Author Neiko-o Koza (3rd from right) with others during the launching of her book “Of Dieu and Poesia” in Kohima on June 16. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 16
A book entitled ‘Of Dieu and Poesia’ by Neiko-o Koza (oKoza N.N) was launched at a function held at Hotel Japfii, Kohima on June 16.
“Of Dieu and Poesia” is a collection of free verse poems about “the gratis love, the infinite mercies, the uncertain happenings, the many fall-and-rescue and all that the author feels for and about God, the Jehovah.”
It was formally launched by Tiarenla Rutsa, Joint Director, Tourism, Nagaland.
Koza dedicated this book to her parents. My parents inspired me so much, she said and acknowledge their wisdom. On the whole, Koza attributed that God entirely inspired her journey.
Koza, an MDiv student from Nagaland said that the accomplishment of her book is not because of her goodness but by the grace of God, which enabled her to converse with the people.
Sharing publisher’s note, Sentinaro Longkumer, Editor, Heritage Publishing House said that the uniqueness of her (Neiko-o Koza) poetry was that she had completely dedicated the book to God. The book talked about God’s love. God’s mercy, God’s forgiveness, God’s mighty work,” Longkumer said. Congratulating Koza for successful completion of the book, Longkumer termed it as a big contribution to the society as it is already in public domain for many to read and learn.
Earlier, Rev Dr Vetso Koza, pastor Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima invoked God’s blessing while Vekhrolo Koza, Block Development Officer (BDO), Pfutsero moderated the programme.
Priced at Rs 250, the book is now available at Crossroad, Opposite Hotel Grandeur, BOC Kohima, Common Room, Midland Kohima, Online- ilandlo.com and instagram- ilandlo_official.
Review by Dr Kelhouletuonuo Pienyii
Making a book review during the launching programme, Dr Kelhouletuonuo Pienyii, Associate Prof., Department of English, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma said that the lead-off or the two introductory poems of the collection ‘Like my Jesus’ and ‘Sacrificial Lamb’ introduce to the readers the poet’s thoughts and intent.
A cursory glance at the collection presents a vista of myriad subjects but on closer reading, the collection is like a collage made of different pictures but projecting a single theme. The poems taken together resonate with the love and grace of God and the poet’s unreserved gratitude for underserved mercies, Pienyii said.
She said that the central thematic concerns of these 113 poems are love, repentance, forgiveness, salvation, victory, hope, prayer, faith, providence, Christian living, Holy Spirit, eternity, etc.
All these themes put together serve as an appetizing aroma to the Christian palate.
Technically, she said, the poems are balanced and well-crafted. Most of the poems are written in one stanza but are poetically very strong. Even very short poems are packed with poetic flavour and meaning, she said.
Citing one poem- ‘My greatest betrayal would be to get back to the me I used to be before You,’ she said “In this very brief poem, the alliterative effect of the 'b' sound is pleasing and rhythmic. These alliterative words 'betrayal, be, back, before' are linked phonetically and thematically, thus conveying the central idea of the poem which focuses on backsliding as the greatest betrayal of God.”
Another poetic technique that stands out in this collection is the use of imagery or word pictures, she said.
In the poem, “Much is a Misnomer, the metaphorical description of God's love- “in a skyful embrace of your unassailable love” makes the reader visualize the sky above stretching out its arms lovingly towards them.
Another soothing imagery is “breathe on my weakness” from the poem With You. This phrase creates the mental picture of blowing cool air on a painful injury-the soothing air is compared to the strength one gets from God in times of pain and suffering. These are very strong word- images that enhance the overall message of the poems, Pienyii maintained.
Structurally, the poems are in line with free verse, not confining to the conventional verse of fixed metre. On the whole, the poems are simple, gentle, relatable and exhibit the depth of the poet's feelings and spirituality, Pienyii said. “The collection justifies the title of the book- ‘Of Dieu and Poesia’ as it opens with a tribute to God and ends with a prayer by the saved for the unsaved,” Pienyii said.
