Daud Kamal’s Poem Occasionally a Beautiful Yellow Spotted Fish Appears - ReadScholars

Daud Kamal’s Poem Occasionally a Beautiful Yellow Spotted Fish Appears

Occasionally, a beautiful yellow-spotted fish appears, and when such a phenomenon graces our presence, it is believed that the year shall be one of good fortune. In the year documented in the Akbar Nama, 1589, this splendid creature emerged, filling the hearts of the people with great joy.

 

Stanza 1: Empty Pavilions and the Garden's Joy

 

The poem begins by painting a vivid picture of empty pavilions, devoid of any trace of the imperial footprints that once graced the grassy grounds. However, despite this absence, the garden finds solace and rejuvenation after being refreshed by the afternoon rain. This juxtaposition sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the themes embedded within the lines.

 

Stanza 2: A Dreaming Mind

 

In a state of drowsiness, the narrator finds themselves half-asleep, with their shoulder serving as a comfortable bookrest for their son. In this state, they delve into a dream where they yearn for someone, an object of desire or perhaps a lost love. The mention of cypresses, cascades, ancient brick parterres, and the remorseless moon invokes a sense of longing and nostalgia, transporting the narrator to a distant place.

 

Stanza 3: Vivid Memories

 

The poem takes a poignant turn as the narrator recounts a recent occurrence. They share a powerful experience of being called upon by the subject of their longing as if that person were drowning. The vividness with which they saw this person surpasses even the depth of Jehangir's perception when he witnessed a poppy seed sinking to the bottom of the pool at Vernag. This historical reference adds a layer of depth to the line, emphasizing the intensity and clarity of the narrator's vision.

 

Stanza 4: The Weight of Time

 

Reflecting on the concept of a lifetime, the poem questions its significance. The mention of concubines murdered in their gauzy dresses hints at the transience of life and the fickle nature of fate. Watches, calendars, and the notion of occlusive stars serve as reminders of the passing of time, urging the reader to contemplate the worth and meaning of existence.

 

Stanza 5: Pearls and Rock-Ravishers

 

The stanza delves into a metaphorical realm, drawing a parallel between the capture of twelve fish and the insertion of pearls into their noses. This act of liberation, releasing the fish back into the water, carries symbolic weight. It prompts the reader to ponder how to evaluate the passing year and the endurance of trees that withstand the relentless assault of the sun, a metaphorical rock-ravisher.

 

Stanza 6: Seeking Healing

 

With a touch of introspection, the narrator reveals a moment of vulnerability. They describe a blackbird unapologetically burying its beak into a ripening fig, paralleling their own act of lifting a scab from a wound with their thumbnail. This introspective gesture serves as a metaphorical exploration of personal growth and healing.

 

Stanza 7: Recurring Nightmares and Wakeful Minds

 

The narrator acknowledges having loved other women, perhaps hinting at past mistakes or regrets. Yet, in the present moment, their attention turns to their son, who stirs in his sleep beside them, their comic book playfully pushing the narrator into an abyss of consciousness. The narrator admits that their recurring nightmare should not be taken too seriously, as it has become all too familiar. The mention of swallows dipping their wings in a waterfall suggests the continuity of nature, even amidst personal struggles.

 

By employing various literary devices, Daud Kamal weaves a tapestry of emotions and imagery in "Occasionally a Beautiful Yellow Spotted Fish Appears." Each stanza offers intricate details and layers of meaning, invoking historical and political contexts while exploring themes of longing, time, and self-reflection.

Literary Devices in "Occasionally a Beautiful Yellow Spotted Fish Appears"

 

The Pakistani poet Daud Kamal weaves a captivating tapestry of emotions and imagery in his poem titled "Occasionally a Beautiful Yellow Spotted Fish Appears." Through skillful employment of various literary devices, Kamal crafts a piece that transcends mere words on a page and delves into the depths of human experience. Let us embark on an intricate analysis of this remarkable work, stanza by stanza, unveiling the hidden meanings and historical or political allusions present within each line.

Stanza 1:

In the opening lines, Kamal masterfully employs the device of paradox, juxtaposing the desolate state of empty pavilions with the garden's jubilant response. Absent are the imperial footprints that once graced the grass, leaving behind a void. However, the afternoon rain breathes life into the garden, rejuvenating it despite the absence of human presence. This contrast hints at the resilience of nature in the face of abandonment and foreshadows a broader exploration of themes that transcend the transient nature of human existence.

 

Stanza 2:

In this stanza, the poet employs the literary device of imagery to evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia. The narrator, half-asleep and providing a makeshift bookrest for their son on their shoulder, becomes immersed in a dream world. Their thoughts wander to a faraway realm, painting a picture of cypresses, cascades, ancient brick parterres, and the remorseless moon. These vivid descriptions transport the reader to an ethereal landscape, rich with historical and cultural connotations. It is a world that resonates with echoes of past splendors and whispers of unfulfilled desires.

 

Stanza 3: 

In this poignant section, Kamal employs vivid imagery and historical allusions to depict a profound encounter. The narrator recounts a night when they were called upon, as though the person they longed for was drowning. The intensity of this experience is emphasized through a comparison to Jehangir, a Mughal emperor who witnessed a poppy seed sinking to the bottom of a pool in Vernag with remarkable clarity. This historical reference not only adds depth and authenticity to the moment but also highlights the vividness and emotional impact of the narrator's vision.

 

Stanza 4:

Here, Kamal employs rhetorical questions as a literary device to probe the concept of a lifetime. The poet challenges the reader to ponder the fleeting nature of existence. The mention of concubines murdered in their gauzy dresses serves as a somber reminder of mortality and the capriciousness of fate. Watches, calendars, and the notion of occlusive stars further emphasize the passage of time and its intangible grip on human life. Through these devices, Kamal invites us to question the true measure of a lifetime and the ephemeral nature of earthly pursuits.

 

Stanza 5:

In this stanza, the poet employs symbolism and metaphor to explore the complexities of life. The act of catching twelve fish and adorning them with pearls before releasing them back into the water holds profound meaning. It represents liberation and the cyclical nature of existence. The fish, adorned with pearls, symbolize the beauty and potential found within the realm of freedom. This metaphor prompts the reader to contemplate how to evaluate the passing year and the enduring strength of trees standing against the relentless assault of the sun, portrayed as a rock-ravisher. It unveils the resilience required to navigate life's challenges and the significance of remaining steadfast amidst adversity.

 

Stanza 6: 

In this section, Kamal employs vivid imagery and introspection to delve into themes of healing and self-reflection. The poet describes an unrepentant blackbird burying its beak into a ripening fig, paralleling the narrator's own act of lifting a scab from a wound with their thumbnail. This metaphorical exploration symbolizes the quest for personal growth and the willingness to confront emotional pain. The notion that ashes do not revert to fire conveys the irreversible nature of certain experiences, hinting at the narrator's acceptance of past mistakes. Through introspection and physical actions, the poet delves into the human condition and the complexity of personal transformation.

 

Stanza 7: 

In the final stanza, Kamal employs the literary device of juxtaposition to capture the duality of human existence. The narrator acknowledges having loved other women, alluding to personal imperfections and the complexities of human relationships. However, the presence of their sleeping son stirs a sense of responsibility and grounding within them. The mention of a comic book pushing the narrator down into the abyss juxtaposes the fleeting nature of personal struggles with the enduring presence of familial love. The assertion that the recurring nightmare should not be taken too seriously underscores the narrator's familiarity with their inner demons and the notion of impermanence. The reference to swallows dipping their wings in a waterfall serves as a poignant reminder of nature's constancy amidst personal turmoil, highlighting the perpetual cycle of life and renewal.

 

Conclusion

"Occasionally a Beautiful Yellow Spotted Fish Appears" is a masterful creation by Daud Kamal, teeming with literary devices that enrich the reader's experience. Through paradox, imagery, historical allusions, metaphor, symbolism, and introspection, the poet invites us on a profound journey of contemplation. Kamal's words resonate with historical and political undertones, infusing the poem with depth and complexity. This extraordinary piece serves as a testament to the power of poetry to provoke thought, evoke emotions, and unveil the intricacies of the human condition.