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Standing on Ashes: Three Punjabi Poets on Aging

July 2018

This month’s feature presents three Punjabi poets on aging, selected and introduced by Sonnet Mondal.

Standing on Ashes: Three Punjabi Poets on Aging

By Sonnet Mondal

Punjabi poetry stands on ashes, reinforced by a blend of spirituality and dissent.

A metal bowl against a white background

Khalili Collections / CC-BY-SA 3.0 IGO, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO, via Wikimedia Commons

“Chhanna,” the Metal Bowl

By Amarjit Chandan

Contemplating a family heirloom, a ruminative Amarjit Chandan finds the past staring back at him.

Translated from Punjabi by Sarabjeet Garcha

Mustard Flowers

Morning starts / when lights turn green.

Translated from Punjabi by the author

While I Slept

By Navtej Bharati

I will not accept this old age / grafted slyly on my body.

Translated from Punjabi by the author