy and active you outwardly seem

               A recluse at heart with musings deep;

               Fond of woods, lakes and mountains steep

               Reveals your poetic heart and soul, I deem.        

 

 9)          Holy places and monuments you cherish

              The lives of great saints and sages great;

              With strong faith in providence and fate

               For God’s guidance and mercy you ever wish.  

           

10)         My hearty greetings on this memorable day

               May you receive the grace of Mother Divine;  

               Let Her gracious looks on you ever shine,

               Upon your happy family I ever pray.     

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   Dear Subash,

                       On this happy occasion I wish you a very happy and brilliant future to you. You made great progress in your life. Imagine a shy, reserved kid from a small village turned into a decent computer engineer working in a big city in U.S. A great leap indeed! By God’s grace you are blessed with a lovely family and an amiable circle of friends. Your relatives also love you very much for your warm and affectionate feelings. On this happy occasion I wish that you achieve many more laurels in your career and May God fulfil all your wishes.

                                                                            Your loving Dad

                                                                                             G.S.

                 

            22nd November, 2020                        Somaseshu Gutala
                                                

SUNSET MUSINGS

 

      

                       

 1)  Let not our lives be stagnant pools

     Why feel nervous, be steady and cool

     No professional ordeals to test

     Your endurance and disturb your rest;

     No family burdens to ruffle thy brain;

     No rivalries with peers to compete

     No tensions and arguments with heat;

     No mounting expenses your purse to drain;

     Why should we rack our brains with worries vain?

      About our future unknown with unnecessary strain?

 

2)   Don’t feel your position and power are lost

       In this material world nothing does last;

       Though experience made you a little bit wise

       You are not master of all; exercise

       Control on what you do, say and advise 

       Times and tastes change, feel no shock or surprise;  

       Watch from respectful distance, be calm

       Don’t be an interfering, peeping Tom.

 

3)     Compel not youngsters to leave their tasks and hear

        Your stories and expect applause with cheer;

        Don’t give others troubles-- no stress and strain;

        Waste not their busy scheduled time; don’t complain

        Don’t whine for their consistent care and maintain

        Composure; take care of yourself; don’t grieve in vain.

        Control yourself and your attitude; not others, I say.

        Give your suggestions if sought in a modest way.

 

4)      Your generation’s tastes and ways don’t impose

         On them; no list of rules and laws propose;

         Argue not too much and no negative thoughts;

         Times change our ways; no use of retrieving past;

         A lot of time and leisure you do possess

         Help others if you can; don’t assess

         Others boasting about your experience and age;

         Be a part of this world; control your craze. 

 

5)      Enough resources you have by divine grace

         And still you strive with wants, your remaining days

         Desires deprive you of your contented state

         And make you view your life as waste;

         No uniformity in world you find

         Even heavenly bliss can’t satisfy your mind;

         Spend your time in peaceful contentment

         Enjoy what you possess; no use of resentment.

 

6)      Good books revitalize your ageing mind

          In arts and hobbies solace you find;

         Waste not your time in arguments vain

         Widen your range with knowledge and wisdom gain;

          Most of our bonds like passing clouds vanish

          Know this and clouds of loneliness banish

          Time’s plan you have to follow, no more dread

          With faith in God and yourself, go ahead;

          Our destined end like setting sun comes near

          Into new domains move on with philosophic cheer.

                   *******************************

                        

           16th October, 2020                       Somaseshu Gutala

             

Managers

 

      

   1)   How often do we use this word to mean      

         A way of doing things in a dubious way

         As if we are always right and never stray

         Yes—we manage ourselves though seen or unseen.

  2)    Our family burdens we try to manage              

        By pleasing others or our persons known

        If not treated as strange creatures and overthrown;

        We have to act like puppets on the stage

 

   3)  Our seniors and leaders we should manage 

        Showing due respect and give their gifts due

        If you oppose, you get yourself in stew;

        Our scriptures too command respect in every page.

 

       4)   In offices also we should manage

        With tempting bribes and bakshis a lot

        If not, you can’t melt their rigid and stagnant hearts

        No use of quoting rules and advice sage.

 5)   In getting loans and rise in wages too

       One has to tread with tactful care

       One has to yield to them and give their share

       And what they demand one has to simply do. 

 

    6)    In homely life we can’t avoid this clue

      To get things done by our members dear

      To keep them in good spirits and cheer

      If not, you turn their faces red or blue.

 

   7)    Like hanging knives above, our duties surprise

      Fret not, none hears, manage them wise;

      Your furious words may land you in soup

      Trolling remarks assault you in group.

 

     8)   We have to manage with growing age

      Our chronic complaints and growing ills

      With limited income, our medical bills;

      We have to manage to come out through this maze.

 

   9)    We may not reach of what we have thought

     We have to manage with what we possess

     Our destiny was set beyond our guess

     Accept with peace whatever you got.

 

  10)   Even our gods we try to please and manage

      Promising gifts to grant our desires

      Our motives only our faith inspire

      In a mutual give and take our gods we engage.

 

11) Whatever service you require you need

     To manage someone or other to please

     Even saints and sages fell to this

     To hike their status and get things done with speed.

 

12)   You can’t speak out open like a fool

         You will be looked down as a savage strange

         Who can’t control and goes out of range

          Smart management, a universal rule.

13)    Our gods wisely managed their powers and might

          Demons proudly misused their strength with spite

          Rash words and acts push us into wretched plight

         Managing ourselves , a sure way to peaceful delight.    

 

  14)   Our society, prefers this useful   stand;

          Manage well or suffer your fate and none

          To pull you out of what you have done.

          Into unpredictable troubles you will land.

 

15)     A superb art, this smart managing skill

           Hasty decisions spoil our inner ease

           Life’s lessons we have to realise in peace;

           To get some things done, you have to bend your will.

                 *****************************

             12th October, 2020                     Somaseshu Gutala

Note : This poem gives a humorous sketch of the changing values in our society where priority is given to materialistic values at the expense of emotional and moral values. The individual is compelled to compromise his values and move with the flow for his ultimate survival and livelihood. 

                                  Bakshis --- tips.

                                 Get oneself stewed --- get upset