Williamsji Maveli’s Charismatic: A Bilingual Poetry Book
Book Review
By: Khursheed Wani
Williamsji Maveli, a rare diamond of the literary world, was born on 23 April 1955 in Kalitamkara village in Thrissur district of Kerala in south India. He was well-known in the early 1970s (Williamsji, Irinjalakuda) as a writer of romantic, charming lyrics in his native Malayalam, including many sonnets.
In his early school days at “Don Bosco English Medium High School”, he began writing lyrics. Later, while in college, he released his first work of lyrics titled “Ragha Pooja” (Offerings to Love ) in Malayalam in 1973. He was elected as the magazine editor at Christ College in 1976. During this time he prepared manuscripts for magazines, namely “Kalithoni” for the Sharadaya Study Circle of Kalitumkara and another magazine “Shilpi” for the Irinjalakuda Sakti Mathurbhoomi Study Circle.
He has done Master’s in English Literature from Christ College. He was very impressed by Sachidanan’s style of teaching poetry. He was also influenced by the popular Malayalam Literary Critic Mampuzha Kumaran. He wrote about 300 songs for Malayalam films and magazines, notable for ‘Cinerama.’ He became the Assistant Script Writer of the late A.C. Sabu, the only Journalist specializing in Cinematography at that time and a close associate of Kanmani Films director, the late Ramu Kariyat (Chemmeen fame) who brought the first Silver Award to Malayalam Film for the best feature film during the year 1970.
Williamsji was also associated with the screen play works of many black and white films during 1970s. He worked in UAE for over thirty years, with Emirates Telecommunication Corporation (Etislata) Ras AL Khiamah and Thurayya Satelite communications (Abu Dhabi). Williamsji Maveli is the senator member of WORLD UNION OF POETS and Founder of WHORLED WIDE WRITERS, world’s most active writer’s forum.
A Freelance Journalist from Kerala, Williamsji Maveli, wears his many hats with style. Williamsji Maveli is currently working as a Freelance web writer and designer at Bangalore and Cochin in India. Earlier, he had worked for Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat), Thurayya Satellite Corporation in Abu Dhabi UAE, ME Publishers, Khaleej Times, and Gulf News & Gulf Today – All News Agencies in United Arab Emirates.
Williamsji’s 50th book titled ‘CHARISMATIC’, published by Literatues Light and powered by Aesthetic Creations. It is a bilingual book. The two languages are English and Malayalam. This book is an unwonted blend of thoughts from the creative mind of poet Williamsiji Maveli. The cover page of it is state of the art, arresting and eye-catching.The poet has dedicated this treasured souvenir to his twin grand-daughters, Joanne William & Leanne William. This book depicts the charismatic leadership of twin budding artists that make people admire and willing to follow them. The cover pages depict two art forms Mohiniattam and Kathakali (Classical Dances of Kerala).
The opening poem of the book ‘Treasured Hunt’ presents a complex experience of consciousness. It shows the brilliant flow of the poet’s pen. I don’t want to go too deep into it but I suggest you read it and enjoy the strong feeling of the poet. One more poem ‘Winged Words’, in this poem the poet has used figure of speech to compare divine love with a dove bird. The poet rightly turned his joyful experience into an admiring poem.
Another poem titled, ‘Obsession’, in this poem one can realize the cadence of words. Cadence is a literary device used to indicate the fluctuation of the voice when reading words. Melodic patterns arise while reading words. In both poetry and prose, cadence helps set a pace. Life’s passion and obsession with time transforms the life into a beautiful infinity of glorious moments.
One more poem titled, ‘Love is Bountiful’, a rhyme royal indited very beautifully. The poet rightly said, ‘Hold the truth that shows us the straight pathway.’ Readers will notice the use of imagery the poet has used in this poem. The poet used beautiful images that will grab the attention of readers the whole nine yard. Another poem titled, ‘Inner Flame’ indited exclusively about life’s struggle against uncanny situations and the ray of light that made him the essence. In addition, the metaphorical meaning of the poem will also be able to attract the reader’s attention.
One more poem titled, ‘All are near! All are Far!’ the poet has composed this poem very well, using melodious words from head to toe with great skill. It shows how brilliant and lively the poet’s imagination and creation are! ‘None Are Above’ another poem written nicely in which the poet highlights the significance of leaf and lyric. Here the readers can realize the importance of symbolism.
‘Debris’, one of the masterpieces from this book in which that poet has used a literary device called the mood. The mood of this poem is very sad, curious and nostalgic. The poet rightly said,
‘I am now soulless, body, the debris
The heavy storm of blood clot floats.’
Another poem titled, ‘Lost in the Tides’ in which the poet nicely said ‘Lost in the tides of time, my soul still wishes you to be ….’ It will appeal to all readers because of its figurative meaning. One more poem titled, ‘The Departure’, the poet has turned a scene of the departure of his loved onewhile at the railway station into poetry and ends with a wish.
‘An ode of Love’, a love poem exclusively indited about the poet’s beloved. I read the whole poem I can call Williamsji – a great romantic poet of Kerala. The poet concluded this poem with,
‘The waves of my ocean have been thrilled over again
And I wanted to shape my sky with my own sharp eyes!’
Another poem titled, ‘Under an Orange Tree’, the poem reflects tranquil emotions, and at times the poet falls into a dreamy dream and so on. Reading this poem I remembered my own encounters, feelings and desires. ‘The Lonely Sky’, a nice poem on page 50, in which the poet eloquently uses similes to captivate the reader. The poem is very short but very interesting and tear-jerking. It will make the readers think because there is sadness hidden in it.
Another poem, ‘Be the Light’ in this poem that poet has well said that be a beacon light in the darkness. In addition, he says how important it is to have light and remain light; let go of negative thinking; breaking the chains of hatred in life. The poet rightly concluded this poem with a strong desire.
Williamsji Mavelihas written this bilingual book in an excellent style, with excellent use of eloquence. The poet has a gift of the gab to present everything in verses. He has a strong grip on diction. He made an excellent use of language to create impact and effect. I recommend every poetry lover to read this book and find how beautifully it is written. I would like to pay my sincere tribute to Williamsji for this wonderful publication.
(The reviewer is a Poet and a teacher)
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