Kamala Wijeratne’s “To a Student” / III BA

Trauma and Connection in Kamala Wijeratne’s “To a Student”

In “To a Student”, Kamala Wijeratne crafts a poignant and powerful poem that delves into the complexities of trauma, connection, and humanity. Through a nuanced exploration of imagery, metaphor, and tone, Wijeratne offers a searing portrayal of the effects of violence and war on individuals and society.

 The poem begins by addressing the student directly, establishing a sense of intimacy and immediacy. However, the speaker quickly reveals that the student’s gaze is averted, and their ears are blocked against the speaker’s voice (lines 1-4). This image effectively captures the sense of disconnection and trauma that can result from exposure to violence.

Throughout the poem, Wijeratne employs vivid and disturbing imagery to convey the horrors of war. The speaker describes seeing “torn pieces of human flesh / suspended from bushes and trees” (lines 9-10) and hearing the “echoes of gun-shots” and “blasts of grenades”(lines 5-6). These images are both haunting and visceral, emphasizing the brutal reality of war.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its exploration of the consequences of trauma on human connection. The speaker notes that the students’ fear for their loved ones has created a barrier between them, preventing their eyes from locking and their ears from hearing (lines 11-12). This image highlights the ways in which trauma can disrupt even the most basic forms of human connection.

 Despite the bleakness of the poem's imagery, Wijeratne offers a message of hope and resilience. The speaker urges the student to “shake off these brand names” and seek out a more authentic, compassionate way of being (lines 17-18). This call to action is both powerful and poignant, emphasizing the need for individuals to come together and create a more just and peaceful world.

In conclusion, “To a Student” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that offers a searing portrayal of the effects of trauma and violence on individuals and society. Through its exploration of imagery, metaphor, and tone, Wijeratne emphasizes the need for human connection and compassion in the face of adversity.