Raman Mundair: Kulturhuset, Sergels Torg
Kulturhuset, Sergals Torg
(Stockholm, Sweden)
I
We move carefully,
negotiating between the black
and the white, squaring
off the opposition,
lining up the captive men,
parading the deliberation
that can destroy an army,
bring a clergy to its knees,
and disappear a monarchy.
Today, I have a whole
empire in my hand;
my fingertips command
power. This is not
just a game, this is
my life that wiles
away the hours. This war
is art, this death, a displacement.
a sacrifice, that creates
the means to win.
II
There is democracy here:
young, middle aged, balding, longhaired,
clean faced, suited and the shabby
gather together as men,
form silent, respectful circles
around the players,
like Gods, lost deep
in concentration, their purposeful
De Vinci fingers poised
over submissive pieces.
No refugee status;
all belong here
nations are united in play.
East Europeans battle
with the Middle East, India
with Pakistan, Turkey
and Sudan. All men
dream of checkmate. In quiet
conference, these men remind themselves
of other lives, transform
into Kings, Generals, Bishops and Politicians.
But I notice the pawns and wonder
where do all the women and children gather
and what games do they play?
News
'I like to use the languages of the various arts – literature, music, theatre...I think that is the spirit of the modern global era.'- poet Ivan Hristov spoke to SJ Fowler of 3AM magazine about the evolution of the contemporary Bulgarian poetry scene.
Cosmin Borza discusses the work of Romania's 'Generation 2000' poets, including Radu Vancu and Claudiu Komartin in an essay at Asymptote.
At the Sofia Poetics festival, which was organised by Word Express participant Ivan Hristov, Scottish based poet Ryan Van Winkle caught up with fellow festival guests SJ Fowler and Tomasz Rózycki. To hear Fowler and Rózycki discussing their work and reading some of their poetry, listen to the Scottish Poetry Library podcast here.