My apologies for the tedious first para. What I mean to say is that reasoned discussion is imperative for the development of knowledge in any field, be it in scientific, social or, in this case, aesthetic enquiry. It may be a bit misleading for me to refer to facts – there is, of course, is no one correct answer. The very fact that we have different, though generally speaking equally valid, points of view makes it necessary, and all the more exciting, that we engage in discussion, debate and a genuine exchange of ideas on areas of common interest to ensure that we learn and benefit from one another.

I think we need to talk about music as much as we can. It’s different inter-relations to other fields within the general umbrella of the Arts, music as a societal reflection, and more – I think it’s all relevant.

Literature, especially poetry, is essential for good music – we all appreciate the rich poetry in Zero Degree’s Dhoni. For the purposes of generating a discussion I will self-indulgently submit to the floor a poem I wrote.

bereft a day or two

at times like this,
i go a day
or two
not shaving a beard
that is not there,
for it is you that i miss

when things act up
and i feel low
myself,
and you only know,
how very not
often this happens,
but if no you
im sure that i will be
bereft