book – Page 5 – Emotional Shadows

#BookReview: Allow Yourself to Be a Better Person by Balroop Singh

Published on June 25, 2019June 25, 2019 by balroop singh23 Comments

When I chose the cover for this book, I was inspired by the symbolism of this image that seems to define life…one step at a time. Personality development is like that.
When I chose the title for this book, I was convinced that becoming a better person is the choice we make, a promise that could lead us to the path of enlightenment.
I am delighted that James J. Cudney, an accomplished author found my self-help book worthy of his review. Many thanks Jay, for reading and reviewing Allow Yourself to be a Better Person.

His review is also posted at Amazon and Goodreads.

Words Bind us in a Strange Bond…

Published on May 23, 2019 by balroop singh36 Comments

I have never come across a more comprehensive analysis of my poetry. This review of my latest poetry book ‘Timeless Echoes’ at insaneowl.com by Fiza Pathan has enlightened me about my own poems! I am amazed at her interpretations and had to go back to those poems to understand them anew after reading her thoughts about them. I have realized how vague thoughts speak differently to readers, refreshing their own memories!

‘My First Love’ is one such abstract poem, where my love for books is expressed through metaphors but has been construed differently. I am delighted to note that my poetry has been called “therapeutic,” “a soothing balm to the spirit of a poetry lover.”

Though Fiza has copyrighted her review, I take this liberty to quote her:

“These poems are tender, soothing and beautiful, and a must read for all of us poetry lovers stuck on our old memories and times not forgotten. I really think Balroop should go in for poetry therapy because her poems really are like the soothing touch of a grandmother’s gentle hand on a fevered brow.”

Thank you so much Fiza, for your critique. We may be sitting at the extreme corners of the globe but words bind us in a strange bond.

Please click here to read the full review of Timeless Echoes by Fiza Pathan.

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The NEA reports an increased interest in poetry.

Balroop Singh.

Winner of Timeless Echoes

Published on May 3, 2019May 2, 2019 by balroop singh17 Comments

Many thanks to all the readers who have read Dell and Dale and responded to the challenge of guessing who they are. I am humbled by the interpretations of this poem – the best being “soul and ego”… “Soul looked deep and found comfort, love and shared it. Ego looks from high up, and saw a skewed, inaccurate reflection. so he forgot his true nature.” (by Monica Timbal)

I am also deeply touched by the words of Betty: “For me, Dell and Dale represent humility and pride (arrogance)… The theme, decisions and outcomes belong to individuals who make their own choices.”

Bela Johnson understood this poem so well and gave a complete answer to both my questions: “This really reminds me of children, often siblings, who from that same womb can make such divergent choices despite a common upbringing. It clearly speaks, at least to my mind, how we come into this life as different aspects of the One with a different bag of karma to sort out. My mother had seven of us, and said every one of us was completely different. Knowing my siblings, I would say that is true. So it really helped me when observing my own children, each with such unique temperaments.”

Lisa Thomson too came quite close: “Siblings that have taken different paths? One successful and the other one faced too many obstacles and became bitter.”

Congratulations to Bela, an outstanding poet for winning Timeless Echoes.

I wrote Dell and Dale in 2012. When I wrote it, I had siblings in mind. How circumstances and challenges of life change us into different individuals also influenced my thoughts.

I am sharing an excerpt from my latest book:

Revelation

The ink dried on the pages
You left at my desk
Words glare at me
And echo your thoughts…
All that you didn’t say!

Did you say you love me?
How could my arms oppress you?
Was your soft tone a show off?
The sea of your eyes
A delusion?

The ghosts of your journal
Follow me unawares
The embers of your love
Still smolder within me
Smothering my breath out

I carry dead demons of your memory
Looking for a place to bury them.

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Thank you for your support. Please share your valuable reflections, they are much appreciated.

Balroop Singh.

Just Her Poetry #NewRelease

Published on March 22, 2019March 22, 2019 by balroop singh48 Comments

Just Her Poetry

I am delighted to welcome my blogger friend D.L.Finn to celebrate the release of her first poetry book, “Just Her Poetry Seasons of a Soul.” You would be touched by realism in her poetry, which is inspired from Nature and seasons.

Finn Facts:

I watch the Bachelor/Bachelorette shows, even when I announce I’m not going to. I hope for love to win, even in the strangest of circumstances.
My favorite flower is a rose. Its beauty mesmerizes me, while its scent relaxes me. I always keep a bottle of rosewater with me.

Blurb:

Take a journey with D.L. Finn as she blends her love of nature with her deepest emotions. Sit with her on the forest floor observing its tranquil beauty, or stroll along the ocean’s shore admiring the vastness of its horizon. Here in these peaceful moments you’ll be able to experience her thoughts and feelings in the light—and in the darkness. This is a thought-provoking collection of poetry that invites the reader into all the seasons of a soul.

Excerpt FROM THE BOOK WORLD:

EVILDWELS MOVE ON

(based on This Second Chance and The Button)

Evildwels cannot exist where there is love.

But if there is doubt, fear, and hate they thrive.

They do their best to extinguish any love,

While feeding on the absence of it.

They only win with their own conquests.

Their hunger fed as they discard their victim.

Time is irrelevant to them…

As they search for the rage they need.

It seems to be in abundance for them.

They can pick their cream of the crop

…And then wipe it out.

The battle can be bleak and boundless

…Between good and evil.

But ultimately, it is evil that loses,

When good repairs the broken soul

…It is the stronger of the two.

It may lose the battle but always wins the war,

Then the good in love becomes the happy ending.

Evildwels move on…searching and waiting

For the cruel satisfaction of temporary hosts

In a moment where love is wiped away

Until love re-emerges…and the evildwel moves on.

Amazon Purchase Link

Meet the author:

D.L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. She immersed herself in reading all types of books, but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, and adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventures with an open invitation for her readers to join her.

D.L. Finn Links:

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Book Review ~ “Sublime Shadows of Life” by Balroop Singh

Published on December 6, 2018December 6, 2018 by balroop singh28 Comments

Dorinda Duclos, a poet par excellence has reviewed my debut book ‘Sublime Shadows Of Life.’ I hope you would like to read her wonderful 5 star review and share it.
When a poet of Dorinda’s caliber reviews poetry, and gives a positive view, it tinges every nerve and sinew.

The poems in this collection talk about bruised emotions and lost passions, which linger around us even when we try to bury them. While these poems give them a channel to flow freely, they also send vibes of positivity to deal with their shadows.

The journey of putting this book together.

Night Owl Poetry - Dorinda Duclos

From the author herself:

“Sublime Shadows of Life is a comment on life, its turbulent curves and relationships. It envisions people through the prism of poetry. I, you, he, we and they are universal symbols which highlight the fact that happiness is not a destination but a chasm to bury agony, anguish, grief, distress and move on! No sea of solitude is so deep that it can drown us. Sometimes aspirations are trampled upon, the boulders of exploitation and discrimination may block your path but those who tread on undeterred are always successful.”

My Review:

“Sublime Shadows of Life is a perfectly titled book, from author Balroop Singh. Each poem easily glides into the next yet, each one is its own entity. Singh captivates your heart, drawing you into her words, allowing you to feel the pain, the love, the longing for lost possessions and the fear of death. These…