Reviews

Indian women poets have long been a powerful force in the realm of literature, using their words to express their unique perspectives, challenge societal norms, and unveil the depths of their emotions. Their poetry reflects a diverse range of experiences, capturing the essence of womanhood, love, identity, and social issues. Among these talented voices, Meera Vineeth emerges as a promising addition. With her collection “Dakshina Kashi,” Meera showcases her lyrical prowess and introspective depth, adding a fresh and captivating voice to the rich tapestry of Indian women poets.

In her masterful collection of poetry, “Dakshina Kashi,” Meera Vineeth Kodakadath weaves a tapestry of emotions, reflections, and vivid imagery, taking readers on a transformative journey through life’s complexities. With fifty thought-provoking poems, Meera explores the depths of human experience, offering a parable of her own personal odyssey and inviting readers to join her in this introspective exploration.

Through her verses, Meera captures the essence of poetry as a song of the heart, pulsating with emotions of pleasure, grief, and passion. She delicately dances between the fluid realities of life and the realms of the imagination, creating a mesmerizing blend of the tangible and the ethereal. Her words carry an air of contemplation and introspection, urging readers to delve deeper into their own thoughts and feelings.

Meera’s poetry is characterized by its profound ability to reflect varied emotions, vividly and artfully expressed. With each poem, she offers glimpses into her innermost thoughts and experiences, transporting readers into a world of wonder and self-discovery. Sometimes abstract and enigmatic, her verses challenge readers to unravel the intricacies of her mind and emotions, opening up a space for introspection and understanding.

One of Meera’s defining qualities as a poet is her ability to effortlessly bridge the gap between the real and the imagined. Through her words, she paints vibrant scenes and creates evocative metaphors that resonate with readers. Her ability to juxtapose the richness of history, spirituality, and mythology in her poems adds depth and layers of meaning to her work. She skillfully intertwines cultural symbolism, allowing readers to explore the intersections of memory, tradition, and contemporary life.

Meera’s poems are not only deeply reflective but also profoundly meditative. She uses her verses as a conduit for exploring inner turmoil, existential questions, and the pursuit of solace and peace. Throughout the collection, she guides readers through moments of contemplation, gently urging them to reflect on their own lives and search for meaning within.

With a lyrical and captivating writing style, Meera’s words flow like streams of a boundary-free river, touching the hearts of readers and resonating long after the poems are read. Her imagery is vibrant and chromatic, evoking a vivid sensory experience that transports readers to the landscapes of her imagination. Whether she is describing the serene course of the River Periyar or exploring the enigmatic mysteries of life, her words leave a lasting impression.

“Dakshina Kashi” is Meera Vineeth Kodakadath’s second collection of poems, and it solidifies her place as a poet of exceptional talent and introspective depth. Through her verses, Meera invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, where emotions flow freely and thoughts find solace in the power of words. Her poems touch the essence of what it means to be human, urging readers to embrace life’s challenges with resilience and seek the beauty that lies within.

This collection will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on readers, as they reflect on Meera’s words, immerse themselves in her imagery, and find their own echoes in the tapestry she weaves. “Dakshina Kashi” is a poetic masterpiece that shines a light on the nuances of human existence and the enduring power of the written word.

Preeth Padmanabhan Nambiar

About the author

Preeth Nambiar, an Indian poet, journalist, and educationist, is a visionary leader in spreading humanitarian values through literature. As the founder of the Writers Capital International Foundation, he has created a global platform for unity and understanding. His eloquent poetry reflects a blend of narration and mysticism, while his short stories captivate with their poetic essence. Advocating holistic education, he considers instilling universal values in the new generation must be a major aim of education. Through his organization, he organizes influential festivals and promotes minimalism and compassion. Preeth Nambiar’s contributions have garnered international recognition, including the YMG Gandhi International Award and the World Icon of Peace Award.

“Steps of Life,” the latest poetry collection by Giorgos Sardelis, is a deeply introspective and confessional exploration of the search for truth in reality. With a strong focus on individual anxieties and the longing for a better world, Sardelis captures the essence of humanity and envisions a brighter future.

Throughout the collection, the poet delves into the complexities of life, offering profound reflections and illuminating situations with purity and tenderness. Sardelis ascends to a spiritual realm, revealing the simplicity that is attainable by all. With a deep self-awareness, the poet critiques life and society, shedding light on social hypocrisy and the diminished resistance to reality.

Sardelis’s words awaken a sense of urgency, urging readers to break free from the slumber of silence and embrace the potential for change. Optimism, faith, and strength of soul are the driving forces behind this transformative journey, as masks fall away to reveal the true smiles of life.

The collection is marked by vivid imagery, painting a visual universe of sky, stars, sun, mountains, and seas. In these evocative verses, secret joy arises from the beauties nature offers. Sardelis’s happy mood shines through as he explores the themes of love and romance, emphasizing the freedom and happiness that can be found within.

While moments of melancholy occasionally color the poems, the prevailing theme is one of optimism. Sardelis reminds readers to smile and believe that everything will go well, urging them to continue moving forward on their life’s path. The poems radiate immediacy, deep humanity, and social reflection, offering glimpses of altruism while avoiding the pitfalls of depression or negativity.

“A single ray of light is all it takes, to bring joy to a world that aches,” Sardelis writes. Through his visionary poetry, he envisions a better tomorrow where spiritual rebirth and balance reside within people’s souls. “Steps of Life” invites readers on a beautiful journey of self-reflection and self-awareness, leading to light, hope, love, truth, solidarity, justice, and ultimately, to the very essence of human existence – immortality.

Giorgos Sardelis’s collection is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire, uplift, and transform. With its profound themes and heartfelt expressions, “Steps of Life” resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impression on the reader’s soul.

In “La Isla Sirenita,” Marco Antonio Rodríguez Sequeiros presents a mesmerizing tale that transcends the boundaries of reality. The story unfolds with the narrator’s dream, acting as a portal to a world brimming with wonder and enchantment. Through evocative prose, the author brings to life an island that serves as a refuge in our polluted and chaotic world—a sanctuary where nature flourishes, and the extraordinary becomes the norm.

With masterful storytelling, Rodríguez Sequeiros invites readers to join the narrator in immersing themselves fully in the magic of this new realm. In this haven of serenity, the senses awaken to a profound connection with the surroundings. It is not a passive reading experience but a transformative journey that beckons readers to shed their preconceived notions and engage with the narrative on a visceral level. Through the protagonist’s odyssey, readers themselves undergo a metamorphosis, emerging as guardians of a fragile and imperiled planet.

The author’s skill lies not only in crafting an intricate plot but also in infusing the narrative with philosophical musings and introspection. As readers explore the pages of “La Isla Sirenita,” they are prompted to contemplate deeper existential questions and wrestle with the complexities of their own lives. The story serves as a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness with the natural world, urging us to reflect on our responsibilities as stewards of the Earth.

Within this captivating story, readers encounter a paradise that eludes our grasp in the physical realm. They revel in the sense of liberation and weightlessness that accompanies each turn of the page, akin to the freedom of a soaring swallow. Yet, amidst the enchantment, there is a profound resonance—an invitation to engage with the core of our being, to connect with our inner selves untouched by the flaws and imperfections of the world we inhabit. Through the eyes of the protagonists, readers glimpse their own alter ego, evoking a deep sense of empathy and self-discovery.

Marco Antonio Rodríguez has crafted a literary gem in “La Isla Sirenita.” This captivating tale enchants readers, inviting them to step into a world of unparalleled beauty and introspection. The author’s gift for storytelling and philosophical exploration shines through every chapter, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s soul. “La Isla Sirenita” is a testament to the power of literature to transport, transform, and inspire—a must-read for those seeking a captivating and profound literary experience.

Buy La Isla Sirenita here: Amazon

“Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.”  ~ Carl Sandburg

In “As I Cross The Bridge,” Prof. Molly Joseph presents readers with a sublime collection of poetry that is nothing short of an aesthetic delight. Each poem within this anthology flows like a cascading waterfall, immersing the reader in a whirlwind of sheer poetic beauty and intoxication.

Prof. Molly’s words not only captivate the mind but also stir a desire to journey deeper into the realms of metaphysical, spiritual, and ethereal bliss. As the anthology progresses, the simplicity of her poetic diction reaches mesmerizing levels, leaving the reader ensnared within the web of her artistry, much like the mythical Penelope of the postmodern era.

The poetess ingeniously portrays her thoughts and emotions as a flower pot, where every poem blossoms like vibrant flowers, each word germinating with an allegorical essence. One such masterpiece, “As I Cross The Bridge,” contemplates the unpredictability and uncertainty of human existence, likening life’s tumultuous journey to a boat floating over waves, navigating the broken bridges of circumstance. With each verse, the human experience is unveiled, evoking contemplation upon the existential terrains we traverse.

Prof. Molly’s subsequent poems bear an almost apocryphal essence, as their arresting simplicity reverberates like cascading waterfalls, refreshing and invigorating the reader’s soul. Works like “Sediments,” “Life Within Death,” “We are One,” and “Dance” are akin to goblets of invigorating wine, drawing the reader nearer to the revelatory world of postmodern literature envisioned by the eminent critic Ihab Hassan.

In “As I Cross The Bridge,” the poetess masterfully weaves words and flesh into an intricate matrix of human emotions and experiences. Each fiber of our being, every nerve, and feeling encountered during the boat-ride across the River Of Life is brought to life by her arresting and charming poetic cadence. Joseph assures us that amidst the broken bridges of life, there is always a boat to carry us through.

With “Valentine’s Day,” the poetess kindles the Lamp of Love in human hearts, yet beneath its radiance, the poem delves into the sweet sorrow and tenderness that inundates the human mind, turning the day of love into a revelatory, almost comic experience of existence.

As we journey through this poetic tapestry, pieces like “Covid,” “Ethics,” and “Mother India” resonate deeply within the reader’s psyche, eliciting profound emotions and introspection. The more simple and arresting the diction, the more entranced the reader becomes.

“We are one,” “Nature,” “November 1st,” “Dance,” “Moments,” “Mothering Woes,” and “Be Like the Sun,” among others, showcase Joseph’s ability to evoke a kaleidoscope of emotions, tugging at the very strings of the reader’s mind and soul. Each poem becomes a multicolored pulse, painting vivid portraits of the human experience.

The entirety of “As I Cross The Bridge” can be aptly labeled as Prof. Molly’s Creative Sacrament of her Heart and Soul. Within these verses, she bares her innermost thoughts and emotions, offering readers an intimate connection to her poetic legacy. Her ability to merge the ephemeral with the eternal, the metaphysical with the tangible, is a testament to her poetic prowess and depth of expression.

In conclusion, “As I Cross The Bridge” is a literary masterpiece that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on anyone who delves into its enchanting pages. Prof. Molly Joseph’s poetic brilliance shines brightly in this anthology, and her words will continue to resonate in the hearts of readers for generations to come.

“Sea Flutterings” by Dimitrios Karousis is a captivating and enchanting bilingual poetry collection that continues to immerse readers in the mesmerizing world of the sea. As a sea lover and poet, Karousis draws upon his profound experiences to speak directly to the hearts of those who cherish the liquid element. Symbolizing the beginning of life, the eternal flow, and the generative force, the sea also represents the untamed nature of existence, presenting formidable obstacles in the form of insurmountable and ultimately fatal waves. Karousis guides readers on a journey akin to that of a skilled captain in the storm, reminding us of the need to overcome these challenges in our own lives.

Building upon the success of his previous work, “Flaming Sea,” which garnered acclaim both domestically and internationally, Karousis invites us once again to delve into the depths of poetic exploration with “Sea Flutterings.” This collection serves as a transformative escape from the stagnant waters of routine and everyday life, enabling the soul to take flight like a free bird, soaring far away into the boundless blue depths. Through its eloquent verses, the collection provokes deep introspection, evokes daydreaming, and provides nourishment for the mind. The fusion of the sea’s blue with that of the sky, both timeless and endless, magnifies the sense of wonder and possibility. Within this celestial canvas, Dimitrios Karousis captures his dreams, experiences, and concerns, mirroring the majesties of life and inviting readers to embark on their own personal voyages, overcoming difficulties with courage and dignity, and forging unique paths.

At the heart of “Sea Flutterings” lies a profound aspiration for a free and peaceful existence, where universal values such as justice, fraternity, equality, altruism, magnanimity, and forgiveness prevail. These values, when embraced, lead to spiritual upliftment, self-awareness, and ultimately contribute to the betterment of humanity for present and future generations. Karousis’ poetry, owing to his immense psyche, spiritual-philosophical background, and social sensitivity, possesses a subtle yet profound didactic quality. It serves as a guiding light, benefiting and instructing the new generation, while also setting an inspiring example for imitation.

Undoubtedly, “Sea Flutterings” will be embraced and cherished by readers, much like Dimitrios Karousis’ previous works. Its highly experiential subject matter touches upon various cognitive fields, making it a compelling prospect for literary research. The collection can be rightfully regarded as a philosophical essence, a visionary portrayal of life that conjures vivid imagery and opens up vast horizons of thought. Through its poignant verses, “Sea Flutterings” lays the foundations for introspection and action, urging readers to delve into the depths of their existence and contemplate life’s profound questions.

In conclusion, “Sea Flutterings” is a captivating and profound poetic voyage that takes readers on a transformative journey through the enigmatic realm of the sea. Dimitrios Karousis’ exquisite craftsmanship and profound insights allow his words to resonate deeply within the hearts and minds of his audience. This collection is a testament to his literary prowess and his ability to create a lasting impact through the beauty and power of his poetry.

Buy the book here: https://amzn.eu/d/9tTzI4a

“Selfies” by Maria S. Anthi is a captivating and introspective collection of poetry and essays that invites readers on a profound exploration of the human experience. With a focus on the concept of “self-photographs” or “selfies,” Anthi delves into the multifaceted dimensions of love, memories, emotions, and the passage of time. Through her lyrical and concise words, she creates a tapestry of poetic expressions that resonate with readers on a deeply personal level.

The poems in this collection serve as glimpses into the author’s inner world, capturing moments of reflection and contemplation. They offer a unique perspective on life’s most profound questions, philosophizing on the nature of existence and the search for meaning. Anthi skillfully crafts her verses to convey the essence of both the outer and inner worlds, immersing readers in the beauty and complexity of her thoughts and emotions.

Within the pages of “Selfies,” Anthi takes readers on a literary journey through diverse landscapes and locations that have influenced her creative process. From the enchanting island of Zakynthos, celebrated by Homer as “Ylyessa,” to the volcanic mountains of Milos, each place becomes a source of inspiration and a backdrop for introspection. Anthi’s ability to weave her personal experiences with universal themes allows readers to connect with her words on a profound level, regardless of their own backgrounds.

The bilingual nature of the publication, available in both Greek and English, demonstrates Anthi’s commitment to sharing her work with a wider audience. By breaking language barriers, she invites readers who may not be familiar with Greek to experience the depth and beauty of her poetry. This inclusive approach highlights the universality of human emotions and experiences, bridging cultural divides and fostering a sense of connection.

“Selfies” is a testament to Anthi’s mastery of language and her ability to evoke emotions with precision and elegance. Each poem and essay in this collection is a contemplative reflection that invites readers to pause, reflect, and delve into the complexities of their own lives. Through her insightful observations and evocative imagery, Anthi leaves an indelible impression on readers, urging them to embrace the fleeting moments that shape their own personal narratives.

Maria S. Anthi’s “Selfies” is an extraordinary literary work that transcends traditional boundaries. It is a book that challenges readers to embrace introspection, celebrate the beauty of life, and find meaning in the simplest of moments. With its profound themes, elegant language, and universal appeal, “Selfies” is a collection that will continue to inspire and resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page.

You can buy the book here: https://amzn.eu/d/axyFfR6

As a poet Dr. Molly Joseph, I believe, declares her credo in a short poem titled “Poet” in her previous anthology of poems Songs of Silence. She writes: “Life touches … / You script it out / immersing / not in ideas, but / in things / slowly / subtly / becoming / everyone/everything…” The desire not to immerse in ideas, but to be everyone and everything, slowly and subtly, signifies the poet’s desire for non-theoretical and non-judgmental participation in the life of things rather than her being a mere detached observer. This is true of Dr. Molly’s poetry too as it demands an immersive response from us, that is, her readers. The intensity of her poetry, leaving no alternative to the reader, demands enraptured immersion in its life. The reader enters the life of her poems, and becomes the poems s/he reads, slowly, subtly and unselfconsciously.

Such a response constitutes the opposite end of the reading spectrum which Toby Litt in his text Mutants (2016) terms as ‘disenchanted reading’, the kind of stylistic reading promoted mostly in academic poetry workshops. Litt calls stylistic reading as ‘reading done by a low-grade computer.’ One can add to it the fact that poetry itself compels the reader to respond in a certain way, and Dr. Molly’s poems elicit enraptured responses from us. This is despite the fact that the very typography of her poems draws our attention to their textuality, to the words and their very arrangement.

How does one respond to this kind of typographical arrangement that claims its poetic status? How does one respond to the dancing, playful words on a page, words polyvalent and gesturing tentatively into multiple directions, words – to borrow the very title of Dr. Molly book – that are ‘voices over waves’ containing sea-deep secrets that are transmogrified into silences and blank spaces on the page, each word prismatic like the rainbow-coruscating droplets in a misty spray when the fervent waves strike against a rock, words musical with their intermittently sustained and syncopated rhythms, words magical performing the miracle of the love of life on the page, words endeavouring to go beyond their own quiddities, and words that make us wonder at the richness of life beyond words, that life which the words themselves bring alive?

Dr. Molly Joseph’s poems come to us with such interesting queries and proposals. The poems cast their spell, enthral us with the life throbbing in them. The poem “Life” in the present anthology gives us ample evidence of the author’s preference for a pulsating life of becoming: “Life … How you pulsate / the vital / energy/coalescing/cascading / in an / upsurge / to upend / aspirations, / always / in the / tumult / of creative / confusion. . . life pulsates / unbeaten / in forms/variant / in shifting / shadows / that play / endless / hide and seek . . .” Apart from the dynamism of life, this poem conveys, the most significantly operative image in it is that of the throbbing, thrumming, continuously changing life that upends all aspirations. This is how, with a consummate economy of words, the poet underscores the mercurial nature of life. In suggesting that life is unpredictable, real and unreal (a shadow) at the same time, and is outside human control and structuration, the poet reminds the reader to give up their grand Faustian aspirations to control life. Thus, the deeper message is not obtrusive as the poet does not don the robes of a preacher.

Dr. Molly’s themes are varied; they are supratemporal though they refer firmly to the present times. For example, her love for nature does not exist in a temporal vacuum, rather it has a distinctly contemporary ring to it. She questions the very idea of progress we are so much besotted with in the poem “Hmm… Progress!” The very colloquial-sounding title ending with an exclamation mark itself announces the ironic aims of the poem. The poem lays bare the fact that what we call progress is pitted against nature and by pursuing this chimaera we are depriving green rights to future generations. The poem “Freedom” voicing similar concerns about the idea of progress weaves into its rich tapestry the intolerant and anti-democracy thrust of contemporary politics dominated by demagogues and rabble-rousers who nurse their vote banks by dividing the gullible with their desperate ‘isms’.

She yearns for oneness with nature as is evident from her poem “My Moon.” The poem begins with a sense of regret at the moon’s aloofness: “Oh, moon, my moon / up above you stand/refusing to land…” But it concludes with an entreaty: “O moon, / up above, / come down… / together / we can stretch / selfless, silent, smooth / over meadows we tread / mindscapes that spread…” She also knows that this is just a dream, but then poets are dreamers! However, this poem foregrounds how the human will has no way with or control over nature. Nature is what it is, beautiful and life-affirming but evanescent like the last flicker of the setting sun that lends its golden glow to the evening shadows in the poem “The Last Flicker.”

Feminist concerns reverberate in Dr. Molly’s poems. The poem “Woman” begins with a sense of wonderment: “Where else is a better poem / than you!” The woman is a poem that bears all the pain to give birth to a new life. This metaphor of a woman being a poem actually expresses the wonder of being a woman, a poem: “You need no acclaim, / space special doled out / since you are born special/unique, rising from ashes / resilient, rejuvenating, / with the seed power /of creation…” like the Mother Earth. Thus this metaphor of woman as a poem is a highly condensed trope in which creation, poetry (as creation), nature (as Mother Earth) and woman comingle. Another poem “When you give bath to your newborn…” is a beautiful, delicate poem which adds a spiritual dimension to a very quotidian act of a mother giving a bath to her newborn daughter. The mother messaging the neonate with coconut oil she has extracted herself from the grated coconut juice is a sculptor carving “out a future/beauty / of feminine / charm …” This poem appears to be symbolic of Dr. Molly herself sculpting new realities and universes with her words in her poems – her babies, in a way – like the mother carving out a future for her newborn daughter. In her poetic micro-worlds, Dr. Molly is able to weld memories, thoughts, and experiences with very keen observations on contemporary issues in a language bare and simple. The easy flow and uplifting lightness of her verses coax the readers to inhabit these micro-worlds, make these small universes their home and live in them.

I am sure the Voices above the waves will find an echo in the minds of the readers and they will respond with the same gusto with which these voices have been sculpted.

Prof. Swaraj Raj
Professor of English, SGGSWU University Fatehgarh Sahib,
Punjab, India

Malakshmi Borthakur’s collection of poetry, Splendid Signature: Rhythmic Strokes of a Quill, is a noteworthy contribution to the domain of women’s writing. This collection of 50 poems deals with various themes such as individuality, love, mythology, economic deprivation, childhood, and social violence. Borthakur has a direct and simple style of writing that communicates the deep questions women face regarding their rights to equality, dignity, and independence.

The poems in this collection are an expression of the poet’s concerns with cultural, ideological, and value-related hurdles, which are problematic if not threatening. The language used in the poems is straightforward and easily understood, making the collection accessible to a wide audience.

The poetry collection captures the essence of hope and positive intervention through the struggles women face in contemporary society. The poet asserts that motherhood, family, and traditional norms are not the only concerns women face. The larger social expanse has its influence on women’s lives at both subtle and unsubtle levels.

The simplicity of Borthakur’s writing takes over in most poems, making the reader feel that all is not right with the world. Despite this, the poems also express a sense of fulfillment and hope in a few places, emphasizing positive intervention. The use of apparent clichés in some of the poems is done softly and easily, but there is a suggestion of a dramatic shift when we consider the title under which these lines are placed.

Borthakur’s concern with the travails of existing norms bearing upon sensitive sections in our midst is reflected in her exploration of the theme of love. The poet aims to project emotions as part of experience she visualizes in contemporary surroundings. The images of love in the collection are of a distinct character, not associated with the conventional relationship between a man and a woman.

The book also deals with questions of culture, where poetry is situated. The poet’s aim is to grasp the contentious truths of culture, ideology, and the folk tale, and build an account of distinct creativity. Borthakur’s poems are a form of feminism taking shape as the individual mind grapples with the nuances of complex living.

Splendid Signature: Rhythmic Strokes of a Quill is a valuable collection of poetry that explores the themes of women’s rights, culture, and feminism. Borthakur’s simple and direct style of writing makes this collection accessible to a wide audience. This collection of poems is an excellent addition to the literary domain and is highly recommended for readers who are interested in exploring women’s writing.

I wish you the author the very best in further contributing greatly to the ever-changing sphere of literature.

Preeth Padmanabhan Nambiar
Author-Poet, Educationist & Humanitarian
President & CEO, Writers Capital International Foundation
preethpadmanabhannambiar@gmail.com