SOFT STORM by ABHI SUBEDI

 

The poem "Soft Storm" by Abhi Subedi reflects on the chaos and turmoil in Nepalese society while also expressing hope and compassion. Written in free verse, the poem blends natural and social imagery, with the speaker observing the city of Kathmandu at night. On the surface, it seems to describe a journey through the city's narrow streets, but it carries a deeper message about the indifference of people towards the suffering and poor conditions of others. 

The poem is a complex interplay of contrasting images and emotions, where the poet grapples (hand-to-hand struggle) with the harsh realities of the world while maintaining a delicate sensitivity.

The title itself is paradoxical. A storm is typically associated with violence and destruction, while soft evokes gentleness and tranquility. This juxtaposition mirrors the poet's internal conflict as he witnesses the world's harshness yet responds with empathy and compassion.

The poet undergoes a transformation. He becomes "soft" after experiencing the chaos and emptiness around him. This softness is not a sign of weakness but a profound response to suffering. It's as if the world's pain seeps into him, making him acutely aware of the human condition.

First Stanza:
The poet starts by describing the chaos in society using words like "tumultuous" and "eerie." Despite the disorder, he introduces a sense of hope by likening the sky to crocuses (a type of plant), flowers that bloom even in harsh conditions. The poet then shifts to social issues, discussing politics and other worldly matters. He uses the image of a soft rose and a strong gale (a strong wind) to illustrate the harsh actions of people in society, contrasting softness with strength.

Second Stanza:
In the second stanza, the poet highlights the plight of orphaned children living in poverty in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. He criticizes corrupt politicians who prioritize their own interests over the well-being of these children, who represent the future of the nation. The poet reflects on how, in the past, people were freer, contrasting this with the current state of society where social ills prevail.

Third Stanza:
The third stanza focuses on the suffering of a child who is desperately searching for his mother, symbolizing the fear and helplessness in society. The poet also describes a man being brutally beaten in front of his family, representing the pervasive (spreading) violence and power struggles that go unnoticed in the modern world. This makes the speaker angry with the government.The sight of a child desperately searching for his mother in the aftermath of violence makes the poet feel like a "soft storm," a metaphor for his intense yet contained emotional turmoil (a violent disturbance). The poet is overwhelmed by the senseless violence and injustice, feeling powerless yet profoundly affected.

Fourth Stanza:
The fourth stanza depicts a man who has been silenced by the powerful forces of the night. His shirt is stained with blood, and his lips are wounded, symbolizing the suppression of the weak by the strong. The poet portrays society as a place where the powerful and the powerless are engaged in a cruel game of hide and seek.

The image of a "blood-stained shirt" speaking to the earth with "bruised human lips" is a powerful metaphor for the lingering pain and trauma of violence. The "moon of history and dreams" plays hide and seek, symbolizing the elusive nature of peace and understanding in a world marked by conflict and sorrow.

Fifth Stanza:
In the fifth stanza, the poet suggests that the voices of the oppressed have not been heard, and the expected divine intervention has not occurred.

The poet reflects on how words were given to him, but they were not heard, and how storms were unleashed without concern for their impact. The poet walks alone through narrow lanes, contemplating the contradictions of life—rain and sunshine, tears and laughter—merging into a rainbow of emotions. The storm within him is soft, yet it continues to rage silently, mirroring the quiet but powerful forces of nature and human experience.

Sixth Stanza:

The sixth stanza expresses a more hopeful outlook. The poet describes Irish blooming plants growing over stone, storms bringing life to public spaces, and the sun shining in a rainbow of colors. Despite the oppressive regimes and chaotic situations, there is still beauty and resilience in the world, symbolized by the "soft storm," "silent pages," and religious celebrations.

Final Stanza:
In the final stanza, the poet reflects on the things that soften his heart, such as the suffering of innocent animals and the ruined state of the earth. He longs for freedom and peace, desiring a world where he and all living beings can enjoy the beauty of nature and the gentle sounds of life in an endless circle of harmony. The poem ends on a note of yearning for a peaceful sky and the freedom to live in harmony with nature.

Overall, "Soft Storm" is a meditation on the duality of softness and strength, vulnerability and resilience, and the interconnectedness of human emotions with the larger forces of nature and history. The poet’s use of vivid imagery and metaphors brings to life the internal and external storms that shape our lives, ultimately advocating for empathy and understanding in a world often marked by suffering and violence.

The poem culminates (ends) in a sense of resignation and hope. The poet recognizes the futility of his words in a world that seems deaf to reason. Yet, he persists, his "soft storm" a metaphor for his relentless (unforgiving) pursuit of justice and compassion.

EXTENSIVE READING:

• Introduction to Softness: The poem "Soft Storm" by Abhi Subedi begins with the poet describing how he becomes soft after experiencing a loud and chaotic event. This softness symbolizes his deep emotional sensitivity in response to the disturbances he witnesses. He talks about how the sky seems to grow taller, and the moon interacts with human activities like politics and rituals, showing how even nature gets involved in the complexities of life.
• Witnessing Hunger: The poet's softness deepens when he sees the harsh reality of homeless children in Thamel, Kathmandu, crying out in hunger. This sight makes him feel more vulnerable and empathetic. He returns from a chaotic event and reflects on how society's ceremonies and traditions often dance around the real issues, leaving important matters unresolved.
• Expressing Emotions: The poet turns to writing as a way to express his feelings, leaving a lasting impact on the pages. He describes how he feels like a "soft storm" after seeing a child desperately searching for his mother amidst violence. This shows the intense emotional turmoil he experiences, feeling overwhelmed by the sadness and chaos around him.
• Observing Violence: The poet becomes even more sensitive when he witnesses a man being beaten for no reason in front of his family. This senseless violence further softens the poet, making him more aware of the suffering that exists in the world. He uses the image of a blood-stained shirt speaking to the earth to convey the deep pain and trauma caused by violence.
• Reflecting on Unheard Words: The poet reflects on how he was given words to express himself, but they were not listened to. He feels like a storm that was unleashed without concern for its impact. He sees crocuses, a symbol of beauty and resilience, growing over stones, representing hope and growth in the face of adversity.
• Walking Alone: The poet describes walking alone through narrow lanes, lost in thought. He contemplates the contradictions of life, such as rain and sunshine, tears and laughter. These mixed emotions create a rainbow, symbolizing the blend of happiness and sadness in life. His inner storm is soft but continues to rage silently, much like the quiet but powerful forces of nature.
• Acknowledging Time’s Madness: The poet acknowledges the chaotic nature of time, where reality is twisted and turned in unexpected ways. He describes how beauty and harshness coexist in the world, with nature's wonders like flowers and the moon contrasting with human suffering and history. The poet sees how everything around him, from birds singing to the warming earth, is affected by the same turmoil. 
• Desiring Peace: The poet expresses a longing to melt away like a rainbow, wishing to find peace in the shared experience of emotional turbulence. He wants his "soft storm" to find solace in someone else's life, hoping for a connection that eases the pain of living in a troubled world.
• The Silent Storm: The poet’s storm is described as "soft," emphasizing its quiet but persistent nature. It rages over the silent pages of history, the remnants of war, and the ruins of sacred places. This storm symbolizes the ongoing emotional struggle within the poet, as he tries to make sense of the world’s suffering and his role in it.
• Conclusion: In the end, the poet honors the beauty and mystery of life, even as he acknowledges the difficulties that come with it. He describes the world as a place where storms and calm coexist, and where history and nature continuously shape our experiences. Despite the madness of time, the poet’s "soft storm" continues to dance, seeking understanding and peace in a world filled with both beauty and sorrow.

Ultimately, "Soft Storm" is a meditation on the human condition. It is a testament to the power of empathy in a world filled with cruelty. The poet's "soft storm" is a call for a gentler, more compassionate world, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

(This poem is inspired by a deep awareness of social injustices and the emotional turmoil that arises from witnessing suffering in society. The poet reflects on various themes, including compassion, vulnerability, and the connection between nature and human experiences.)