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Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

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Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

  • About
    • Bio
    • Awards
    • Films/Plays
    • Personal Essays
    • Foreign Publishers
    • Critical Essays on Divakaruni's Work
    • Favorite Nonprofits
    • Author Photo
    • Divakaruni's Muse
  • Events
    • UPCOMING EVENTS
  • Books
  • Speaking
    • Speaking Engagements
    • Videos: Divakaruni's Talks
  • Home
  • FOR BOOK CLUBS
  • Blog
  • Contact
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Blog: Amazing Things

Chitra Divakaruni's blog, where she discusses literature, the writing life, writing tips and recipes. 

A Poem to Celebrate Father's Day

June 15, 2023 Chitra Divakaruni

Happy Father’s Day to all of you!

This year I've been thinking, more than ever before, about what makes a good father. Perhaps this is because my newest novel, Independence, set in 1940s India, at the height of the country's freedom struggle, has 2 strong father characters, Nabakumar and Somnath, who support my three heroines in unique and important ways.

What is it that makes a good father? I'm sure the answers are many. To celebrate Father’s Day, I'd like to showcase a tender & beautifully written poem by Clint Smith, titled "Waiting on a Heartbeat," that gives us one answer. It is addressed to his yet-unborn child. (Scroll down for the full poem.)

Please check out this talented poet's collection, Above Ground, from which this poem is taken.

I would love it if you share your favorite poem on parenthood with me.

WAITING ON A HEARTBEAT

— Clint Smith

the doctor says you are there       even though we cannot hear you       & you know what they say about the tree       falling in the forest       & i know i have never heard a tree       i could not see       but i have seen trees i could not hear       little one       are you the tree or the forest or the sound we cannot hear       perhaps you are all three       you are half the size of a fingernail they say       & every time i hear that       i look down at my cuticles       & imagine you sitting there telling me it’s okay       there is nothing       to worry about       there is joy in being a father to a mystery       there is grace in watching the lilac       & knowing its petals will not expand before your eyes       only after you have left       & you little one are my daily reminder       that you do not go to a botanical garden to watch the flowers grow       you go to give thanks for what has already blossomed

Lilac Sprig

← Happy Festive Season; INDEPENDENCE shortlisted for Award--please vote for it; New book coming soon; visiting Jaipur Lit Fest 2024Dates to reserve: Jaipur Literature Festival, USA 2023 and India 2024 →
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DIVAKARUNI'S BLOG: AMAZING THINGS

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