#Grief #BookReview: About the Real stages…

Grief has been my oldest pal or should I say the ghosts of grief could never leave me. It is one emotion that can never be suppressed. I’ve always poured it into my poetry. So, when I saw Kaye’s book that talks about personal grief, my ghosts of grief resurfaced to speak to me. I could deal with them within one day, could write two poems and finish reading this new release of my blogger buddy within a day. I could feel her words.

A journey through grief is a torture that can never be explained yet Kaye gathers the strength to talk about it, as it is cathartic; it provides inner strength and gives a reassurance that grief may be personal but not individualistic. Grief changes us, it alters our life and we wonder where are the friends and family who disappear after the funeral. It is a deserted path and we have to traverse it alone. “Grief never leaves, it just finds its way into a comfortable spot within.” I could relate to these words of the author. We have to learn to live with it. 

In this book, Kaye calls grief “a disease” and urges grievers to pay attention to their health. They should get out and go for a walk, talk to people, as human connection at such a time is extremely important. We may be sad and unmotivated, but we have to take up some activity to get out of the darkness, and find a new way of living. Another meaningful advice is that It is better to face the grief demons than become susceptible to addiction of any sort.

Real Stages of Grief may be different for each griever; we may seek a comforting hand, but solace eventually comes from within. “It is not words we need in our hours of grief; it’s an ear and hugs,” says Kaye. However, she warns against scammers and lurkers who want to be friends with you. “Beware of sob stories from those seeking financial gain.” Many more significant aspects of grief, and ways of emerging from those dark alleys have been shared in this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

HAPPY READING!

A Haibun

Perennial Pain

It’s the third Diwali without you. Darkness still surrounds me. Frozen heart refuses to accept logic; numb eyes return to the door again. I know you are not here but I don’t want to light any diyas or any electric lights. Diwali wishes sound like a slap in the face. Do you remember my enthusiasm for burning crackers and eating sweets the whole day? I don’t want to buy any now. I just soak in the mist of those memories. I have no nepenthe, but darkness gives more solace than the artificial lights.

festive occasions –
a yawning rumbling thunder
perennial pain.
© Balroop Singh

Thank you.

Here is the Amazon link for my grief poetry book: Just One Goodbye

All the posts on my blog are created by me and are protected by copyright. It is strictly prohibited to use them to train AI technologies.

#TankaTuesday #Poetry #ButterflyCinquain

Mother Nature’s Commands

Crimson, 
ochre, yellow
robes of Mother nature
catch zephyrs loaded with verglas 
even 
when the wind speaks soft syllables
leaves comply, drifting down 
to honor the 
commands.
© Balroop Singh.

I See the Moon Nymphs

Moon smiles 
through my window,
shines brighter to entice
I marvel at his pristine eyes.
spellbound,
I look at his glorious light  
and admire the nymphs who 
glide on moonbeams,
with grace.
© Balroop Singh.

Thanks to Willow and Colleen for the inspiration to write syllabic poetry.

I chose to write two butterfly cinquains.

Willow has offered two subjects: The October Hunter’s Moon or the aging of the year.  In fact, you can use those two prompts literally, or you can use one or the other or both and explain in your poetry how they make you feel.

Thank you for reading my poetry.

All the posts on my blog are created by me and are protected by copyright. It is strictly prohibited to use them to train AI technologies.

Thank you Diana, Joy, Denise and Priscilla for awesome reviews of
 Beyond the Fetters

#PhotoPrompt #WDYS #Poetry

Image Credit; Patty Brito Unsplash

Moments that Echo

Grandma clicked this picture
How many moons ago
I don’t know.

What I know is that she
Captured the joy of the moment,
the love that could never fade,
the beaming faces, the stars in the eyes,
the eternal hug – sibling bonding etched forever.

Royal robes of Mother Nature
fluttered in the fall breeze
Dad stood behind us,
Could there be a better symbol
of childhood innocence and parental pride?

Ah! How that love melts!
Time dust turns into rust;
The coating gets thicker each day,
Echoes of longing refuse to subside 
as I look at this precious picture.
© Balroop Singh

Thank you Sadje for the inspiration to respond to the image #Whatdoyousee #309

Thank you for reading my poetry.

All the posts on my blog are created by me and are protected by copyright. It is strictly prohibited to use them to train AI technologies.

Here is the link for my New Release – Beyond the Fetters

#BookReviews: 5 Stars for each one!

Leora’s Dexter Stories capture the challenging times in the lives of the Wilson family as they move from one farm to another in search of work  to support their seven children. A story of togetherness, changing seasons, and struggle through disease, and the great depression, it brings alive the history of those times when life was really hard. There were no gadgets to ease the workload, and manual labor was the only option for the poor.

A heartbreaking account of whooping cough and the loss of two babies, Jack and Jean, reveals how helpless people were in the face of adverse circumstances. Kidney’s book is an excellent historical artifact, featuring both happy and sad stories, as well as lovely pictures of her family. A wonderful mother and a devoted wife, Leora’s resilience stands out in most of the stories. She believed that “the greatest successes are those who have some hardships in getting there.” 

It is surprising to note that in 1933, one-fourth of the nation’s population comprised of families with no regular income. However, sons valued family and were worried about their parents. They sent money home. Delbert and Donald were happy when they joined the Navy, as they could get enough to eat, learn a trade, and see new places. Extreme temperatures and drought exacerbated the situation, but the Wilsons persevered and navigated through the depression with positive results. 

A Bold Bargain is much more than just a bargain. It is a heartwarming story of kindness and love. It highlights the loneliness of an old woman, Mrs. Fletcher, and the plight of Naomi, who is struggling to raise her two sons alone. Jack comes like an Angel into their lives. He knows what hunger is; he understands the importance of love, and is immediately pulled by the need to provide support. His sterling qualities unfold as the plot progresses. 

The story flows at a steady pace, keeping you invested with new developments. A parallel plot of mink poachers adds an interesting angle to it. Sikes’ characters will win your heart, as they emit positive vibes, and have been crafted with great respect and tenderness, especially Wolf, Kitten, and Mitzi. There is an amazing relationship between Jack and his furry friends. Jack is just eighteen, but circumstances have molded him into a responsible and caring person.

Some delightful moments that bring joy into Queenie’s life won my heart, elevating this book above the average. The ending is extremely well-written. Highly recommended.

‘The Mystery of the Pink Poodle’ is much more than just a mystery. It is a captivating story of relationships, parental love, and friendship. The tenor of this book is that wealth and fame are insignificant if homes are devoid of love and happiness.

Alina is the daughter of rich and famous divorced parents, and neither of them has any time for her. A summer trip to Conrad gives her a purpose and brightens up her life quite unexpectedly. What she thought was a creepy innhouse, with old-fashioned furniture, turns out to be a place full of mystery and warmth. She meets twin sisters and their pleasing mother here, and some lovely bonds are created. 

Mimi King is an interesting character with a colorful past. She wants her pink poodle, and Alina wants to help her, but nobody knows anything about it. The curiosity and excitement of the teens adds an element of charm to the mystery. Will they be able to solve the mystery of the pink poodle?

This is a heart-warming story with wonderful characters. Even cold and aloof Michael Doherty understands the importance of relationships and agrees to write Mimi’s and Henri La Bouche’s story. 

This book is a kaleidoscope of syllabic poetry, free verse, art, and pictures. Cheadle’s love for wildlife and her astute observation shine through ‘Burning Butterflies,’— a magnificent symbol of transformation and hope. Highly informative and evocative, her poems inspire us to reflect on mankind’s attitude toward flora and fauna. It also lays bare the grim reality of the harm that is being done to the natural environment.

Cheadle’s poems acquaint us with the playful nature of animals, exhort us “to learn from animal friends,” and treat them with respect. 

She warns, “Let the natural world remain
Or we’ll all implode in the burning.” 
She uses anaphora to emphasize her point – 
“Shout, make your point heard,
Shout, many voices cry out
Save the black rhino
Shout
Our voices cry out…”
“Act now – Save lonely black rhino
Act now – Save lonely black rhino.”

Cheadle’s poetry is intense yet accessible, informative, and stirring. The imagery of ‘River Fun’ and ‘The Buffalo’ made me pause and there are many such poems that need to be read again and again to understand her love for animals and birds.

I’ve read the book on my laptop to absorb the beauty of artwork and admire the stunning pictures of wild animals in their natural habitat. I would call it creativity at its best.

Thank you. Happy reading!
Balroop Singh.

Here is the link for my New Release – Beyond the Fetters

#TankaTuesday #WDYS #PoetryChallenge

Image credit; Salva Jamm Unsplash

A Connection

Just One
treasured moment
when silence spoke to him
and I stood muted by his art
thinking
how colors merged in the water
each stroke – a masterpiece
one connection –
same dream.
© Balroop Singh

Thanks to Yvette and Colleen for the inspiration to write syllabic poetry. The challenge this week is to focus on one impactful day. I chose to write a butterfly cinquain – 2-4-6-8-2-8-6-4-2.

Thank you Sadje for the challenge to respond to the image #Whatdoyousee – 307

Thank you for reading my poetry.

Many thanks to all those blogger buddies who have pre-ordered my new release – Beyond the Fetters.