I Missed His Book, But I Read His NameThough authors are a dreadful clanTo be avoided if you can,I'd like to meet the Indian,M. Anantanarayanan.I picture him as short and tan.We'd meet, perhaps, in Hindustan.I'd say, with admirable elan ,Ah, Anantanarayanan --I've heard of you. The Times once ranA notice on your novel, anUnusual tale of God and Man.And AnantanarayananWould seat me on a lush divanAnd read his name -- that sumptuous spanOf 'a's and 'n's more lovely thanIn Xanadu did Kubla Khan --Aloud to me all day. I planHenceforth to be an ardent fa
The speaker expresses a blend of admiration and jest regarding authors, considering them to be a group one should generally avoid. However, he feels a unique connection to the Indian author M. Anantanarayanan, whom he imagines meeting in India. The speaker intends to show respect and appreciation for Anantanarayanan’s work, acknowledging a glowing review from The Times and discussing the themes of his novel, which intertwine the divine and human experiences.
The imagery of their meeting evokes a cozy setting where Anantanarayanan would read his name aloud, emphasizing the beauty of its composition. The speaker reflects on the richness of the author's name, likening it to literary greatness found in renowned works. Ultimately, the speaker expresses a newfound enthusiasm for Anantanarayanan's literature, marking a shift from dismissal to admiration, signaling a deeper appreciation for storytelling and its creators.
