Sonnet Mondal’s poetry collection, *Clamour for a Handful of Rice*, delves into themes of hunger and survival, urging readers to confront societal inequities.
*Clamour for a Handful of Rice* is a forthcoming poetry collection by Sonnet Mondal, set to be released in 2025. This work intricately explores profound themes such as hunger, survival, conflict, and the complexities of the human condition. Through powerful imagery, Mondal addresses pressing social issues, including poverty, war, and societal indifference, challenging readers to confront harsh realities and step beyond their comfort zones.
American poet Lois P. Jones, author of *Night Ladder*, offers a compelling review of Mondal’s work, emphasizing its depth and emotional resonance.
In her review, Jones notes that Mondal’s *Clamour for a Handful of Rice* delves deep into the essence of hunger, examining what drives our innermost selves. She describes the collection as a testament to the resilience of those who suffer, portraying a poet who bears witness to the struggles of the impoverished. The imagery of individuals with empty stomachs and outstretched hands, smiling near car windows, evokes a poignant reflection on human dignity amidst adversity.
Mondal’s poetry compels readers to reassess their awareness of suffering, prompting contemplation on how we respond to the plight of others—whether through action or the consequences of inaction. The collection raises critical questions about our desires and the means by which they are fulfilled.
One of the striking lines from the collection reads:
The earth shakes every day.
Cries fill the air more than ever.
You were content with the earth supporting your legs,
bees humming to the flowers nearby
and you drifted on the flowing honey.
You lost your voice with bread inside your mouth
and the passing time faded away
with the rhythm of your chewing.
This excerpt from *The Way Time Turned Dark* exemplifies Mondal’s ability to weave together the mundane and the profound, illustrating the disconnect between comfort and the harsh realities faced by many.
Furthermore, Mondal’s work transcends the metaphor of food, probing into humanity’s insatiable hunger for war and greed. He contrasts the lives of the privileged with those of the underprivileged, painting a vivid picture of societal inequities. For instance, he depicts teenagers at the bazaar who assist their parents in selling meat, fish, and vegetables while observing the faces of school-bound children, highlighting the stark differences in their daily realities.
In another poignant passage, Mondal writes:
The tree it sits on doesn’t drink water.
It is captive and forced to drink the blood
of the people lying lifeless in her shadow.
Her shade couldn’t console them when they were alive.
Her leaves couldn’t bandage the war
and the ash around couldn’t blind the hate.
This excerpt from *Somewhere on a Tree* showcases Mondal’s fierce attention to the world and his philosophical inquiries, all while maintaining a tenderness for the elements that sustain life.
*Clamour for a Handful of Rice* is published by Copper Coin Publishing Pvt Ltd and spans 110 pages, with an ISBN of 9788199199880. Mondal’s collection promises to be a significant contribution to contemporary poetry, inviting readers to engage with the pressing issues of our time.
As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for this collection that not only reflects the struggles of the poor and hungry but also serves as a call to action for all of humanity.
Source: Original article