Writing

To write or not to write – that is the question.

To write like a hack or keep quiet like a dunce?

To write the raw impressions of an unsettled mind that sways with the wind or current, ambivalent and uncertain, or to keep watching in silence how everything passes and passes us by too?

To write angrily on the absurd and heartless things that overwhelm us in person or on reading the newspaper headlines, or turn a blind eye and keep a tranqill mind as if in compliance with Gita?

To write funnily and make others laugh, or to keep the tongue and pen in check lest we hurt innocent souls?

To admire others for the virtues they cleverly depict or seek the inner truths to understand how all life is equally grand and stupid?

To recall the glorious moments as well as the gloomy ones to share with equal-minded peple, or to leave behind the past and care for the present as many forwarders din it into our heads day in and day out?

It is best perhaps not to write.

(I have perfected over time how to write with nothing to tell!)

A poem by Arasi:

என்ன எழுத? எதற்காக?

ஏன் சொல்ல வந்தேன் என்றால்,

எத்தனை பேருக்கு எத்தனை முறை சொன்னாலும்

அவர் அவருக்குத் தெரிந்ததைவிடவா?

தவிர, அவருக்குத் தெரிந்ததே போதுமே,

நான் புதிதாக என்ன சொல்லப் போகிறேன்?

புதிதென்று ஏதுமில்லை, இருக்கப் போவதுமில்லை

எல்லாம் சொன்ன பாடமேதான், கேட்ட விவகாரம்தான்,

எதுவுமே புதிதில்லை, பழைய கதைதான் எல்லாம்,

மற்றவையும்தான் – பின்னே, என்ன என்கிறீர்கள்?

பின்னுவதும்தான் ...

பின்னப் பின்னக் கதை, கவிதை

புதுமை என்று இதிலே ஏது?

ஒன்றும் இல்லை என்றே சொல்வேன்

From my diary:

I cannot write something because I can find words to say. I must have something to say, which will connect with others as a routine in their life.

In the bank I came across proposals written in stylish English with literary allusions and it was a joy to read. After a few proposals, I grew weary of them. It seemed to be laboured and not to the purpose. At best, it seeks to divert the reader, if not to confuse. Writing is a waste if to showcase one’s bookish mastery and arrogance if intended to prove superior.

At the end of the day, Maugham must have the last word. All writing must be simple, lucid and euphonious, if possible. Standard must be the watchword, style being optional where elegant, as in dress. Unless one writes for the mere glee of showing how he is one up on others at the cost of relevance and communication.