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Workshop, by Swapan K Banerjee

30/10/2020

10 Comments

 
Skirting the edge of open-air lawn at the summer house appareled in oaks growing at an angle, sat the participants.

Compère’s voice floated in the air: “This afternoon we’ll begin by quoting from memory most memorable lines from Classics. The mike is yours.”

None stirred. He got up—a painfully shy man, who befriended mirror more than mike. He chose excerpts from Vikram Seth’s Golden Gate and Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness.

Performance over, a dancer held his hand and said: “You must have suffered a lot in life. The quotes seemed your own, very own. I couldn’t help crying!”
10 Comments
Pamela Kennedy
30/10/2020 12:24:59 pm

Swapan, what an interesting story you wrote to show empathy for human suffering.

Reply
Sivan Pillai
30/10/2020 01:46:19 pm

Great story, Swapan.

Reply
Krystyna
30/10/2020 02:22:05 pm

Acceptance is a powerful motivator in helping one overcome shyness. Bless those who extend the hand of opportunity in welcoming the shy among us, for we all have something valuable to contribute.
Thank you, Swapan, for this insightful piece.

Reply
Jim link
30/10/2020 02:45:36 pm

Nicely done - I really loved the turn of phrase - "who befriended mirror more than mike."
Thanks
Jim

Reply
Paritosh Chandra Dugar
30/10/2020 06:38:48 pm

Wonderful workshop! Beautifully and wisely conducted. Can we have more like this one?

Reply
Sue Clayton
31/10/2020 02:27:30 am

Your writing always hints at something much deeper beneath the surface. Your words are a pleasure to read, Swapan.

Reply
Mary Wallace
31/10/2020 05:59:33 am

I'm with Jim, Swapan, that is a wonderful line.

Reply
Swapan k Banerjee
31/10/2020 02:11:53 pm

Thank you Pamela, Sivan, Krystyna, Jim, Paritosh, Sue & Mary for your generous feedback.

Reply
Christine
2/11/2020 12:30:57 am

I especially loved your line "befriended mirror more than mike" I can Feel his anxiety

Reply
Swapan k Banerjee
3/11/2020 10:23:17 am

Thank you Christine.

Reply



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