November 20, 2012
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Personal Thoughts, Amorous Words.
“… My memories are trapped, In the wasteland of time as it spins, Like sugar into cotton candy...” (Sayeed, 2012).
They arrived a little later than expected. It had me worried. It wouldn’t be the first for the post office to extend their delay in a delivery of a parcel. Almost a couple of weeks late is not so bad. I’m used to the not-so-fast delivery of anything that comes my way. A good thing they didn’t charge an extra fee for the books, like they have done in the past when I bought books online and had them shipped all the way from the States. Her books have finally arrived. Intact and with no damage. Phew!
Zakiah (@zsa_md) was thrilled that I wanted to purchase a couple of her books. I was smitten far too deep by her words to not wanting more. Her many poetries that she posted on Xanga are the first group of poetries that ever had any effect on me. I don't know why. I never had been a poetry kind of guy. Not by a long shot. But her collection seem so undeniably real, truthful, melancholy, and somehow, relatable. They spoke to me. And dare I say, inspired me to make a similar attempt in conveying my thoughts. Sad to say, my attempts had been very much at an amateur level. And they showed too.
Seeing her face on the cover, smiling at me, just another way to get me excited to flip open the pages. One is a cookbook. Another is her latest baby, titled ‘Stray Thoughts, Winged Words’. Upon opening the cover of both books, her personalized autograph in blue had me smiling. She must have written them with one of her fountain pens. I can tell. This just makes the books more special. Just for me. From her.
I decided to leave her ‘Flavors of India’ for another time and started reading her collection of poetries and short writings. Amorous words seem to flow freely and in plentiful when I read ‘Stray Thoughts, Winged Words’. I’m envious of her ability to convey emotions through her words. I find her writings seem very personal, which makes the read even more enjoyable.
She wrote a lot about those she cared about, past and present. People, family, love, culture, country, places, life. Like fragments of episodes from an epic movie, her stories seem to have a life. They jumped out from the many pages and had me transfixed many a times. Like the piece titled ‘The Grandfather Clock’ and also ‘Memories’. Rereading her words helps in getting the feel of her thoughts. Deep and rooted in the memories of her past and in the love she has bountiful to share.
Some of her words hit me like a truck, as if she was speaking right at me, in ‘Just Be’ and ‘Arrogance’. Some left a lump in my throat, in ‘Mickey’ and ‘Hello, God’. And some left me pondering more on life, in ‘Universe’, ‘Come Sit By Me’, and ‘Questions’.
There are many more in the book that are equally worthy of recognition. Perhaps different piece would mean something different for different readers. Her words have that power. And I, for one, am glad to have been spellbound by the magic of her words. Zakiah maybe an ordinary woman, wife, mother, grandmother, or friend. But to me, she is one hell of a writer.
Comments (18)
yes Zakiah is a gifted poet and you're so right, her words are always so easy to relate to and so touching, every time an emotional experience
Congrats on your purchase, you're so lucky
Yes indeed, I enjoyed reading her poems! Her choice of words are quite inspiring!
I have not read her works but you do cause me to put them on my reading list!
I'm glad you're enjoying the book too.
Xanga is lucky to have someone like Zakiah. Her poetic entries do inspire thoughts or go over points in our life that should be pondered upon.
Sorry that I have been neglecting reading your entries rudy. PPhilip.
Oh my GOD, Rudi, I am sitting here, with tears in my eyes. No one has ever written anything like this about me or my work. I just came here to reciprocate your comment on my post from last night, and when I read the title of your post, I thought you would talk about something from your life. And then the word Sayeed caught my eyes, and I kept saying, ' oh no, oh no', and with my hand on my mouth I kept reading your words.
I am just in a state of shock. I don't know what to say dear friend. Overwhelmed? Floored? yeah something like that. I am all that! Your words have touched me to the depths of my heart. My gratitude to you is eternal for what you have done. A few friends have written reviews on Amazon about the book,and just like those reviews, your post here makes me feel ten feet tall despite the humility I feel. You have truly elevated me Rudi to a whole another level. Most grateful for what you have written.
Yes I did use my fountain pen. That's all I use. Don't have the ball point pens around my desk.
Rudi, dear heart, thank you from the depth of my heart and soul. Blessings to you always.
Love,
Zakiah.
Zakiah is one of my favorites as well -- her writings reflect a culture very different than ours in the US, and one that is increasingly important here. The sensitivity with which she tells stories is amazing, and gives us some extraordinary insights into her life in the two cultures. Her childhood and family memories are wonderfully portrayed -- one can almost smell the aromas and hear the sounds of a place many thousand miles away -- and feel the emotions of a completely foreign way of life.
I'm excited to order my own copies when I arrive to the states
I bet those will be worth a lot once she surpasses the 50 Shades author in sales!
@CareyGLY - ha ha ha Carey, that is funny. I hope I can sell some more books. Not competing here by any stretch of imagination. Just want to come even with the publishing cost.
How have you been doing? It's good to see a glimpse of you here and there. Have a great thanksgiving.
It's great the books have arrived to your place and in perfect condition. It's too bad not all of the online orders work out so well. I too am a fan of her poems as they are very well written and thought up of and really can paint a vivid picture and story line by line. Having the books there will be great as you will have so many wonderful poems to choose from and put some great images into your head when you need something to think about.
It's more of a personal touch as well since you kind of know her personally through Xanga. It gives you a connection with the author that most people don't actually have with the books they read. I'm sure you'll enjoy them a lot. Take care and enjoy the rest of the week, bye for now.
Kyle
She does weave her soul and life into her words, I also loved this book! She is one of those people that can whisper away my troubles and let me lose myself in her life. Now I need to buy a taste of India!
@BoulderChristina - You are sweet. Thank you for that wonderful validation.
@xXxlovelylollipop - thank you. i appreciate you stopping by.
@CurryPuffy - very much so
@Fatcat723 - if you haven't already, just subscribe to her. you can read her many poems on xanga.
@ElusiveWords - thanks matt. and thanks for the rec
@PPhilip - not a problem, phil. thanks so much for stopping by
@slmret - yes, i agree. her words do have that power. thanks so much for stopping by
@secade - yay!
@CareyGLY - hahaha.. not for sale, carey.
@kyle061685 - yes, hers is my first and only book which the author i personally have come to know and get to communicate on regular basis. her personal touch definitely makes the books extra special.
@BoulderChristina - i'm glad to know i'm not the only one loving this book. thanks for the rec and for stopping by
@ZSA_MD - i'm too lost for words now. i had no idea my review would put you in tears. it's just a simple honest review of your writings. the opinion is mine and mine alone. but i'm glad that you approve
and thank you for the 'mini'. its my first ever.
Such a beautiful review of Zakiah's work. I know it meant so much to her.
@WildWomanOfTheWest - thank you for stopping by and for leaving a comment