Poetry Speaks to the Punjabi in [me]

I came across this poem today, and definitely wanted to share with all you Langarites.  Preeti Kaur, the author from California, is able to speak to numerous aspects of self-identifying as a Punjabi.  We’ve had some discussions around Punjabi and Sikh identity here before, thought it would be refreshing to have an artistic take to the topic.  Here are a few of my favorite lines:

You Bring Out The Punjabi In Me
By: Preeti Kaur
with respect to Sandra Cisneros’ “You Bring Out the Mexican In Me


sonu
you burn the inquilabi in me
ghadar is a language
i speak only to you
pacific mist we breathe
the subcontinent to freedom
from our san francisco dreams
hidden under guise of fog
tag taxis with saffron orange bumper stickers
ZINDABAAD!!! ZINDABAAD!!!
perhaps the morning pooni the start of our rebellion
radioactive jalebis the danger
we eat

Click here for the audio podcast and full poem published at the online literary magazine Qarrtsiluni. 


bookmark bookmark bookmark bookmark bookmark bookmark bookmark bookmark bookmark bookmark bookmark bookmark
tabs-top


3 Responses to “Poetry Speaks to the Punjabi in [me]”

  1. Roop says:

    Sorry Don't know where else to post this,

    I will be reciting Punjabi Poetry here as will Dr Avatar Singh Avatar and Sathi Ludhianvi

    When it comes to Cultural events, music, literature or anything to assist the community, the Asian Society has always taken first steps to help or organise an event to get together and try to solve the issue
    Asian Society after a long break in literature event is holding another memorable function for literature lovers in Redhill, Surrey on Saturday 26th May 2012 at 7pm, where se of the most famous poets and writers in Urdu, Hindi & Punjabi will be participating and reciting their works in Methodist Hall, Gloucester Road Redhill RH1 1BP
    We request you and your friends to please join us on this unforgettable event and have an experience of real Desi Culture & Literature.

    Please do let us know how many of you are attending this function do we can arrange not only the seating but for the food and other refreshments which shall be provided at no cost to you. However as Asian Society is a non profit making organisation relying only on it members donations, we will appreciate any donation towards the cost of organising this and other future attractions.
    For further information please call Ashraf on 07970700889
    Thanks very much

  2. Ryan Beasley says:

    The Punjabi poetry is so heart touching and felt deeply if one understands its meaning truly. It is nice of you to share such a nice piece of poetry with us as it is always pleasure reading fine poetry. These lines are written so beautifully I loved it totally.

  3. color picker says:

    Thank you for sharing the post. Poetry, music – ways to express.
    html color picker