Uma Parameswaran’s Trishanku and other writings

People in general state that there is no use in crying over the spilt milk. Past is always considered as dead and pondering about it is perpetually considered as futile. However, here comes Uma Parameswaran’s Trishanku and other writings to break the notion. This work of a diaspora writer cannot be read for the contemporary issues as it deals with the first set of diaspora people who moved from India to Canada. Despite the fact that the text deals with the previous set of immigrants, still it cannot be ignored. The text provides the base to learn about the first set of immigrants and provides a link to learn about the state of current immigrants. Apart from the theme of nostalgia, this work has universal themes too. For instance Usha’s lamentation for the unborn child suits any mother, To quote,

It is nature’s way, they said,

To throw out those unfit to see

The light of day.

And they dropped him in a white-lid jar

And carried him away.

Threw him down the incinerator perhaps,

Flames sucking at those unformed lips

That never will suckle here,

My son, heir to the heritage of the solar kings. (p.31)

Any human being with soul will be moved to shed tears after reading the above poem. This collection is also unique in literary genre. Uma has broken the boundaries by compiling poems, short prose and excerpt from a novel. Her new attempt is worth reading. This collection is unique and deserves kudos as it appeals to heart and soul. No wonder many pages make us suffer and choke our throat in tears. The text treats your emotion.