It is a grand wrap for 2021, with 6 of my poems part of this beautiful anthology of poetry and flash fiction – FromOneLine (Vol.2).
Writing in a few words and within limited characters is a great mental challenge. When you have to create using only the provided first-line prompt, it becomes all the more interesting for the writer.
This anthology brings together myriad perspectives and creativity to these first-line prompts. A perfect Christmas gift with a colorful cover and an accompanying bookmark, with talent overflowing through its pages. The second FromOneLine Anthology has been published as an A5 paperback book. It features 41 prompt lines, 113 authors and 457 poems, and flash fiction.
Black and white rainbows Arched beneath eyebrows Glowing across eyelids In monochromatic glimpses Fluttering on eyelashes Visions of colorful splashes Why can’t we see beauty In unshaded symmetry Why do our hearts crave For spectrums uncreated
Ansh has showcased his work in 43 exhibitions. His paintings have found global affection with more than 400 of his acrylic paintings adorning the homes of patrons in India, Canada, German, Dubai and Hong Kong. He has been featured in newspapers and regularly participates in art competititions.
When you seek beauty and bliss, it seeks you out in return, in its myriad forms. After writing about Shreyan’s creativity, I came across another brilliant, young artist. Ansh Batra, a 14-year old boy, delves mostly in abstract paintings on acrylic. Ansh started painting in his early years and has found refuge and expression in shapes and colors.
A kaleidoscope of colors, the paintings bring cheer and joy. Sometimes, they also reflect inner chaos and jumbled visions, as the artist seeks answers. Whatever be the medium, a work of art can be interpreted in several ways and Ansh’s work resonated with some verses in my archives.
Just waves in the sea
Dewdrops on a petal
Clouds pregnant with rain
Life in motion, fluid, pristine
Souls waiting to be free
Musings by ANEESHA SHEWANI
Acrylic on Canvas by Ansh Batra
Acrylic on Canvas by Ansh Batra
There is no apology
For being simply you
A yellow leaf
Is pretty still
In verdant foliage
A sign of autumn
In a life well-lived
MUSINGS BY ANEESHA SHEWANI
The kiss of a setting sun
On the lips of a dying day
A final blush, an orange glow
Before a black shroud
Covers the last ray
MUSINGS by ANEESHA SHEWANI
Acrylic on Canvas by Ansh Batra
Acrylic on Canvas by Ansh Batra
Dreams explode
Under the pressure
Of restless nights
They now float free
From my eyelid to yours
In triumphant audacity
Musings by ANEESHA SHEWANI
Ansh is a special child with autism. His art has received the unconditional love and blessings of his parents. Anshul, his mother, with utmost humility says that Ansh is learning to work with colors and canvas and will continue to learn all his life. A preview of Ansh’s work is available on his Facebook page managed by Anshul.
With unpretentious and dedicated pursuit of his passion for different strokes, Ansh has showcased his work in 43 exhibitions. His paintings have found global affection with more than 400 paintings adorning the homes of patrons in India, Canada, German, Dubai, and Hong Kong. He has been featured in newspapers and regularly participates in art competitions. His work reflects the depth of the caption in a Facebook video that features his artistic method – “We’re all little broken; last time I checked broken crayons still color.”
Screaming into the void Like lunatics caged, gagged Muzzled emotions, numbed Trolled for spoken words Sounds buried in the head Sane voices, now long dead Victim to resounding fear!
How to silence the howls Raging, trapped in the mind Injustice bellows, how to find Respite, refuge from wounds Growing like sepsis, unheeded Gasping for breathe, unheard Mauled into total surrender.
Blue Pen Strokes 