Tishani Doshi Discusses Grief and Conflict in New Poetry Collection 'Egrets, While War'

Tishani Doshi’s fifth poetry collection, *Egrets, While War*, explores themes of grief and conflict through a variety of bird imagery. The Chennai-based poet and Royal Society of Literature Fellow describes how birds—like parakeets, dodos, peacocks, and even the extinct passenger pigeon—play an active role in her poems.

In a recent interview from her home in Paramankeni, Doshi explained that while birds have appeared in her work before, in this collection they take on a more significant presence. She notes the joy that observing birds can bring, especially in contrast to the troubling images and events facing the world today.

The anthology reflects a deep sense of disbelief in the current state of humanity, shaped by recent global events such as the pandemic, conflicts, and environmental crises. Doshi expresses a feeling of helplessness and confusion about the direction society has taken, stating that her poems stem from a profound engagement with grief and a desire to navigate amid ongoing turmoil.

Time in the collection weaves together the prehistoric with the present, illustrating a sense of continuity between personal and collective experiences. Doshi describes feeling a connection to her ancestry, reflecting on familial ties as she navigates her own mid-life journey. She emphasizes the importance of integrating her childhood and familial history into her current perspective.

A notable theme in the anthology is the aging body, which serves as a juxtaposition against modern desires for eternal youth. Doshi explores the complexities of aging and the loss associated with it, while also acknowledging the ongoing violence witnessed in the world. Her works seek to address the difficulty of mourning amidst continuous suffering.

In conjunction with the book, Doshi has created a film featuring three masked women as a visual companion to her poems. This project aims to establish a new realm of imagery that resonates with the book's themes, incorporating elements of movement and transformation. Doshi's interest in collaboration is evident as she combines poetry with other artistic forms for a richer expressive experience.