LatinosUSA

Do you think poetry is back in fashion?

Poetry is indeed back in fashion because of social media and numerous online journals. Social media poetry is suddenly everywhere on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and increasingly in print. These short poems, accompanied by illustrations, are shared by countless readers who have millions of followers who follow for a dose of poetry and inspiration.  

Social media has helped poetry go viral in a way it has not been able to do before. Then there are numerous poetry organizations from different places and backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and genders all over the world, which increases the growth of poetry in social media. 

Is your poetry created daily, or do you wait to be inspired to write it?

 I write poems almost daily, and I take inspiration from my surroundings. Poetry connects us. It also makes us feel less lonely. As it happens, I am more enchanted by my surroundings, with their smells, sounds, fissures, features, and their intricate relationships with the people. Writing, especially poetry, is essential for me. Poems that I create are just part of me. They echo reality and help me explore the unknown. I never struggle with the lines, and I feel comfortable with this. My language of expression is restrained and subtle.

What is your next publishing project? Could you tell us how it came about?

My next publishing project is “Selected Poems- Gopal Lahiri,” and it will be published soon from a very reputable publisher – Hawakal Publishers, Delhi/Kolkata, India. The poems will be selected by a well-known poet of India, Sanjeev Sethi.

What city do you live in, and can you describe your favorite bar or café?

I live in Kolkata, India, the City of Joy. It has numerous cafés and bars. My Favorite café is Barista, located on Park Street, in the heart of Kolkata. A great place to spend your time with your friends and family. My favorite items are Americano coffee, garlic bread, Alfredo pasta, and Darjeeling tea. The ambiance and the service are good.

Sample Poem

Meditation by Gopal Lahiri

I close my eyes
An eerie silence envelopes the surrounds,
the lingering smell of the jasmine
breaking away in my heart.

I burrow deeply into memories,
unstirred yet scaling heights.

A distant light warms my face
as I awaken from deep sleep.

Face to face, I converse with loneliness,
the words dissolve in silence.

I ask myself who will look after me
when I free fall at odd hours,
the night is waiting outside to answer
in the language of stars and planets.

Bio

Gopal Lahiri is a bilingual poet, critic, editor, and translator with 31 books published, including eight solo/jointly edited books. His works are published across more than 50 journals and anthologies globally His poems are translated into 18 languages and published in 17 countries. He has been nominated for Pushcart Prize for poetry in 2021. He received Setu Excellence Award, Pittsburgh, US.

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