Review of Peshawa Kakayi's poem, "Universe and Man as a Formula" by Marie J. Mond Translator: Goran Sabah
Peshawa Kakayi, known for his dynamic writing style, recently published "Universe and Man as a Formula" in ILA Magazine, from the 2019 Kurdish book, Cosmology. The poem reaches the imagination of the reader, making the reader feel like a spectator and co-creator of the universe. From the beginning of time to the pinnacle of evolution, humanity has a choice to use matter to create its own world or accept the universal design. Kakayi examines creation, the riddle behind it, and what it means for the future.
Kakayi's use of personification animates his writing. Humanity referred to as "man" converses with "science" pondering its role as one who modifies nature or adapts to it. The "big bang" is explored with nuclei that think and speak of a time before light was formed. The reader is brought back to the darkness through the big bang, the formation of stars, clusters and life on Earth.
In this poem, humanity is being questioned because it shows signs of depression. Kakayi writes, "Man goes into universe/ Wants to say I exist no more..." Humanity sees nature in the form of atoms to use for its own purposes apart from its natural design. The role of destroyer is taken on by humanity. It looks at phenomena without examining the cause. Kakayi expresses, "I examine not me but the big bang." Only when humanity embraces light does it co-create without harming the natural world. Kakayi brings up wine and drunkenness as part of the healing process. Culturally, wine helps humanity forget the darkness and seek the interaction with others. Here, love fits into the equation with the potential to be divine and intentional.
Peshawa Kakayi's poem, "Universe and Man as a Formula", is rich with unforgettable themes. The dilemma facing humanity is addressed by exploring the unvierse. Humanity has two ways of being a co-creator. Will humanity heal itself and make the right choice? Either way, Kakayi's poem, imbued with the undying and universal drive to create, is a must read for poetry lovers world-wide.
© Marie J. Mond
07.25.24
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