Kerala-born Shaji A. Joseph comes from a humble background. After completing his post graduation in English Literature from Payyannur College, he earns a teaching Degree in Education. A prolific teacher, Mr. Joseph is currently the Principal Head Master of a school in Bangalore. He and his wife are blessed with two children. Critically acclaimed “An Apology for Shakespeare” is Joseph’s first published poetry book. In a candid chat with Spectralhues, the talented poet reveals more about his life, his dreams and his future projects.
What kind of response have you been receiving?
Well, I have been receiving very good response and reviews and comments who read the book. Some express very positively and a few negatively.
What is the story behind ‘An apology for Shakespeare’?
There has been no particular incident or influence behind to write this book. This is not written as a short story or a novel or as a collection of poems. I do not think that I am blessed with the qualities and wisdom of a poet. I thought deeply over this notion why I was not able to write poems and why majority of the people are not poets. It was Guru Nitya Chaithanya Yati, a great scholar and philosopher of India who gave the answer to me that poetry is not philosophy or logic. It is the symbol of the sum total of all virtues and inspiration. Unless you are liked by her, or unless you have constant contact with her, she will not bless you. She should feel that you defend her. Thus the concept about a pretty female symbolically representing poetry originated. The feminine gender always represents as a source of good qualities and thereby known as the better half of Man. The exact example for it, is the role of a mother in our society. Children learn the basic virtues from their parents especially from their mother.
We can see that science and Technology is given more importance than poetry now-a-days. There are many reasons behind it. I made a humble enquiry on it. That is all. I have given the reasons, the circumstances, to write this book in the preface to it.
What social message do you want to pass on to the readers through your book?
I would like to inform the readers that we all should learn why poetry should be highly valued. Poetry is to be understood as the sum total of all virtues in our life.
When did you first realise you wanted to be a published Author?
It was when Guru Nitya, wrote to me in 1995, I thought that this book is to be published. His words were as follows:-
• “You are creative, That means your strength is also creative.”
• “Be glad that you are organized.”
• “It is good that you do not confuse strength with force.”
• “Do not try to concentrate.”
• “Let your work become a golden aura around you.”
How was your experience with your publisher?
It was overall a nice experience with the publisher. They helped a lot in editing and designing it into a good book.
What is your opinion about the standard of current poetry writing in India? What can be done to popularise poetry in India?
Evaluation of poetry is really difficult. People are different and they write differently. There are very good writings and works by different Indian writers. The only thing is that we should be able to grasp it. It is up to the person blessed by poetry, how the poem is to be created, decorated and modified. A poet is like a sculptor who makes beautiful images out of rough marble and leaves on his own way, waiting for none. It is up to the reader, a poem is explained, absorbed or taught.
Poetry is not a subject which we can popularise with advertisement. We need to turn to virtues ourselves. Then there will be poetry existing. Poetry can teach us virtues and inspire lives better than any other subject.
We cannot do anything to popularise poetry in India or elsewhere in the world. Even if we do something, it will not be enough. This point of view is a major theme in “An Apology for Shakespeare.”
Apart from Shakespeare who are the notable writers who have influenced your writing?
All poets and writers influence people who read and understand their ideas. There are poets whose works are unknown to us. Heard melodies are sweet but unheard melodies are sweeter. Milton, Marlow, Shelly, Keats….all influence a lot of writers even today
What interests you other than writing? Please do tell our readers something about you.
Teaching is my profession and it is my bread and butter. I like to be with my children who are lovers of wisdom and knowledge.
What are your future literary plans?
I am in the making of another book named “The Face of God.” It is in the half way. It also may be a small book of 80 to 100 pages. I do not know when it may be completed; perhaps by the end of 2016.
Do you have any parting words for readers?
“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars but in ourselves that we are underlings.”
Thank You Mr. Joseph! It was pleasure talking to you. On behalf of Spectralhues, I wish you glorious success and hope you would come up with many more remarkable books.
Thank You.
