I appreciate Jurga’s poetry for its authenticity, sincerity and special ability – through the experiences of ancestors, grandparents, and my own, to tell the universe, not to get stuck in the trap of egocentricity and to tell, follow, sing, witness a secret, unknown, and at the same time such a simple world.
J. Jasponytė’s new book was first surprising with its title. After reading the poems, I seem to have unlocked the motives, at least for myself – in the collection, the poet also mentions the war in Ukraine, which shocked most people, and the challenges of the pandemic. Historical and personal breaks, which are not only clearly articulated, but also lie in subtexts, encourage the subject to think, embrace the temporary, first of all to clarify for himself the nature and meaning of the emerging challenges.
The key poem, which helped to unlock the essence of the book, is the penultimate one in the collection: “until I saw that nothing stops/only moves/to another place of time” before the autumn sleep/in a certain place suitable for itself/the universe sits down” (“A certain place”, p. 98). Such a beautiful hope that surpasses personal intentions – the subject created by the author seems to me extremely wise and savvy, perfectly discerning and interpreting the laws of being.
So, as I already mentioned, I read the entire book of the poetess as an attempt to catch something that usually does not allow itself to be caught, that breaks through the veil of banal domesticity. It is a constant change and return – the cyclicality of nature, the sense of meaning, the crumbling memory, the eroding layer of the safe world.
The end of the book gives a sense of a kind of peace – although the title encourages disobedience, announces danger, in the penultimate poem the subject manages to recover gen state – because nothing disappears, because the world does not end, because the universe eventually settles down in its right place (who said that everything has to fit a person?).
I have already mentioned, and now I want to explain another very important aspect of the poetics of the book – cyclicity (it is named and analyzed by Mantas Balakauskas: About the birds of memory diving in the waters of time – Poetic Druskininkai Autumn). In J. Jasponytė’s poems, the abundant motifs of autumn are replaced by spring, birth – death, abundance – loss: “Never were separated/life, death,/giving birth to each other” (“Sisters”, p. 58) “; “only cycles only cycles only cycles/repeat/chase/tick” (“Only cycles”, p. 21).
Because nothing disappears, because the world does not end, because the universe eventually settles down in its right place (who said that everything has to fit a person?).
At this point in the text, I would like to surrender to my feelings, and not to professional criticism – J. Jasponytė’s poems, their already mentioned cyclical nature, give me the same sensations as walking in the forest, in all seasons. While walking, I avoid extraneous distractions (phone) and observe the change of nature – calmly, without pre-judgment and pursuit of personal gain (it has fallen again, there is no sun, seasonal depression will set in). This is perception, simply observing and naming the world spinning in a circle, its natural rhythms, this is deep acceptance and gentle, light melancholy.
Reading the poems of this book affects me in the same way, I accept and perceive them in this way. One of my favorite texts reflecting this: “I don’t know if it’s/depression/old age/Buddhism -/ the grandfather looked at the rain/ at the splashing water/ on the chickens’ heads/ and did nothing/ because everything/ was beautiful to him” (p. 12).
J. Jasponytė is also able to very organically interweave the past and the present, folklore and current affairs, personalities with universality, lost with eternity. The motifs of Šaltupė (and water in general), folklore, connections between nature and the city, dialects and everyday language use echo from the previous books.
The archetype of water is still important (I have already written a lot about its ambivalence in reviews, reflecting the insights of Mircea Eliade). Personal discovery – the multifaceted symbolism of the fox. This animal is very important in the book, because “The fox casts/a brownish warm shadow on Zaras” (“Equinox. Chopping firewood”, p. 43).
J. Jasponytė is also able to very organically interweave the past and the present, folklore and current affairs, personalities with universality.
Even more interesting layers opened up when we remembered the personal stories of J. Jasponytė’s husband, the poet Marius Buroks’ text “Kaleidoscope glass”: “Writers rushed to move to Naujininki. And we, or rather, my wife, who knows even the most secret paths of the area (sometimes I think she is actually a fox – similar to the Japanese Kitsune spirit), often becomes a tour guide for newly moved residents” (Marius Burok. Kaleidoscope glasses – year magazine ).
It is even more interesting to connect M. Buroko’s hint with the book – Kitsune in Japanese folklore positive connotation – the nine-tailed fox protects and protects loved ones and is extremely loyal. I saw such a fox in J. Jasponytė’s book, the one who cares, who faithfully protects the heritage of her relatives, who tells about her relationship with her husband and daughters, with the living world, in poems.
Another thing that impressed me in the book is the original act of finding, creation, self-creation of the world/worlds and the subject itself. The life that comes from thoughts, the world that appears in song, the person who is also the world itself, the universe: “I am the sunshine of the fields I am the doe/I am a drunken water jug/actually more of an uzbon/somewhat cracked in white pattern” (“(No ) separate”, p. 17) A non-trivial treatment of the one, the same cyclicality that man-made objects are subject to, heritage that has become significant.
At the end of this text, I feel that I emphasized too little time, memory, and the present, which are also very important in J. Jasponytė’s poetry. Relics of the past and modernity often coexist in one poem. For example, in the poem “Island. The subject of “Zarasai” sees that “The Big Island is transforming/into a tourist paradise” (p. 20), and then remembers the Soviet era, when there was a statue of Stalin, which, thank God, is already at the bottom of the puddle. Although memory is a “fearful creature” (p. 13), which is often frightened and afraid to run away, it is necessary for the Universe created by the author to remember, create and restore memories now, to integrate them into the present.
Irmantos Gelūnos/BNS photo/Lina Buividavičiūtė
And at the end – tomorrow I will keep the poetry of J. Jasponytė while walking my forest wheel. And I will hope to meet a fox, which, after being tamed, I will always feel is hiding a mystery that will not be unlocked for me in this life. Because this is the dimension and depth of the strength of life and poetry.
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#universe #finally #sit #place #Jasponytės #book #review #Culture
2024-09-15 20:05:13
– What themes emerge from Jurga Jasponytė’s poetry that reflect the cycles of life and nature?
Table of Contents
Unveiling the Authenticity of Jurga Jasponytė’s Poetry: A Journey Through the Cycles of Life and Nature
In the realm of poetry, authenticity is a rare gem, and Jurga Jasponytė’s latest book is a shining example of this precious quality. Her poetry is a masterclass in sincerity, weaving together the threads of personal experiences, ancestral stories, and the vast expanse of the universe. This article delves into the heart of Jasponytė’s work, exploring its themes, motifs, and the profound impact it has on the reader.
Breaking Free from Egocentricity
Jasponytė’s poetry stands out for its unique ability to transcend the confines of individual experience, instead of dwelling on the self. Her words transport us to a world where the past, present, and future converge, and the boundaries between personal and collective experiences blur. The poet’s voice is neither indulgent nor self-absorbed, instead, it is a gentle, yet powerful, guide that ushers us into a realm of shared human experience.
The Title: A Key to Unlocking the Poems
The title of Jasponytė’s book may evoke surprise, but it holds the key to unlocking the underlying themes and motifs. The poems address the war in Ukraine, the pandemic, and other global challenges, but they also reveal the poet’s own personal struggles and triumphs. This intricate web of historical and personal breaks is expertly woven, inviting the reader to reflect on the nature and meaning of these challenges.
The Power of Cyclicity
One of the most striking aspects of Jasponytė’s poetry is its emphasis on cyclicity. The poet masterfully explores the cycles of life, death, and rebirth, as well as the natural rhythms of nature. In “A certain place,” she writes, “until I saw that nothing stops/only moves/to another place of time” – a poignant expression of the constant flux that surrounds us. This cyclical nature of existence is mirrored in the poet’s use of motifs, where autumn’s abundance gives way to spring’s renewal, and loss is intertwined with new beginnings.
The Universe in its Right Place
Jasponytė’s poetry is not about despair or chaos; instead, it offers a profound sense of hope and acceptance. In the face of uncertainty, her words reassure us that the universe will ultimately settle into its right place, despite the turmoil that may surround us. This message is both comforting and empowering, urging us to embrace the temporary nature of life and find meaning in its rhythms.
A Personal and Professional Connection
As a reader, I am drawn to Jasponytė’s poetry because it resonates deeply with my own experiences and emotions. Her words evoke the same sense of wonder and connection that I feel when walking in nature, observing its cycles and rhythms. The poet’s voice is a gentle guide, encouraging me to surrender to my feelings and accept the world in all its complexity.
Conclusion
Jurga Jasponytė’s poetry is a rare gift, offering us a glimpse into the intricate web of human experience and the natural world. Her words are a testament to the power of authenticity, sincerity, and the cyclical nature of life. As we delve into the pages of her book, we are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and hope. Jasponytė’s poetry is a beacon of light in a world that often seems overwhelming, reminding us that, despite the chaos, the universe will ultimately settle into its right place.
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Her verses, it becomes clear how she intertwines personal narrative with larger societal issues. What themes does Jurga Jasponytė explore in her poetry?
Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe: Jurga Jasponytė’s Poetic Mastery
In a world where poetry is often seen as an expression of individual emotions, Jurga Jasponytė’s work stands out for its authenticity, sincerity, and ability to transcend the boundaries of egocentricity. Her latest book is a masterpiece that not only reflects her personal experiences but also weaves together the threads of history, folklore, and current affairs, creating a rich tapestry of human existence.
Confronting the Challenges of Our Time
The title of Jasponytė’s book may seem surprising at first, but as one delves deeper into
