Life Lines #BookReview

I often say that poetry is my first love; we soar and swing on the wings of words together. I share my secrets with her and her caresses sooth me like the lullabies of a mother. Poetry books immediately allure me and if the recommendation is made by authors like D. Wallace Peach, I don’t even give a second thought to dive in. Thank you Diana, for the inspiration to read this beautiful book. Here is my review.

My Review:

‘Life Lines’ by Sue Vincent highlights the paths of life we traverse – from innocent laughter to the snowy lanes of life, from the depths of sorrow to the light that beckons us, from the abyss of tears to the memories that pull us out; whether it is past or present, life is woven with delicate threads that bind us into a “purpose” and inspire us to “fall in love with life at every passing day.”

Sue’s poetry flows like a steady stream that takes in all the upheavals in its stride and absorbs them, keeping the hope alive. She has a unique style of playing with the symbols that reach your heart:

“flames caress the moon,” for the glow of sunset,
“scattered motes of possibility in the darkness,” for the stars,
“two ravens” for thought and memory, “winter leaf” for self,
“heart-beat of earth” for sea,
“shadows in the glass” for joy and pain.

While ‘Flowers’ brilliantly captures the journey of a woman, ‘I’ emphasizes how the choices of life are snatched away from us unawares! ‘Door of Dreams’ exhorts us to rise from our inner world to “face the demons of today” and look beyond. There are many such poems that would inspire you to keep the flame of hope aloft. I felt ‘Sunset’ could be one of my favorites but then ‘Just One’ mesmerized me with the thoughts of how many kinds of love encompasses us. Each poem exudes an emotion, profound yet subtle.

The poems in this collection need to be savored slowly, to be re-read with sips of your favorite tea, coffee or wine. Highly recommended.
– Balroop Singh

Deeper #Tanka

Sue Vincent’s #writephoto

A portal beckons
Adventurous spirit calls
Fears forbid next step
Yet we drop down to explore
Will we return to share?

***

The secrets lay bare
Harrowing, endless steps loom 
Fiery eyes threaten
Entrenched within crevices 
Shady shackles pull us tighter.

***

Thanks to Sue Vincent for an inspiring Thursday #writephoto prompt Deeper

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Check my latest book: Magical Whispers

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#Life #Emotions #BookReviews

The journey of life is veiled in colors. I have written many times about life yet these two books revealed some more layers for me.

I was drawn in by the analogy – ‘Life is like a bowl of cherries.’ It led me into various alleys even before I opened the book. I love short stories and Sally’s stories regale you with various experiences that are woven into the inescapable web of life. The book begins with ‘The Weekly Shopping’ – the most appropriate, humorous yet grim comment on how technology has crept into our lives. It would make you wonder: can we escape such a trap?

Cronin’s Crisp style of writing, her adroit crafting of characters and her inspirational tone gleams through out the book. Kindness of Elsie would melt your heart when you read ‘The Scratch Card’ and ‘The Date’ would make you dance despite your age. Jennifer’s positivity and planning is superb while The Nanny took my heart away! It is hard to pick up a favorite story, as all of them tingle some emotional cord. A perfect combination of sour and sweet, I savored this “bowl of cherries,” which has a sprinkle of some lovely poetry. Highly recommended.

***

Finding a Balance by Lauren Scott captures myriad emotions that beseech us to accept whatever life offers and find a balance in tears and happiness. A combination of deep love and yearning, the poems in this collection exude realism, speak of sadness but also offer soothing thoughts. Scott knows that our only choice is to move forward. While we seek answers to our questions, comfort can be found in prayers and hope.

The poems are written in a simple and straight-forward style and are easy to understand. There is a craving to rewrite some unpleasant chapters of life, to open new doors, to brush aside dejections and embrace light. My favorite poem is ‘The Box,’ as “The walls stood bare waiting for memories to dress” evoke memories we cherish. Lovely!

Thank you.
Balroop Singh.

I Am Always Around…

HOPE

On the first day of the New Year, I stepped out to see the change. Same sky, cloudless. No traces of much needed rain. Same sounds of cars whizzing past. Muffled faces. And then I saw him in the corner – HOPE! All bundled up, still shivering! I looked at him with expectant eyes.

“Procrastinator! Are you illusionary?” I sneered at him.
He spoke to me:

“I know you love me
I know you hinge on me
When you tread on darker paths
I know I inspire you.”

“And you take pleasure in elusive tricks?”

“ I have my constraints
I float on the tide of time
I possess no magic wand
I hold a mirror to your ways.

“Sometimes I get caught
In the currents of cacophony
Discords and disharmonies
Pull me down, make me dormant.”

“And so you walk out?”

“I am always around
I whisper through the breeze
I glisten in your heart
I blend in your prayers.

“I absorb all words, perceptions and actions
My strings are stronger than faith
Those who hang on get rewarded
But your own role matters most.
© Balroop Singh

Thank you for reading. Looking forward to new changes in 2021 that usher in new hope.

If you like poetry, please check my latest book: Magical Whispers

Pick up your copy at Amazon. 

 

#Welcome2021

As darkness dissipates
And the sun ushers in 2021,
Let the colors of hope sheath
All that we leave behind
And stride ahead with smiles.
© Balroop Singh

 

Many thanks to all my readers and author buddies for their lovely support. The sun of 2021 is shining brightly, reminding us that each year brings along new opportunities. Looking forward to better times ahead. – Balroop Singh.