The NAANI is one of India’s most popular Telugu forms, Naani means “expression of one and all.” It consists of 4 lines, totalling 20 to 25 syllables. It is generally untitled, although the subject may be inferred in the first line. The poem is not bound to a particular subject, but is often about human relations. The form was introduced by one of the renowned Telugu poets, Dr. N. Gopi.
NONNA’S NAANI:
Conversation
Is not necessarily
communication.
Her eyes and smile speak fluently.
WALT’S NAANI:
We converse.
Airing our differences
in the dance of give and take;
agreement through our compromises.
POETIC BLOOMINGS 