നിങ്ങളോര്ക്കുക.

[sajith]

എല്ലാ കോട്ടകൊത്തളങ്ങളും പുരാവസ്തുക്കളാകും
എല്ലാ സുല്ത്താന്മാരും വെളിച്ചം കടക്കാത്ത ഇടനാഴികളിലൂടെ ഒളിച്ചോടും
ഉറക്കച്ചടവില്ലാത്ത കണ്ണുകളോടെ
എന്റെ കുട്ടികള്‍ അതെല്ലാം കണ്ടുനില്ക്കും

എങ്കിലും ഞാന് ഭയന്നു:
കാവല്ക്കാരന് അവരുടെ തോളുകളിലും കൈ വെച്ചു പറയുമല്ലോ:
"സമയമായി"

("കണ്ണൂര് കോട്ട", from memory.)

Kadammanitta, who brought the raw rhythm and strength of words to a hungry generation, died on March 31. His work was well received and appreciated long before I was given a membership in the local library, at the age of nine. Back there bearded nerdy young men and nostalgic middle aged men (shaven and unshaven, sometimes with minute remnants of nerdiness) continued to recite Kurathi, Kattalan, Kozhi and Shantha late into the 90's. I am not sure they still do.

I didn't know until yesterday. The good thing about not subscribing to a newspaper is that you're spared a lot of the crap, but then...

Thank you for everything you gave us.

Comments

[thechasingiamb.livejournal.com]

oy, mail me your number at nishasusan@tehelka.com. I have a proposition.

[sajith.livejournal.com]

Uhh, you just made me pee in my pants. Metaphorically speaking...

[athiran.livejournal.com]

oh buddy. same sentiments.

i too came to know abt the news late, only yesterday. also made a post in kerala lj community.

please post it there, or shall i give a link to this page? i think post is better.

[sajith.livejournal.com]

I learned about Kadammanitta's death from your post. Thank you. The sorrow can't be helped, although he was 73, and lived a good life.

Um, I'd hate to be the official obituary writer. I'm not qualified. Made a comment there.