Jeet Thayil’s I’ll Have It Here marks a triumphant return to poetry after a hiatus of over a decade, following his acclaimed These Errors Are Correct (2008). This latest collection is an extraordinary tapestry of lyricism, history, and cultural commentary, showcasing Thayil’s mastery of language and his ability to balance profound emotion with razor-sharp wit.
The collection’s strength lies in its ability to hold seemingly contradictory impulses in perfect harmony: compassion and contempt, tenderness and rage, humor and despair. Thayil navigates these complexities with a voice that is at once sardonic and tender, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience.
The poems traverse physical and metaphysical landscapes, from the bustling streets of New York City, New Delhi, and Budapest to cosmic vistas under Orion’s belt. Along the way, Thayil engages with an eclectic cast of characters, including Mahatma Gandhi, Spiderman, Emily Dickinson, and Ibn Battuta, infusing his verses with historical and mythical resonance.
Thayil’s unique phrase, “spiritual jaywalking,” perfectly encapsulates the essence of the collection. The poems flit between the sacred and the profane, challenging the reader to explore the liminal spaces of existence. Whether reflecting on mortality, identity, or the absurdities of modern life, Thayil’s work is a meditation on the human condition, rendered with linguistic dexterity and intellectual depth.
The book’s rich imagery, rhythmic experimentation, and philosophical musings reaffirm Thayil’s place as one of contemporary poetry’s most compelling voices. The collection’s audacious interplay of poetics and politics offers fresh insights into our fractured world while reaffirming the transformative power of art.
I’ll Have It Here is a luminous addition to Jeet Thayil’s oeuvre, a work that both challenges and rewards its readers. It is a must-read for anyone seeking poetry that is as intellectually rigorous as it is emotionally resonant. With this collection, Thayil not only meets the high bar set by his earlier works but surpasses it, proving that poetry, like life, is full of unexpected bounties.
This collection is not just a book of poems; it’s a testament to the enduring vitality of the poetic form and the human spirit.
Book: I’ll Have It Here | Author: Jeet Thayil| Publisher: Harper Collins | Pages: 82 | Price: INR 599/-
