When something is described as sheer poetry it could denote something exceptionally beautiful or artistic or an experience evoking deep emotions.

So, it makes a lot of sense when we describe a work of art or something written in exquisite language as sheer poetry.

But then how do you describe a book of poetry then? Wouldn’t be redundant to say, Sonal Singh’s book titled- Between the Shadow and the Soul, a collection of poems on Love, life and Loss, is sheer poetry?

I recollect a quote of Francis Bacon when he said, “some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed and some few to be chewed and digested.”

Sonal’s words to depict languor and tranquility when she described love made me want to draw up my blanket and burrow deep inside, losing myself in the words. Her deep thoughts and ability to philosophize in her theme on love made me ponder over my cup of tea. The sadness and profundity when she wrote on loss engulfed me.

Am I exaggerating?

I will share some of my favourite lines to leave it to your better judgement.

In the poem, First Love, she writes:

Let the tepidity kiss their essence

Slowly turning them aromatic

Like a well-brewed, potent ether

Can you come across anything more evocative?

When she writes in A Night of possibilities

Inhaling liquid desire

Drenched in expectations

Dripping in anticipations

Of the hours, yet to come

She spoke from the heart of millions of lovers. Sensual to the point of making our toes curl!

And when she paints the contradictions of love in the poem What is love like? You cannot but nod your head in the sage observations of love and life.

The poems under the section of Life titled – Life’s no fairy tale and The weight of words made me pause and take a deep breath. The former is something that every young person needs to read and the latter for we need to become more aware of our choice of words before we even speak

Retiring from Life gave a great pause as I realized that one needs to pare down quite a lot from their lives and the poet does not mean only material things.

 

If you had to paint Dark Days, the words:

Paint everything in a blank monotone

So that I can paint over it all over again

With a palette of new colours

To create a fresh canvas

Of new starts and experiences

 

So hopeful! It made one stop and see the ray of light even in the darkest clouds.

 

The age and lack of youth could not be more poignantly put than in the poem The sound of Quiet where she writes:

And no longer would the bedroom door

Stand open in an invitation of possibilities

Ajar, it would convey its mood

guarded and distant

What a stark contrast to the poem A night of possibilities

It is very clear from the book and the author holds poems and poetry close to her heart and it shows in the language and choice of words and themes.

This would be one book that has a place by my bed side for a few days at least. I would pick it up and read from whichever page it falls open so that I sleep better or think deeper.