ATMANAM
Madhu Sudan S. K. 390 M. T. H. Road,
Ambattur, Madras-600 053.

Letters to the Editor,
The Hindu,
Madras-600 002.

Dear Sir,

Under books column Vedham has reviewed “poikkal Kudhiraigal” by Vaali. “None else”, “break through”, “chicken hearted”, masterpiece type of word abuses is sprinkled throughout the comment culminating in eulogizing the film lyricist as the one who is at the top of the ladder among the pudhukkavithai history-of Free verse (verse libre)-inTamil. Not a good experience of poetry in Tamil.

The coinage pudhukkavithai is obsolete now. There is only contemporary Tamil Poetry with its roots in traditional Tamil Poetry. Vaali and his poetry if one is confused so, is not merely an accident in Tamil Poetry but a Fatal accident.

The bundle of words he uses as poetry has been inspired by the so-called poets Vairamuthu, Mu. Mehta etc. who are simply sidewalkers in Free Tamil Verse.

Vaali’s lines have no basis in the field of experience. At the most they are clever manipulations of words. The lines quoted by Vedham are being written by the nth rate side trackers.

When one looks at rich Indian poetic heritage and also contemporary World Poetry these word manipulators look like tiny, insignificant clowns.

I wish The Hindu introduce positive Tamil Poetry toits discerning readers. There are positive poets in Tamil who have contributed the varied life of Tamils in Indian and International milieu and enriched Tamil Poetry to world standards. They include Bharathi, Ka. Na. Su. to Ra. Sinivasan.

Yours Sincerely,
Atmanam