Synthesis: Flowing Canopy (2021, Authorspress, ISBN 978-93-91314-30-9) is K. Pankajam’s sixteenth solo poetry collection, a lyrical homage to water in its myriad forms—rivers, rain, oceans, and dewdrops. Spanning 83 pages, this anthology of 41 poems explores water’s scientific, philosophical, and emotional significance, rooted in the Indian concept of Pancha Bhutas (five elements). Published by Authorspress, New Delhi, with a foreword by P.K.N. Panicker, the book is dedicated to “all those who love life” and seeks to inspire water conservation. Pankajam, an acclaimed Indian English poet, weaves vivid imagery and accessible language to create a meditative yet urgent call to preserve this vital resource.
Structure and Presentation
The book is thoughtfully organized, beginning with a foreword by P.K.N. Panicker, a distinguished chemical engineer and poet, who praises Pankajam’s observational depth and straightforward style. This is followed by acknowledgments, a preface, and a poetic bio titled “Door of My Musings,” which outlines the author’s creative journey. The core content, from pages 23 to 83, comprises 41 poems, each addressing a facet of water’s role in life, nature, and human experience. Illustrations by K. Syamdas enhance the visual appeal, complementing the text’s evocative imagery.
The book’s design is clean, printed by Thomson Press (India) Limited, though minor typographical errors (e.g., “K. Pankajan” instead of “Pankajam” in some headers) slightly mar its polish. Its compact length and clear structure make it accessible, while the foreword and preface provide scholarly and personal context for deeper engagement.
Thematic Depth
Pankajam’s Synthesis: Flowing Canopy centers on water as the “elixir of life,” exploring its physical, spiritual, and ecological dimensions. The title reflects water’s transformative nature—its ability to dissolve gases, form bubbles, and sustain life under a “flowing canopy” of clouds. Drawing on the Pancha Bhutas, Pankajam positions water as essential to existence, paralleling its 72% presence in the human body with its dominance on Earth.
Key themes include:
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Life and Creation: In “The Stream and Tickle of Life,” water is the cradle of existence, nurturing the fetus in “divine liquid, the amniotic fluid.” This sets the tone for water’s role as life’s origin and sustainer.
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Nature’s Grandeur: Poems like “Athirapalli” and “Force and Grandeur” celebrate waterfalls and rivers, with lines like “cascades down in milky white, a silver band silhouetting velvet green,” evoking awe at nature’s beauty.
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Conservation and Loss: “Elegy of the Rivers” and “Lost Glories” lament polluted rivers, now “fake and filthy,” urging action: “Let’s revive the rivers, Let them go gaily forever and ever.”
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Human Connection: In “Sprouts of Love” and “River Memories,” water is a backdrop for human emotions, from romance on riverbanks to nostalgic childhood games, highlighting its cultural significance.
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Philosophical Reflections: “Water is a Poem” and “The Sublime Union” elevate water to a spiritual symbol, urging it to “sanctify my soul with your purity” and facilitate a “divine magic” of inner peace.
Pankajam’s environmental message is clear, aligning with World Water Day’s mission to raise awareness about water scarcity. Poems like “Scarcity” and “Farmers’ Woes” address drought, pollution, and climate change, warning that “water might become costlier than gold one day.”
Poetic Craft
Pankajam’s style is direct and unadorned, prioritizing clarity over complex metaphors, as noted by Panicker. Her free verse flows like the rivers she describes, with rhythmic repetition of “gaily forever and ever” creating a mantra-like effect. Vivid imagery—“raindrops rapping on the rooftop present a harmonious feat” (“My Soul Sings”)—and sensory details, like the “smell of earth bites my nostrils” (“After the Rains”), immerse readers in her world.
Her language is accessible yet evocative, blending scientific precision (e.g., the water cycle in “The Cycle”) with poetic flourish. Occasional Malayalam influences, such as the title’s explanation in the preface, add cultural depth. However, some poems, like “The Fluid Computer,” delve into speculative ideas (water’s molecular memory) that may feel less grounded. The consistent structure of short, titled poems ensures variety while maintaining thematic unity.
Strengths and Considerations
The book’s greatest strength is its passionate advocacy for water conservation, delivered through relatable imagery and universal themes. Pankajam’s ability to connect personal experiences—childhood memories, maternal instincts—with global concerns makes the work resonate widely. The foreword and illustrations enhance its scholarly and aesthetic appeal, positioning it as both literature and activism.
However, the collection’s repetitive refrain (“gaily forever and ever”) can feel formulaic, potentially diluting its impact. Minor inconsistencies, such as typographical errors and the word search puzzle on page 7, which feels out of place, suggest a need for tighter editing. Some poems, like “Paradigms,” could benefit from sharper focus to avoid overly abstract imagery. Readers unfamiliar with Indian cultural references, such as Bhageeratha in “Praying Rivers,” may require additional context, though the preface mitigates this.
Cultural and Literary Significance
Published by Authorspress, a platform for Indian English literature, Synthesis: Flowing Canopy contributes to the growing canon of eco-poetry. Pankajam’s work aligns with poets like Tagore, who celebrated nature’s spiritual dimensions, and modern environmental poets addressing climate crises. Her focus on water conservation resonates globally, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. As a woman poet from Kerala, Pankajam adds a vital voice to Indian English poetry, blending regional sensibilities with universal concerns.
The book’s emphasis on the Pancha Bhutas roots it in Indian philosophy, while its accessible style invites a broad readership. Its call to action—protecting rivers and ecosystems—aligns with global sustainability goals, making it relevant for educators, environmentalists, and poetry enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Synthesis: Flowing Canopy is a heartfelt and thought-provoking exploration of water’s indispensable role in life, nature, and human consciousness. K. Pankajam’s vivid imagery, environmental urgency, and spiritual depth create a compelling case for water conservation, wrapped in accessible yet evocative verse. Despite minor editorial lapses, the collection’s sincerity and thematic coherence make it a valuable addition to eco-poetry and Indian English literature. It invites readers to reflect on water’s sanctity and act to preserve it, ensuring that rivers “flow gaily forever and ever.”
