Orientalism I (The Aftermath) Poem by Sadiqullah Khan
Orientalism I (The Aftermath)
Descent from the ancient times
Pharaoic doctrines and kingdoms
Orient had variants be it continent
Some part of earth or where the sun set
Or the moon would rise enchanting
Buddha and Vedas
The Christ
Son of God
Greek reason wrestled with the myth
Roman statesmanship converted
Dark ages followed
Orient held the torch lit
From Greeks and handed it back
To the west
Renaissance from Italy
Of the many sparks
The Orientalists forgot the east
The Chinese had invented the missile
They abandoned
They thought
It was against the human spirit
The Orientalists invented the bomb
They used it
In the name of a value
Of democracy and freedom
Pre Newtonian or post Newtonian
Collation of data an inferior responsibility
It denoted mischief and lack of trust
In mankind and nature
So was the thought in the east
3/11/2009
Truthful words...the sun has always risen from the east...all Suns! thanks for this good reminding piece...read my piece- The Breakfast...it relates...10
...edward said, ah? ...but whe from do i manage 20 characters?
An interesting write about orientalism and their apparently failure to understand and live the truths presented by some of the oldest civilisations of eastern hemispheres. A well conceived and well narrated piece, inviting to pondering and understanding, liked it!
Very very fine and truth spelled in real tones...................
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
5/5/2024 2:11:42 PM # 1.0.0.1119
Thanks Indira Edward Said in his 'Orientalism' has taken the subject at length which is very informative and interesting. At one place he mentions that the successor to Newton was removed from his position in Cambridge for his leanings towards Islam. Pre and post Newtonian era is mentioned by Henry Kissinger. Now coming to this poem, 'The aftermath” in fact is the critique from history as it started from 'Egypt' The Christ being 'son of God”, and down to Greek reason. The rest is History. In the other poem 'dialogue ensues' there is a subtle dialogue, bringing the point to modern day, where after colonialism, what remains for us to share is 'nuclear technology'. In a way it culminates on a self destructive paradigm than any meaningful exchange of ideas between the two 'dialectical opposites'. On this symbolic culminating point they both agree.