The Go-Away Bird

Seni Seneviratne's fourth collection explores the theme of the bird, using imagery of caged birds to reflect on the silenced voices of enslaved Black children and the freedom of birds in their natural environment. The collection also examines different forms of silencing in history and the present, using the myth of Philomena from Ovid's Metamorphoses to explore gender fluidity. Seneviratne balances careful observation with imaginative flight, addressing both heart and mind.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 84 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2023
Publisher: Peepal Tree Press Ltd

Seni Seneviratne, in her fourth collection, showcases her remarkable talent as a poet whose profound social and political insights are seamlessly intertwined with her meticulous attention to the structure and design of her poetry. Each poem in this collection gains depth and richness through its placement within the larger context and its engaging dialogue with other poems.

The central theme of the collection revolves around the bird, observed not only for its physical distinctiveness but also for the cultural and historical resonances it carries. In the first section, the imagery of caged birds permeates a sequence of poems that delve into the silenced voices of enslaved Black children. These children were depicted as picturesque trophies in 18th-century paintings found in English stately homes, celebrating their enslavers' wealth gained through the slave trade and slave-grown sugar. Through these poems, Seneviratne sheds light on the tragic consequences of human exploitation and the erasure of these children's identities.

The second section of the collection showcases Seneviratne's poetic prowess alongside her deep understanding of bird behavior in their natural environment. Here, the birds are portrayed as embodying freedom, detached from human concerns. The poet explores the ways in which birds thrive in their otherness, defying societal expectations and conventions. This section highlights the inherent resilience and adaptability of nature, offering a contrast to the human experiences of oppression and confinement.

The final section of the collection takes a creative turn, revisiting the myth of Philomena from Ovid's Metamorphoses and placing it in dialogue with the concept of gender fluidity represented by Tiresias. Seneviratne explores different forms of silencing throughout history and the present, questioning the ways in which societal norms and expectations have confined and marginalized individuals. Through this interplay of myth and contemporary themes, the collection offers a thought-provoking exploration of the power of language, identity, and the struggle for liberation.

Seni Seneviratne, as a poet who skillfully blends careful observation with imaginative flight, addresses both the heart and the mind of her readers. Her poetry invites us to reflect on the complexities of human experiences, challenge societal norms, and embrace the beauty and resilience of nature. This collection showcases Seneviratne's talent as a poet who seamlessly weaves social and political concerns with artistic excellence, leaving a lasting impact on her readers.

Dimension: 206 x 135 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781845235567