https://www.splitthisrock.org/poetry-database/poem/loss-is-an-art-traversing-one-world-to-the-next
“Loss is an art, traversing one world to the next,” a poem written by Purvi Shah, honors henna culture and the deeper meaning behind the art. Purvi Shah does an amazing job throughout this poem expressing the cultural significance of henna. She explains and represents how it is a connection to the family while explaining the deep meaning behind the tradition. Personally, I have always had a deep appreciation for henna. As someone that considers themselves an artist I can say that it is truly a beautiful form of expression. I appreciate the tradition of henna as a form of cultural expression as well as a form of art. I think it is a beautiful tradition and holds much more meaning than people originally believe. This tradition I think is especially beautiful as a staple of weddings, to be able to honor your culture on your wedding day in such a beautiful form. It is truly a stunningly expressive way to represent your family and culture. My appreciation for this tradition is only elevated by Purvi Shah’s expressive form of writing, that I think truly encapsulates the deep meaning behind henna. There are multiple times throughout this poem when Purvi Shah uses images of nature when discussing the use of henna. Henna contains many intricate designs that I think are expressed well through these comparisons with nature. At one point she compares henna on her arms to, “wild flowers,” showing the natural beauty of the art form. I am someone that loves the natural beauty of wild flowers so the comparison is successful in expressing the appeal of henna. Throughout the poem, on top of the references to nature, she is able to use abstract distance in a way to convey the henna as being a living thing. The henna she describes as, “brown swirls dissolving into brown skin” as if the henna itself is being absorbed into her being. This shows how the henna is a part of her, and it forever will be. Throughout the poem she continues to expresses the importance of henna. Purvie Shah states that henna is the “ mark of family is on the body” and continuing on about how the important thing to her is not her engagement ring or perfume, that can be removed at any time. She continues with her abstract diction throughout the poem, and by using her expressive words she is able to describe and represent the intimacy of this tradition. This intimacy that is expressed helps to further convey the cultural significance of henna in general. Some moments in the poem that help express the intimacy of henna include when she describes the henna being absorbed by her skin, “love’s imprint lasts long when the fingers rejoice” and “women henna their breasts before marriage” help dive into the deeper and more personal touches henna has on someone. After reading a few of the poems written by Purvi Shah, it is safe to say that she has a preference for using metaphors to further develop her poems. One of the most beautiful metaphors she has in this poem, probably one of my favorite lines, is “your ankles are rust, vines of buds and leaves” which I feel like is a good representation of the movement that is in henna designs. All of Purvi Shah’s poems tell a story about a particular person, or experience that she is familiar with. At the beginning of a few of her poems she includes a quote that she used for her inspiration. These topics are ones that I don’t see often in art pieces. But I understand how this can be important to her, seeing that she is an artist and an activist, that wants to bring attention to these special life experiences that are often misrepresented.
