#TankaTuesday & #NewRelease #Poetry

This week’s challenge invitation is to explore the world of collective animal nouns. Hop over to Colleen’s site for more details about this interesting challenge.

A host of sparrows
flit and flutter in delight
courtyard is mirthful
with benefactor’s birthday –
grandma smiles with affection
© Balroop Singh

Book Blurb:

Fusion is the elixir of life. We seek it in every aspect of the cosmos. The magic of fusion manifests itself in the colors of dawn and dusk, in the melodies of nature, in the singing of birds, in the miniscule moments of joy, inspiring us to live in harmony with each other despite the edges that threaten to swallow us. 

The poems in this collection are an amalgamation of harmonies and edges that bind us firmly. We have to wade into murky waters to measure the depth. We have to risk the heights to know our worth. Slippery snow makes us learn how to create footholds. Some songs of life dilute in the hourglass of time to erase the shadows – dark or light, all the colors play an equal role to create a fusion. 

I am looking forward to your help in promoting it. Thank you for your continued support.

Balroop Singh.

#NewRelease by Lauren Scott #Poetry #BookReview

Today we are celebrating ‘Ever So Gently’ by Lauren Scott. A combination of free verse and syllabic poetry like haiku, tanka, etheree, shadorma etc. this is a lovely collection of poetry. I’ve already read this delightful book and enjoyed it.

In this book, Lauren Scott shares her strong link to nature, taking the reader on a tranquil walk through a redwood grove. You’ll find an invitation to sit quietly on a patio, captivated by the simple beauty of a hummingbird. She’ll entice you to revel on the shore of a freshwater lake, mesmerized by its stunning beauty.
Scott shares how love has shaped her life. From that first delicious kiss to celebrating decades of marriage through a love that deepens over time. How her heart melted when she became a mom, then ached when her children started their adult lives across country. And how her adorable canine companions found their way into her heart.
Scott underscores how life presents mysteries we struggle to solve. We can’t help but ponder the deeper meaning of a simple vision. She prompts you to reminisce and reflect on your past, present, and future. Through the ups and downs. what matters most is to love and live ever so gently.

Scott’s poetry celebrates memories and moments in her latest collection – ‘Ever So Gently.’ Her connection with the surroundings blends into the wisdom of nature that unfolds through stunning imagery like: “hear the rustle of a skittering squirrel,” “petals of velvet invite raindrops to bask in their peach enchantment,” and “breeze carries burdens down rivers.”

From the birds that ‘flit and flutter’ to build their nest to the owl who proclaims his presence with his ‘high-pitched toots’ and the hummingbirds that flutter around the “bright pink petals” – all find a place of honor in this book to delight your moods. Lauren’s realism captivates and appeals to all the senses. Some of her poems express profound love that we cherish and yearn for – she tells you how valuable that love has been in her life.

From ‘The Peach Rose’ to ‘Firestorm’ and not to forget ‘I Was Adopted,’ her poetry slides most naturally on the wide canvas of creativity. However, poems that speak of love, of growing up and bonding are the ones that touched my heart. Who can ever forget ‘The Old Afghan,’ which is most relatable!

I haven’t read a more beautiful description of sunset – “The sky explodes in tangerines, salmons, canary yellows – brighter with every second. It’s as though a painter swished her brush back and forth…”
Some more examples of Scott’s brilliant style:
“And water hasnt caressed the hills
The earth, parched like Chile’s Atacama.”
“Silk-thread drizzles dusted rooftops and parched hills.”
“How he tenderly tiptoed through the syllables.”(I could feel the poignancy of the emotion)

A combination of free verse and syllabic poetry like haiku, tanka, etheree, shadorma etc. this is a lovely collection of poetry. Read it slowly to savor each emotion. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lauren has authored two collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams(2013) and Finding a Balance (2015). In the last couple of years, she began exploring memories from her past, penning them into short memoirs. In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose. She lives in Northern California with her husband, Matthew, and their lovable canine, Copper; they have two adult children. Family has been an aspect of life she has always held dear. From her experiences over three decades: raising a family, grieving through loss, finding joy in the smallest things, and the many backpacking and camping adventures, her writing takes a magical path of its own. 

The marvelous wild world that surrounds her: the smell of the woods, the sound of a babbling brook, and the chorus of birds never disappoint in providing inspiration. Recent backpacking trips with Matthew along the California coast and Sierra Nevada have stirred up thoughts to write about love, lost friendship, family, and the possibility that anything can happen. Hikes along the Paper Mill Creek remind her that life is fragile. From trout hatchlings to swallowtail butterflies, Lauren is marveled at how the world is interconnected and that every living thing matters. She is a poet, short memoir writer, and nature lover who hopes her readers will find a little nugget of delight, comfort, or understanding in her poetry and stories – some detail that resonates with them beyond her words.

Thank you for your lovely support.
Balroop Singh.

If you like poetry: click here to hear Magical Whispers

Or hang out with  Hues Of Hope 

 

#BookReviews #Poetry #Myths

Our fascination for myths never wanes and I wonder how did they start! Colleen’s new release answers some of the questions about myths and as usual, she sprinkles them with magic dust. I’ve never believed in magic, yet I look for it everywhere. It holds a cryptic mystery, it lights crevices within me…

So this book was as enthralling as Book 1 by her: Fairies, Myths & Magic – A Summer Collection

Fairies, Myths & Magic: Book 2 – A Winter Collection is enchanting…

If the fairies of A Summer Celebration were fascinating and magical, Colleen’s latest collection – Book 2: A Winter Celebration begins with the darker aspect of the myth of The Changeling. There was a time when faeries stole babies from their cradle and replaced them with a changeling – a faery baby. The story of Alyssa is captivating; told in the most convincing manner, this myth sounds scary. The tale of a witchy woman called Gryla is equally frightening as she descends from her cave in the mountains during the Christmas season and gathers up all the naughty kids for her to make into stew! But Tomte, the House Elf  made me smile and wish that he should visit me to tidy my home with the snapping of his fingers! This book sounds the best when myths are woven around such amazing characters and stories.

Colleen shares a diverse collection of  short stories and poetry, which has been inspired from myths of the dark days of winter. Some of the ancient myths and legends illustrate how the people of our world celebrated the sun’s victory over winter’s darkness. I could relate to the traditions of the Persian festival, which is celebrated with family get-togethers, lit candles and feasts.

Colleen’s poetry is perceptive and she creates magic with her words when she says: “where sand dunes build castles in the air.” ‘Jack’s Frost Fairies’ paint a vivid picture of winter “until all things glittered under the moonlight.” ‘Poetic Spell Craft’ is a brilliant combination of thoughts that spoke to me. There are many such gems in this book that have to be savored slowly.

Sorrowful Soul by Harmony Kent is the cry of a loving soul…

Some people walk away without giving a second thought to the sensitive souls they leave behind, some are snatched away by death – Harmony’s new collection of poignant poetry, immersed in emotional deluge of heartbreak, talks about both the situations though death is more of a symbol for the loss that the poet has experienced. Everyone in this world has to face loss in one form or another but only a few can write such brilliant poetry to reconcile with it. Written in blank verse, the poems appear to be simple but you have to delve deeper to understand the powerful imagery that highlights the profundity of raw emotions.

Tormented by “untouchable phantom,” – a lie called love, the poet captures the yearning, the pain, the misery with a glimmer of hope, which is dying with each passing day, as the images get darker, denial clouds the mind and guilt creeps up; self-blame eats into the entrails of the heart. How could it happen before we “sung our swan song” is the lament that is heartbreaking!

Each poem emerges from a scorched heart, each poem echoes the cry of a loving soul that craves for belongingness. Guilt and anger can’t provide any relief. Death and depression overpower:

“The raven’s croaking caw carries the stench
Of carrion on its vile breath.
As it makes its perch on my slumped shoulders
Blinds me with its scorched-black wings…” I haven’t read a better description of depression! Outstanding poetry!
Thanks for hopping on to ‘Night Train’ and taking a “leap of faith.” You have to read how one can “make a fresh start.”

Thank you. Happy reading!

If you like poetry: click here to hear Magical Whispers

Here is my latest release  Hues Of Hope 

#BookReviews #Poetry #Shortstories

This week I would like to share some wonderful books of poetry and short stories. All three books are a quick read and I really enjoyed them.

Variety is the Spice of Life by Sally Cronin

True to its name, this book is packed with a variety of syllabic poetry, pulling at the strings of your heart with poems like ‘Face in the Mirror,’ accompanied by a beautiful picture of the poet and her mother – a reminder of her laughter and ‘The Waltz’ that captures the joy of two hearts. Cronin’s poems are short and meaningful, most of them capture vibrant colors of life. Even drought doesn’t escape her discerning eye. Robins, starlings, bees and butterflies come alive in her poems. If blossoms remind us of fleeting opportunities, bees convey a profound message of diligence and persistence.

Sally’s short stories have always been my favorite, as they bring out the best of human values. I loved ‘The Healer’ and ‘Home Help’ but the winners are the marmalade cat and robin of Miss Lloyd. Cronin’s love for furry friends shines through her stories. I highly recommend this lovely collection to readers of all genres.

Do What You Love by MJ Mallon

‘Do What You Love’ is a little memoir that captures beautiful moments of life, giving an insight into the author’s experiences, hopes and adventures. A delightful concoction of poetry, photography and flash fiction, imagination and reality merge here to share the stories of her life in a succinct manner.

With the symbol of hibiscus flower, Marje introduces herself as a giggling and carefree child whose mentor is Lachesis – the goddess of future. How creative! It is her innovative style of writing that would capture your heart, as all three “sisters of fate” – Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos remain close to her and offer her friendly advice at each step of life.

With a pang in her heart and tears of pride in her eyes, the empty nester also shares the story of her successful daughters and is reassured by Atropos that they have to take their own path. So relatable! It is fascinating to watch the poet conversing with “sisters of fate” and the moments we cherish come alive through her poems.  

The Christmas Bird by Robbie Cheadle

‘The Christmas Bird’ is a heart-warming story of love and compassion. Stella and her sisters are celebrating Christmas when they discover a bird’s nest that had been destroyed by their dogs. Stella gently picks up the surviving baby bird and hopes to save it despite her mom’s warning that it may die of shock. They prepare an old basket into a warm nest for the little bird, feed the bird lovingly and get attached to it. The bird seems to be a perfect Christmas gift for the girls.

This short story infuses a sense of respect toward our environment. The natural instinct of caring for all the species is highlighted in a subtle manner. Loving and letting go is also underlined, as the bird grows wings and learns to be free. Written in a simple language, it is a perfect story for children if the superfluous details of the beer making process are brushed aside.

Thank you. Happy reading!

If you like poetry: click here to hear Magical Whispers

Here is my latest release  Hues Of Hope 

Double #Etheree #ThemePrompt

The Gray Scarf

My 
gray scarf
breathes yearning,
holds warmth of love.
Purchased ages ago,
you promised it’s fragrance 
would never fade from our lives.
Then how did winter winds creep in
to divest us of our solemn vows?
Yet it sings familiar strains of summer,
shimmering with renewed rhythm of hope
that just lies at the bottom of sea
never reaching your empty heart.
Memories of gray scarf crawl,
weary shadows follow
on this Thanksgiving
till paths of love
converge in 
the next
world.
© Balroop Singh

Thanks to Colleen’s weekly TankaTuesday challenge for the inspiration to create syllabic poetry. Eugi selected this month’s theme: The Gray Scarf.

 I chose Etheree, which consists of 10 lines of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 syllables. Etheree can also be reversed and written 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Thank you.

For more poetry: click here to hear Magical Whispers

Here is my latest release  Hues Of Hope