Poems interest me. However, it is rare for me to get good books of poetry in Hindi or English. The last I read was ‘Khyaalon Ki Tapri’ by Meraj Hasan ‘meem’. And before that, ‘Life An Existential Cocktail’ by Bienu Varma Vaghela. So, I immediately ordered a copy when ‘Ummedon Ke Pankh’ by dear friend Dwarika Prasad Uniyal “DEV’ was launched.
Dwarika (DP) has an uncanny talent for minutely observe the smallest of the changes and incidents in his ecosystem. Based on them, he creates a differential word of expressions and emotions around it. Simple things in life take fresh meanings under his magic wand. There are some poems with deep layered meanings and some float as a comment and observations.
SECTIONS
The book is divided into four clear parts, which may be an excellent way to compartmentalise emotions and expressions. However, I favour a more chronological spread to help gauge the evolution with the events. Not that I am complaining.
The first part, ‘Astitva and Pratibhimbh’– existence and reflections has 20 poems. The second part- and my favourite part- is ‘Pahaad Aur Uski Yaade’– Hills and its memories. It is the shortest section with 6 brilliant poems. The third section captured in 30 poems is ‘Zindagi Aur Uski Chipki Daastane’– loosely translated – life and its associated impact stories.
Some of you may like the fourth section the most; it has 25 short snippets of poems expressing stark observations or statements. It is titled – ‘Kuch Bikrey Khayal Aur Awara Lamehe’– loosely translated as some offbeat, scattered thoughts and crazy moments.
COMMENT
One would agree with Sonal Dabral’s comment. It is easy to write and express your emotions in two thousand words and tough to capture the whole world in a few lines. And that is what poems are.
DP seems to share his experiences without any barriers. There appears to be no hesitation in being transparently naked with his feelings and takeout. Some incidents come alive with a tadka of an expression, and you are forced to pause while reading his poems. I love when it happens.
The poems are simple- easy, and engaging. They are neither revolutionary nor take a pure observant point of view. There is something extra tucked between the lines. They originate from relatable life and experiences- they resonate with you. What else do you want from a compilation of poems? So just go ahead and order your copy here.
DISCLOSURE.
Dwarika Prasad Uniyal is a close friend. He is a Member Jury for Pahaadi 2022– the English Fiction Short Story Contest for Writers with roots in Uttarakhand.
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