It was a record attendance
– all but one of our readers attended and we had a lovely guest, retired professor of English from St.
Teresa's College, Betty Kuriyan.
We all enjoyed the
occasion, which was celebrated with sandwiches and cakes with tea and
coffee. Our special thanks go to KumKum who proposed the happy idea of a
session of poetry devoted to the English Romantic poets. She then
followed up with the readers to ensure attendance. Kudos to
her; and to Priya for arranging the splendid refreshments.
Saras (back) Hemjith, Kavita, Shoba, Betty, Joe, KumKum, Zakia
Although Thommo and Ankush
were recovering from medical issues, both participated with
abandon.
Saras, Hemjith
In our family I am allowed
to decide whether Keats or Shelley is the greater poet, but there is
no evidence from this session for a conclusion either way. Other
contenders among the Romantics seem equally eligible. What a
marvellous group of poets to have arrived in one place within a
generation and elevated poetry to Himalayan heights!
Priya, Saras, Hemjith, Kavita
This time Sunil was
missing; his absence has a generally downhill influence on the
gathering for lack of wisecracks and laughter. As we are reading a
humorous novella next time (Pnin) his attendance is a must if
we are to derive the full experience.
Betty, KumKum, Zakia
Zakia, who came but did not
read, is missing from the group picture below.
Ankush, Saras, Thommo, Priya, KumKum, Shoba, Pamela, Betty Kavita, Preeti, Hemjith (seated)