The Fasting Month of 2015: A Biopic of Inspiration and Poetry

The Fasting Month of 2015: A Biopic of Inspiration and Poetry

Denny J.A's experience during Ramadan in 2015, where he was flooded with inspiration resulting in the composition of 22 lengthy poems.

The month of Ramadan in 2015 holds a special place in the heart of one ardent author, the Indonesian polymath, Denny J.A. During this time, he was flooded with inspiration, resulting in the composition of 22 lengthy poems. This article delves into the author's experience, examining the connection between inspiration and fasting, the process of writing these poems, and the effect he had on himself and his audience.

The Dance of Inspiration

Denny's inspiration came to him in the early morning hours before dawn, after he had eaten a hearty meal to break his fast for the day. Denny would often fall asleep while sitting on the veranda, only to awaken with inspiration at his side. This dance between slumber and inspiration recurred throughout the entire month of fasting.

He nurtured the spark of inspiration from early morning until late afternoon, allowing it to blossom into complete compositions. The 2015 month of fasting was a time when existence and poetry intertwined. Occasionally Denny felt in charge, while at other times his poems appeared to dictate his actions. It was a relationship marked by occasional disagreements but characterized primarily by a passionate connection.

Denny enthusiastically shared his completed poems on various social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook. These compositions were more than just words on a page; they were ideas that demanded discussion and reflection. His network engaged in vigorous debates, providing both refutations and thoughtful acceptance of the presented ideas.

The Essence of the Poems

Each poem was meticulously crafted to be consumed in just five minutes, offering a meditative experience for the reader. These varied poems intended to nourish the soul by addressing a variety of topics, including joy, reality, and religious disillusionment. Each poem, despite its brevity, bore the weight of an essay, presenting opinions within a poetic framework that moved the readers' hearts.

Denny wonders if these works can still be categorized as essay poetry. He defines essay poetry as a poetic form in which drama, narrative, and character development intertwine to evoke an emotional response. Footnotes provide data, citations, and references that strengthen the connection between poetic expression and factual information.

As the drumbeats of Eid al-Fits signalled the end of the month of fasting, Denny said goodbye to his inspiration. With appreciation for its presence, Denny wished it a pleasant voyage and hoped it would return so that he could begin his next literary endeavour. Similarly to how a prophet receives revelation, Denny seeks inspiration to sustain their creative endeavours.

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Archipelago Insight, 2023