In the social jungle of human existence, there is no feeling of
being alive without a sense of identity.
A thoughtful quote by Erik Erikson encapsulates the essence of
identity and reminds us that our sense of self is an important foundation of
our existence in human society. It serves as a bridge that keeps us connected with
our relationships, responses, beliefs, values, attributes, and aspirations. This
connection is crucial as we navigate the complexities of life, yearning for a meaningful
purpose. The best way to navigate this personal journey is through poetry.
Poetry as a Timeless Mirror to Identity
I am made and remade continually. Different people draw
different words from me.
This quote is by Virginia Woolf, a prominent British writer who
often delved into themes like identity, gender, and human consciousness. The
quote is mainly focused on explaining the complexities of human consciousness,
but it does encapsulate the fluid nature of poetry, consuming and reflecting
different perceptions and interactions based on individual interpretation.
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| Picture Credit: Pixabay |
What do you think is poetry? It is a mirror to the human soul.
It provides us an opportunity to use the blank canvas of life for painting our
deepest emotions, experiences, thoughts, and perceptions. Eventually, we create
a masterpiece using words, language, verses, and emotions in all its hues and
shades. This creation becomes a mirror of our personal self. This is no new
mantra but a timeless medium that has been used to unravel the mystery of
identity, a journey that demands introspection.
Come, join me on this journey where I as a writer try to discover and explore this multifaceted
concept that is fascinating and reflective. I tried peeling back the layers of
literature with multi-folds and one layer at a time exposed me to different
faces of the term ‘Identity’
through the incredible art form of ‘Poetry’.
Navigating the Journey
I immersed myself in eloquent verses and emotive language of
different identity poems penned by celebrated authors and poets like
Rabindranath Tagore, Keki N. Daruwalla, Kamala Das, and Jayanta Mahapatra.
Going beyond the Indian boundaries, other notable poets like Langston Hughes,
Maya Angelou, Sylvia Plath, Walt Whitman, and Pablo Neruda have beautifully
explored and displayed different faces of identity in their poems.
My perception that it is all about self-discovery transformed
into an amazing learning experience. Each fold introduced me to a new
understanding, as follows:
- Personal Identity: This is all about personal traits, characteristics, and experiences that define our self.
- Cultural Identity: This is all about our traditions, customs and values that shape us as a person, positioning ourselves in our respective community.
- Social Identity: This is all about defining our relationships within our social groups and circles categorized based on elements like religion, nationality, and class.
- Gender Identity: This is all about gender differentiation, including male, female, transgender, and non-binary.
- Professional Identity: This is all about career goals, job aspirations, and the choice of occupation that does leave an impact on our identity.
- Psychological Identity: This is all about self-perception and mental illness that transforms our inner being as an individual.
The interplay of all these dimensions and many other identity
categorizations is what increases the complexities of identity in the vastness
of human experiences. As you go through a myriad of identity poems, each comes out with a different
message and impact. Going through a diverse range of such poems on themes like
self-identity, personal self, self-awareness, LGBTQ+, mental illness, cultural
heritage, mixed emotions, and experiences were taken by storm deep within my
core as a writer.
One such poem that captured my attention was Prayer
for My Mother by Rick Kempa, an American poet and editor known for his
significant contributions to contemporary literature.
Let every moment of every day
break upon her with the dazzle of
utter newness and let her exult in it.
Let wonder rule: the sky more lovely
than she's ever seen, the birds that
come by the hundred to her feeder.
Please let her forget that she does not
remember. Let her lose somehow
the torment of losing her mind.
Let there be insight in the one page that,
over and over for days, she reads
for the first time, never gets beyond.
Let the living past be vibrant in her
dreams each night, her mother, her brother
at her side, showering her with love.
Please let her eyes open in the morning
not to the despair of the lost at sea,
but to the familiar play of sunlight
in the leaves outside her window,
the solid sense that she is safe,
the firm ground of home.
Awesome! The poem is such a heartfelt and compassionate
reflection of the experiences and moments of someone dealing with dementia or
memory loss. That phase of life becomes an identity of that specific person but
how it feels to get lost amidst the known surroundings is the worst experience
of life, creating turbulence in the normal course. Every word here is trying to
create a comfortable, safe, and familiar home for the person so that it becomes
easy for him or her to let go of the torment while the person struggles to
retain a connection with his or her past.
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Picture Credit: Pixabay
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It's so painful to experience memories fading and the past slipping away, but still finding joy in the present is what brings them and a sense of hope. Empathy and understanding do all the magic! And that's what the poet tries to convey to everyone who is dealing with people suffering from dementia or similar memory loss. Here, poetry has so beautifully revealed the pain and plight of dementia.
Another poem that touched my heart with swirling emotions was The Boat by Rabindra Nath Tagore, a renowned Indian poet, philosopher, social reformer, and painter.
I must launch out my boat.
The languid hours pass by on the
shore---Alas for me!
The spring has done its flowering and taken leave.
And now with the burden of faded futile flowers I wait and linger.
The waves have become clamorous, and upon the bank in the shady lane
the yellow leaves flutter and fall.
What emptiness do you gaze upon!
Do you not feel a thrill passing through the air
with the notes of the far-away song
floating from the other shore?
The poem conveys a sense of restlessness, longing, and
emptiness. Though the poem is not specifically based on dementia, mental
illness, or Alzheimer’s, that’s exactly the state of mind when people are
dealing with such psychological conditions. The sense of anticipation, the possibility
of new beginnings, and the yearning for change are what make an individual feel
alive in the face of emptiness and stagnation. Poetry has made this
understanding so simple and straightforward.
The Bottom Line
In the world of identity poems, I have found a profound tool for
understanding identity. It reflects the desire for connection while stating the
importance of being seen and known by others. Moreover, the symbolic elements
like paper boats, waves, and distant songs add depth to this exploration,
encompassing the feelings and aspirations that define who we are as an
individual. It beautifully illustrates that identity is not at all a static or
isolated concept but intertwined with our perceptions and connections. And what
can be the best way to understand these perceptions and the evolving state of
our identity than poetry.
Indeed, said by Anthony Jay Robbins, an American author and
coach, Identity is this incredible invisible force that controls your whole
life. It is invisible, like gravity is invisible but it controls your whole
life. And it does not end here! As I stayed immersed in this vast tapestry,
there came an important learning of life, an eye opener for me; something that
transformed me from within. So, stay tuned to navigate further with me on this
journey of identity maze.
FAQs
Ques 1: What are identity
poems?
Ans 1: Identity poems are a
genre of poetry that explores the multifaceted concept of identity,
encompassing various aspects like personal, cultural, social, and gender
identities.
Ques 2: What role do identity
poems play in promoting empathy and understanding?
Ans 2: Identity poems serve
as an excellent tool to help readers slip into the shoes of others, helping
them gain insights into multifaceted experiences and perspectives. This helps
promote empathy and understanding.
Ques 3: Who are some famous
poets known for writing identity poems?
Ans 3: Famous poets known
for writing identity poems include Maya Angelou, Pablo Neruda, Sylvia Plath, Langston
Hughes, Walt Whitman, Kamala Das, and Jayanta Mahapatra, among many others.
These celebrated poets have collectively made significant contributions in
shaping society through heartfelt identity poems.
Ques 4: How do identity
poems help in self-discovery?
Ans 4: Identity poems help
individuals to connect with their experiences and emotions while encouraging
them to confront their past. This facilitates the journey of self-discovery.
Ques 5: How do identity
poems evolve with changing societal perspectives on identity?
Ans 5: Identity poems continue
to foster empathy in this ever-changing world. They evolve by addressing contemporary
issues, challenging stereotypes, understanding evolving identities, and
amplifying understated voices in response to shifting societal perspectives.
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