In the morning solitude
The frost slowly melts
On cold glass doors
Touched by the first rays
Of a subdued winter sun
You can almost hear it;
The crunch of breaking apart
Atoms split, dreams depart
Just pale lonely droplets
Sliding down the panels
Gently trickling into oblivion!
I am back after a hiatus, during which I fulfilled some family obligations, celebrated festivals, and went on a vacation (more on that soon). I started learning Spanish on DuoLingo and am now exploring other sources to build on my interest. My other literary pursuits also slowed down in the past 2 months though I did read and review some great books on Reedsy. In the meanwhile, I got news that one of my poems will feature in an upcoming anthology.
When I finally decided to return to the world of micro poetry, I checked my favorite prompt masters on Twitter. The first one I read resonated with my current state and I penned down words that I share in this post. I hope to return to writing with more frequency but here also I may just stop and wander a little, and come back with words that help me write better.
Another chance at hello
To greet myself
For I have been lost
In the maze of daily runs
From pillar to post
Wanting just a bit more
Out of life, never satisfied
Until I took a moment
To stand by the window,
A warm cup in hand
Wrapped in thoughts
That whispered,
‘It’s time to slow down
It’s a reminder to stop!’
Book: Art
Author: Marin Darmonkow (@fontrealbooks) / Twitter
Genre: Children’s fiction, Picture book
Review copy: Reedsy Discovery
Available at: Amazon.in
Recommended: Must Read
This magical book of inspired art lets you create your own story and give voice to its protagonist. Art, an illustrated book, reminds me of silent movies of yore when only actors’ expressions were articulated and audiences interpreted the characters in different ways. In this book of intricate imagery, the creative artist Marin Darmonkow has given voice to an autistic character without saying a word. This work of art is intense, tugging at the heartstrings, and generating empathy.
The artwork in fluorescent line drawings and colors stands out on black paper. A heavy mood hangs on the pages because the story that is hardly narrated invokes sadness. There is so much going on in just a few pages – the circus, non-verbal Art, and his stuffed toy friend, mesmerizing people with antics, yet no one knows what goes on in Art’s mind. The jester’s hat of Art and the thousand glistening crowns in the audience bring about the sharp contrasts in life. The stuffed bear, in its silent companionship, seems to be alive and supporting Art in his life’s mission of “Do what you dream!”
There is a lyrical melancholy that pulls you into the black sheets of sparkling wonder. I can imagine a parent narrating a bedtime story based on pure imagination, brilliantly transposed against the beautiful artwork. As an empath, I wonder if it is too dark or sad a book for children. Then, I think – it is not by shielding from the pain that a child grows, but by expounding truths so that compassion flows.
This inspired book can inspire many stories and poems. Bring the magic home and carve your tales, page-by-page, where the stuffed bear comes to life, and Art speaks from the heart. Truly, a collector’s edition, this book must find a place on the bookshelves of young and old. It holds a meditative power, deep insights, and imaginative streak. Make it yours because silence can be stronger than words, as we see in this book.
Reading and reviewing books for ReedsyDiscovery has become an integral part of my daily schedule. My reading game seems to be spot on even though I don’t give it a thought. I get the Reedsy Discovery top book reviewers for the month badge when I am least accepting it. I do not count the books I read in a month or compete to get this badge. I just pick up a book that draws me in – be it the book cover or the back cover blurb.
I read parts of a book throughout the day. Each weekend, I carve out a good 3-4 hours to write and publish book reviews. I always have a read and review task on my to-do list. Honestly, it requires discipline, dedication, time, and effort. Yet, it comes effortlessly because it is a cherished interest. It has helped me grow in so many ways.
I have read some brilliant books this year and the stories have stayed with me. I often ponder over the stories or the lessons I garnered from the non-fiction book I consumed.
The most endearing part is that the authors are also thinking about my review of their work. I receive comments and emails from authors and it warms my heart. Many request me to read another of their work or contact me with advanced review copies (ARC) when their new work is ready to be unveiled. It’s a symbiotic author-reader relationship – unique because we only know each other through words.
We build bridges across the world with our words. I can only stand in awe of all the brilliant talent out there and gaze with greedy eyes wanting to consume the brilliance of these works of art and creativity.
I want to write but how do I
In the cacophony of turmoil
The daily grind refuses to end
In lost tranquility, amidst anxiety
Thoughts are tangled, jumbled
Words lie shattered, untended
Unspoken, crushed, defeated
At the bottom of the vessel
Crumbling like sand, alluring,
Yearning, yet to be embraced
By the ocean waves, encased
Lingering for a chance to blaze
As treasures that can only elate
Blue Pen Strokes 