“I want to make this spell open to others.
And not limit it.
To the loss, grief and hope that has marked my own life.
I want to open this spell or offer it.
To anyone who needs it […]
That you don’t need a visa or cash or a ticket.
To cast this spell.”
This passage from Bhanu Kapil’s poem really stuck out and resonated with me as the poet conveys a slightly hopeful tone towards the audience. Despite all these horrible atrocities that arose from the partition of India such as the killings, and death, which was then passed on to future generations via memories/recollections, the poet explains that there is always an “escape”. Not to run away from these issues, but an “escape” as a means to relax, to find somewhere that one will not be haunted by such activities. Whether it is through your dreams or just going to a café and drinking some chai, one must always know that sometimes they should take a break or take their mind off such heavy thoughts.
I agree with your conclusion about Kapil asking the readers to join together despite our differences in order to reclaim the trauma we have suffered, even if may not be from the same source. I also would like to point out how her response is starkly different from her family as they are more rigid about who the trauma applies to and how intensely. This broadening of the scope makes the words of this specific poem a lot more general and applicable for all those who possess trauma, whether it be from the India-Pakistan partition or some other global tragedy.
Kayla thank you for pointing out the hopeful tone you noticed at the end of the passage. Trauma is powerful enough that it spreads to other people easily while keeping a tight grasp on their hearts. Kapil understands that because she has experienced it and is attempting to reverse the curse. Reversing the curse is providing peace and asylum to trauma-inflicted individuals. I agree that she is producing an “escape” that produces healing, but doesn’t deny the trauma.