Who Asks the Caterpillar

Written by Safeena Chaudhry for Calabash on

A delightful anthology that weaves through feelings and memories of post colonial motherlands. Ellin's internal and external struggle comes through with sorrow and anguish as she examines a universal journey of a caterpillar blossoming into a butterfly. The prose reflections are just as powerful as the poems. Her writing is colourful and profound, often tripping on tongues that speak of spiritualism, vagrant wombs, gods, goddesses and the conflict of being.

Some poems wrap themselves in a sensual quality whilst others explore the workings and the breakings of hearts. Ellin looks at the stars to seach for her dead father’s face and in breathless moments captures the possession and repossession of lust and longing. This is a very touching and inspiring collection.