“Soft Storm,” penned by the distinguished Nepali poet, playwright, and academic Abhi Subedi, explores the societal turmoil and environmental discord prevalent in Nepali society. Subedi, with a career spanning over 44 years across various universities, has significantly contributed to Nepali and English literature through his diverse body of work. In this poem, Subedi adopts a rebellious voice to critique societal malpractices and the insensitivity of human actions towards nature and each other.
The poem is structured in free verse, allowing Subedi the flexibility to weave intricate descriptions of nature’s chaos alongside the societal disarray. Through vivid imagery—ranging from the tumultuous sky to the stones and the skidded moon—he mirrors the societal turmoil. Subedi reminisces about a past with fewer societal issues, terming it a “seamless city,” thus lamenting the loss of unity and peace.
The heart of the poem lies in its poignant depiction of the marginalized—homeless children in Thamel, victims of violence, and the general populace ensnared in the web of political and social dominance. These narratives underscore the degradation of social values and environmental conditions, driven by indifference and selfishness.
Subedi concludes with a yearning for liberation, not just for himself but for all beings, advocating for a return to harmony with nature. Through “Soft Storm,” Subedi crafts a compelling call for awareness and action against the backdrop of a society and environment in distress, encapsulating his vision in a powerful narrative that resonates with a universal appeal for change.
