NATURE AS A NARRATIVE FORCE: THE EPHEMERAL DICHOTOMY OF NATURE IN KEKI DARUWALLA'S POEMS

In Keki Daruwalla’s poetry, nature is not merely a backdrop but a dynamic narrative force that shapes the thematic and symbolic dimensions of his work. This article, explores how nature acts as a powerful narrative device in four major works: “Boat-Ride Along the Ganga,” “Fire Hymn,” “Hawk,” and “The Ghaghra in Spate.” These poems highlight the poet’s intricate portrayal of environmental forces, transforming landscapes into symbolic agents of cultural and personal reflection. “Boat-Ride Along the Ganga” reflects the sacredness and the complexity of human interaction with the river, not only as a site of ritualistic purity but also as a reminder of death and life’s transitory nature. “Fire Hymn” presents nature as an element of destruction and regeneration, where fire becomes a powerful symbol of human suffering, loss, and cleansing. In “Hawk,” Daruwalla employs the predator as a metaphor for predation, authority, and freedom, suggesting an inherent brutality within natural cycles that mirror human violence. Finally, “The Ghaghra in Spate” uses the imagery of a river in flood to depict nature’s unpredictable and uncontrollable power, symbolizing the fragility of human constructions against the forces of nature. Daruwalla’s environmental imagery is not merely descriptive but deeply allegorical, reflecting broader themes of life, death, violence, and human frailty. By exploring these four poems, the article delves into how Daruwalla’s portrayal of nature provides both physical and metaphysical insights into the human condition, positioning nature as a protagonist in the narrative of human existence. Through his poetic lens, nature serves as a mirror for humanity’s spiritual and existential dilemmas, inviting a reflection on ecological responsibility and the sacred relationship between humans and the natural world. This study seeks to deepen our understanding of Daruwalla’s environmental imagery, arguing that his use of nature serves to challenge anthropocentric perspectives, offering instead a vision of nature as an equal, if not dominant, force in shaping human destiny.