Sana: Shalom friend.
Dhyan: Shabat shalom.
Sana: How are you doing?
Dhyan: Full. You look nice.
Sana: Thank you, you look quite handsome yourself. Is that a new shirt?
Dhyan: So happy Shivaji Maharaj's Birthday.
Dhyan: Of course, for the birthday
Sana: That's nice. I am not really sure who that is. I am familiar with Sai Baba though and some other spiritual gurus being that I am the disconnected daughter of two countries.
Dhyan: I have no clue myself, it says so on my yahoo account
Sana: Where are you located at this moment?
Dhyan: Located. Funny word
Dhyan: Home or what I call home now. München
Sana: Germany. I see.
Dhyan: How do you see? Come on…
Sana: Ok, how about I understand or Je comprends
Sana: Dhyan, would like me to begin asking questions now?
Dhyan: Yes. No. I don't know. You are the experienced one. Do you have something in mind?
Sana: I have a lot on my mind. laughing.
Dhyan: I guess so.
Sana: I will begin with the preliminaries...for the sake of our readers. What is your name, age, sex, phone number?
Dhyan: Did you prepare a paper? – Funny
Sana: I am quite set with writing papers every week for my school, but I thought of a few questions
Dhyan: Many names here - but most people nowadays know and call me Dhyan,
Age - this is hard.
Sex - good thank you.
Phone? I am busy now in a conversation with a nice lady. No time for that
Sana: When did you begin writing?
Dhyan: I think it was first grade – at age six. And at 8th I was already printing the monthly class newspaper. Mainly jokes (copied – I am bad at telling them) and crosswords (copied too). I added, cut photos and it was basically fun. Then.
Sana: That sounds very creative, Dhyan.
Dhyan: I stopped for too long, with a short break around when I was 17 and another one around 20. From then onwards I kept a journal, mainly because my therapist thought that it would help me. It did but not as she had thought. I only began writing seriously (or so I think) in the last two years.
Dhyan: Where are you from?
Sana: India. But I was born and raised in Saudi Arabia .
Dhyan: But you consider yourself an Indian? Where do you live now?
Dhyan: SA - sounds interesting. But I guess I would not know.
Sana: I have been living in America for the past 5 years...
Sana: I stopped trying to figure out which country I considered myself from...I guess I am just a human being with interesting cultural influences. How about yourself?
Dhyan: I rediscovered my Hebrew, Israeli, Jewish influence the more I got away from it or so you could say...one cannot run away from the blood. I tried.
Sana: Indeed, very well said. Where did you grow up?
Dhyan: In Israel.
Sana: Do you visit there?
Dhyan: Yes. I like it more now and more when it is a visit... maybe also because now that I am living in a city, which is not to my taste. I like the village life, even if it is not what it used to be.
Sana: Life in a village can seem timeless...or that's how I feel when I am in India visiting my paternal family.
Dhyan: Do you mean it in a negative way? Where are they? I love India. I could speak about it for three weeks…
Sana: No, I meant in a good way.
Dhyan: Yes. What is time? Sometimes I think it only exists in the city. In the west the rush is not to miss anything. Coffee is ready? Cookies, chocolate? Cake?
Sana: When I was a teenager, in one of our family trips during the summer, I did not want to return to Saudi where my parents are based and was adamant on staying with my cousins to go to school with them but my parents did not let me stay seeing as it was a teenage rebellion act, ever since I’ve felt disconnected from trying to live there anymore. I love visiting but I don’t feel attachment to any place basically.
Sana: haha Turkish coffee and dark chocolate would sound awesome! Ever tried that in those little miniature cups?
Dhyan: This is what I drink now, though the coffee comes from Israel.
Sana: How quaint and classic!
Dhyan: I thought I felt disconnected from Israel but living far away from it makes me wonder…it is a bit complicated I would say.
Sana: Yes. Complicated is the right word. Would you want to go back to Israel and settle down someday?
Dhyan: Not really just need a three volume book. I am settled here for now, though I would not want to live here because it is too cold. Too damn cold.
Sana: haha I understand!
Dhyan: Sometimes I think about staying there but I am not really sure. It might be something I will have to consider and try one day.
Sana: I feel the same way. If I remain in America I would want to move to another state. It is cold most of the year and warm only for 2 months.
Dhyan: Where are you?
Sana: I am in Massachusetts.
Dhyan: No clue.
Sana: I live about 40 minutes away from Boston.
Dhyan: What is your first language?
Sana: I grew up with Urdu, Hindi & Arabic. However, my language of instruction at school was English.
Dhyan: You would say you are fluent with all? That would be cool or great!
Sana: Arabic - I don’t speak fluently but I can understand it very well when it is spoken. I can also read it if I try hard enough and when memory serves me right. But the others I am good at. I can best express myself in English though.
Dhyan: From which culture would you say you draw the most?
Sana: hmm that is a very interesting question...one I have never been asked hence never thought about. I would say that I have been influenced by both the Indian and Arabic cultures. But I assimilated some characteristics from each however primarily my thinking and perspective is universal and a little westernized for sanity’s sake?! I am not sure.
Dhyan: Take your time. Did you experience a culture shock when you came to America?
Dhyan: Universal is not only a big word to use in that context but nowadays almost a blasphemy or new agey.
Sana: Well. I did not experience a culture shock, because I believe I was far advanced in the 'culture' area...having experienced and interacted with diverse friends and people...but I did miss my relatives and old acquaintances.
Dhyan: I would assume Saudi Arabia life and/or Indian life to be very very different than the American or western way…
Sana: Yes. It is structurally very different. Like night and day! When I visit my dad in Riyadh, I feel like I am in another planet. It takes 2 weeks to adjust.
Dhyan: It takes me a breath to be again in India and about three months to be back in Europe, Israel, and the western world.
Sana: What took you to India?
Dhyan: Oh many things, most of which I am not sure of. There is (maybe was) a great movement of Israelis going to India. Part of our cultural “After-the-army-Big-trip” where many went to South America and many to India or South East Asia, my cousin was many times in India so I followed.
Sana: How long did you stay in India?
Dhyan: Overall almost two and a half years, 5 or 6 or maybe 7 times. The last one has been long ago though, too long, almost two years ago or perhaps more.
Sana: Wow, you must be familiar with a lot of things then! Like Indian summers, mosquitoes or some kick ass spicy food!
Dhyan: Very good spicy food. Chai, Chilja watching at the main Ghat. charas, local bus
Sana: Charas? hahaha
Dhyan: chai chilom chapati - so it goes
Sana: Yes.
Dhyan: chello paravati. So it ends.
Sana: My favorite is Palak Paneer. I wonder if you know what that is?
Dhyan: Malai Kofta - how can you compete with that one and cheese nan?
Sana: Indeed! You are making me hungry.
Dhyan: I worked in total for almost 6 months as a chai walla (tea-man) in a small street stall in Rishikesh
Sana: That must have been an amazing experience.
Dhyan: Wonderful, yes. It cost me a lot of money, but worth every paisa (aka penny)
Sana: What state or city were you based at?
Dhyan: I like to stay for a long period of time in one place. So I always try to go back to the place I like and go to one or two new places. I spent much time in Dharmsala, Rishikehs and Omkar in Madhya Pradesh which is by far the best place, for me (don't tell anyone – I do not need more stupid tourists there - tell them there is big Malaria epidemic going on).
Dhyan: Where did you say your parents were from?
Sana: My mom's ancestors were from Agra (the city where Taj Mahal is located) and my dad's family are based near Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh state.
Dhyan: I have never been to Agra; sounds dirty expensive and unfriendly.
Sana: Yes. Quite true, living or accommodation would not be so cheap because it is such a tourist attraction.
Dhyan: Passed through Lucknow many times, but also a bit too big for me. Great old city no? Historically speaking.
Sana: Yes. Very big and old. And crowded. But I like the markets for shopping!
Dhyan: Uttar Paradesh is nice. There is nothing like Indian streets in the whole world. One can sit the whole day without moving an inch and everything comes to you. Beggars, sellers, chai (tea), food, bandars (monkeys), cows, kids, cripples, snakes on opium.
Sana: That is so true. I have never seen roads with so much life in them anywhere else.
Dhyan: Oh man. It is such a shame I wasn't into poetry then, I really must go again soon.
Sana: I see from your blog that you like Leonard Cohen. Is he your favorite poet?
Dhyan: ho! Big question. Perhaps. Definitely the one I read most. I like his music and words. A bit lost with his romance though. I am most familiar with him. See my poetry connection is very short, two years ago of you asked me about I would not have known a single thing.
Dhyan: Would you say poetry is your main artistic writing direction?
Sana: Well it is primarily. However I started out wanting to write fiction but with zero patience I seem to fit better with poetry. I see myself experimenting with fiction at a much later age, I guess.
Dhyan: Sounds familiar. Everything comes with its own ways and on its own good time, mostly when we least expect it.
Sana: So Dhyan, do you sing, play any instrument? dance? Hit your head against the wall? Any form of amusements?
Dhyan: I bang on the guitar. I sing but it sounds too bad. I used to do that, bang my head at the floor when I was young, later on practiced some more like breaking wood with my head. It was fun but not so nice to walk around with a red forehead.
Dhyan: I must admit I can play maybe 3 songs. Can never remember how they should be. Bad music memory. Can play various bhajans (hindu spiritual songs) though. Music is a great inspiration and a way to create and connect with people.
Sana: I would not suggest that to the readers. However it must be very interesting, do you think it is the result of that banging that has prompted your mind to produce interesting poetry?
Dhyan: No. Not really, perhaps it deprived me from fulfilling my mental abilities. And please do suggest it to the readers. Most of them would find it a great therapy to relax maybe.
Sana: Well I am going to let the readers choose for themselves then. By the way, have you been to school? Higher education? If yes, what was your field of study, if no would you like to go back to school someday?
Dhyan: Oh man since I stopped my travelling ways and kind of settled down I decided to fulfill my parents old wish for me to pursue higher education. But I could not find it in the kiosk... it was sold out to Chinese and Korean youngsters. I am now studying Sociology and International relations. That is all.
Dhyan: Hey what time is it now?
Sana: It is 5:26 pm here. How about you?
Dhyan: 27 after 23
Sana: Military time?
Dhyan: No. German one.
Sana: My dear poet, I will need to count on my fingers what that is.
Dhyan: You are funny. It is 23:27
Sana: That form of writing time is military time. Google it!
Dhyan: Or in American 11:28 PM
Sana: Okay
Dhyan: Really? Not in my army time?
Sana: Yes I read it somewhere.
Dhyan: American army is strange like American..mmmm—everything.
Sana: Internet is one of my biggest sources of information, that's where I learned that some men are interested in breeding with animals.
Dhyan: Oh I have learned that in the army.
Sana: Did you have to breed with animals as part of the drill?
Dhyan: The things you can see looking at long distance telescope. Not really, I have not seen it but the story goes…
Sana: How long were you in the army?
Dhyan: 3 years
Dhyan: Unfortunately not. This we do at free time.
Sana: (I am laughing) What else do you do at 'free time'
Dhyan: Answering questions. Mostly.
Sana: I see, sounds fascinating.
Dhyan: Actually in the last year or so I am mainly reading poetry. Or on the internet though it is much better to be out in the nature, make a fire and pray for Agni or just enjoy the mountain view and swim around in the many lakes here. The best thing Germany has to offer to an almost desert man like myself.
Sana: Changing tracks, do you see yourself as a published poet in the near future? What if you won a noble prize for your work? Would that surprise you or come as an expected blessing?
Dhyan: Yes!!! I cannot think something like this. My words do not have such big topics around them or in them. I do hope to be able to do something more "serious" with my writing but I just do not do enough for that to really happen. I am good at procrastinating things. Too good. I need an editor, and maybe an agent and a slave who will send it all out for me. Please write this down - I need a slave--no payment just petting.
Sana: Whether the content of your work is good enough or not is generally not for a poet to judge, however you never know. A slave? Well let's see. Let me note this down for further inquiry. Would you prefer a male or female slave? Would gender make a difference or impact your literary productivity?
Dhyan: Of course, I need to slaves. But not a couple. I need a male for chopping the wood and fetching water and a female for the rest of the work.
Sana: Laughing.
Dhyan: Of course it would my dear. Don't listen to what they say, these crazy people. A man and a woman are not the same. Oh no!
Dhyan: Could I ask you for something?
Sana: Seems like a well thought out plan....I also need someone to cook me dinner, and dress me and brush my hair when I am tired.
Sana: Sure, go ahead.
Dhyan: Could you record yourself laughing and out it instead of writing *laughing*?
Sana: haha okay I will see how that can be worked out.
Dhyan: Good.
Sana: Now before we get to the end of this interview, do you have any questions for me?
Dhyan: Seriously. It is very true that the poet itself can only judge his own work to a certain extent but you can still distinguish a poem from good poem, and good poem from great and meaningful poem.
Dhyan: Yes! Sana! If you were chosen as the beauty of the world or a poet in residency on Earth what will be your first reaction?
Sana: hmm I would probably be like....ah so how much money? Is it free? Too expensive? Where is it going to take place? I already live in a suitcase kind of lifestyle so it would be exciting to pack up and leave I guess.
Dhyan: It’s earth woman. They keep saying it is warming up of course it will be cold there.
Sana: It is cold everywhere! Ok if I invite you to that residency, what would your reaction be?
Dhyan: Does it come with a salve?
Sana: We could find some...willing slaves.
Dhyan: Have you published poetry before?
Sana: Me? Not really.
Dhyan: You have no wish to do so?
Sana: I do, I just don’t have the guts to send it out, also because it looks different. And like you I need a slave. A loving one to do that work for me.
Dhyan: Different than what?
Sana: I am not sure. Different than what everyone is writing.
Dhyan: You seem capable enough of doing multi task things...doctor at 24 . man#! Doesn’t everyone have a style?
Sana: Thank you. But poetry is much personal I guess it makes me all the more hesitant.
Dhyan: I mean the main reason why I would like to publish something is to know if it might be worth anything.
Dhyan: I mean the blog-land is a nice place to get praises but it is a smoke screen over the eyes as Nick once told me.
Sana: Really? That is good perspective. Well I have so many things going on...but once some things are out of the way, I am hoping to start focusing on writing and sending out work when I have some peace of mind!
Dhyan: Can you share with the world your fears of publishing?
Sana: Yes.
Dhyan: Can you do that in a five line poem?
Sana: I had difficulty sharing with my family that I was writing.
Sana: I guess I could try
Dhyan: Cool. I have not showed my family much either
Sana: Do they know you write?
Dhyan: But I intend to do so. They do and I show them a work here and there but never my blog.
Sana: Do you mostly write in Hebrew then translate it into
English for the readers? Or write in English?
Dhyan: Lately Bryan has lost his dad and shared his dad's love for his writing. This made me rethink of it all. I think in English - most of the time.
Sana: Who is Bryan?
Dhyan: Hence I write in English but as my vocabulary is so small it happens that I write a kind of a mixture then edit it all into English. I thought my best work comes out in Hebrew but lately I am not so sure about that. In any case I guess the Hebrew influence is clearly seen through my writing.
Dhyan: Who is Bryan? Are you joking?
Dhyan: bryanborland.com He is nothing short of a great poet. o.k. to my thinking at least and he is a cool guy.
Sana: I see. Nope, I have not heard of him!
Dhyan: Now you also do not know B. ? Bindo I mean? What do you do on wordpress?
Sana: haha I have heard of bindo and been on his/her blog but not lingered too long. I admit I do not explore too much.
Sana: Are you the only child or do you have other
siblings?
Dhyan: Come on. You do not read me. ah!!!
Sana: I do. I want to hear you say it.
Dhyan: Yes one brother and one sister, they are both younger.
Dhyan: You cannot hear me say it - we write.
Sana: Yes sir. We do. Mr. Literal.
Dhyan: So you have not told me about the fear. What keeps you from publishing or was that nothing but an empty announcement and you are just lazy?
Sana: I have tried sending out my work, but most magazines/publications have specific kinds of themes or work they accept and I am too lazy to cater to those needs or improve myself at the moment, unless you will send me a slave to do my homework. So I would rather start my own publishing company.
Dhyan: This sounds good. Let me know when it happens. What will you call it?
Sana: I am not sure yet but it will happen! So you will be one of the poets I will approach.
Dhyan: Finally. Someone to do the hard job for me
Sana: Yes like editing, lots of editing...
Dhyan: With me... yes too much. One of the reasons (a minor one) that I do not send out work.
Sana: Yes. But after editing, I think you will do very well or thus speaks my publishing instincts.
Dhyan: Good. I hope you are good with marketing too. Unlike the stigma of “I am not good with selling”
Sana: Exactly. Well that should never be a writer’s problem. But then again every publisher is different. I want to do things differently. That's where I bring change.
Sana: Well Dhyan, did I mention I will need a picture of you...for this ping pong
Dhyan: Will we get one of you?
Sana: hahah no, we get one of the person being interviewed. I will send you my picture in your email.
Dhyan: I thought this is a ping pong?
Sana: It is. Okay I will put my picture in there too to be fair.
Dhyan: Better
Dhyan: And you can pass my check ‘to save the narmada project’ it is a cause I am greatly connected to.
Sana: I will see to that then.
Blog: http://utopianfragments.wordpress.com Email o13m@yahoo.comnote: some part of this interview was 'snipped' off due to ....editing & other reasons like text legibility
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