Qafas and Zindaan: Liminal Confines of Entrapment and Freedom
Schedule
Sat Oct 26 2024 at 02:00 pm to 05:00 pm
UTC-07:00Location
1250 Addison St Suite 111, Berkeley, CA 94702 | Berkeley, CA
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A Urdu poem by Aitbar Sajid inspires this gathering.rihā kar de qafas kī qaid se ghāyal parinde ko
kisī ke dard ko is dil meñ kitne saal pālegā
Release the wounded bird from the captivity of the cage,
For how many years will you nurture someone's pain in your heart?
In this poem poet speaks about letting go of emotional burdens. The "wounded bird" symbolizes someone (or something) hurt and confined - Qafas, possibly representing a heart in emotional pain. The poet urges the release of this emotional burden, questioning how long one can hold on to someone else's pain within their heart. It touches upon themes of emotional liberation and the inevitability of moving on from suffering. It beautifully captures the struggle between holding on to grief and the need for emotional freedom.
The Panther
Original by Rainer Maria Rilke
Translated, from the German, by Alex Buckman
In the Jardin des Plantes, Paris
His gaze is from the passing bars so weary
That now, within it, nothing more is held.
For him there are a thousand bars to see
But then behind a thousand bars, no world.
His pacing strides wind circles ever smaller,
And to the beating of a distant drum,
Perform a dance of power ’round a center
In which a once-so-mighty will stands numbed.
Rilke's The Panther is a symbolic representation of confinement in its most subtle form—the panther is caged, not just physically but also mentally. It reflects a Zindaan that goes beyond physical boundaries, showing how the mind can become trapped. Rilke’s panther is caught in a Zindaan, where it no longer knows freedom or even desires it, a metaphor for how the spirit can become dulled by prolonged confinement.
Join us for an intimate poetry gathering that delves into the profound experiences of Qafas (the cage, symbolizing confinement that is less intense but still painful) and Zindaan (the prison, a deeper state of suffering, captivity, and despair), as they manifest in our minds, bodies, and spirits. These metaphors reflect the struggles we face within our minds, bodies, and spirits, as we navigate the cages of circumstance and the prisons of deeper emotional, psychological, and spiritual trials.
Poets around the world have shaped their words around these profound ideas, helping us reflect on the subtle and intense states of being trapped.
Through the voices and words of poets who have masterfully captured these metaphors, we will reflect on the struggles of the human spirit caught in the interplay of freedom and entrapment.
We will explore work that speaks to the universal themes of restriction—whether imposed by society, love, politics, or one's own internal barriers—and their yearning for escape or reconciliation with their circumstances.
Whether you come to listen, share, or write, your presence adds to the rich tapestry of voices that make this gathering a memorable and inspiring experience.
You're encouraged to bring a poem that speaks to you – whether it's one you've written or one that you admire. We invite you to bring any letters, poetry, and literature from any worldwide language, including their translations and interpretations.
We will translate poems from the original language into English as best as possible with the group's help. We go with the flow of conversations beyond the theme during our gathering.
Please find more about us here - Kaavya Connections Website - https://www.kaavyaconnections.com/.
Please also join the mailing list for our upcoming events: https://www.kaavyaconnections.com/mailing-list/.
If you would like to volunteer to help organize the monthly gatherings and shows in any way, please email [email protected].
Bring a friend, a poetic story to tell, or come to listen and enjoy.
Above all, bring your creative self.
Kaavya Connections
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Where is it happening?
1250 Addison St Suite 111, Berkeley, CA 94702, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
