Sabaydii,

 

Here is the continuation of a series ‘Coming home’ entitled ‘What’s a writer?’

 

Hakphaang,

 

 

At the time I was in Laos

One Lao writer got honored

With the SEA write

Or South East Asian award

Given every year

For the 11 countries of the subcontinent

 

Thought

That writer’s works must be exceptional

Upon close investigation

Turning out to be

Just a slot for Muang Lao’s turn this year

 

Then if so

Why not to any other Lao writers

Whose works measured up to the standard

And not to one associated with the party

 

To me

A writer is not

The one who regurgitates the party line

But the one

Who speaks out the truth

Whatever truth it may be

 

Yes to be a writer

It need more than the ability to write

Anyone with some schooling can do

 

Instead

A writer a social conscious one

Carries the country burden on his shoulders

 

On one hand

He uplifts the spirit of his people

For the tasks well done

 

On another

He lashes out against any wrongdoing

With all his rage

 

In another word

A writer is like a schoolteacher

Harsh he may be

But always fair

With only the students’ progress in mind

 

Some might damn his approach

But true to his standard

He lives up to it

 

To be a good writer

Is not an easy task

An overnight work

But years and years of hard work

Years and years of observation

And years and years of devotion

 

As they say

An ordinary writer writes

Whatever comes to his mind

Or what is dictated to him

A good writer writes

To the standard of his peers

But an exceptional writer

Writes ahead of his time

Shredding all the patterns

All the walls all the masks

Until a naked truth can shine through

 

Since this kind of a writer is such

A rare species in itself

He will be the first to get all the blame

But the last one to get a pat on his back

 

Only and only that

Any of the Lao writers

Will deserve to get honored

With not just a SEA write

But something dear to all Lao hearts

 

9.23.03