Neena Singh reviews my newest poetry book on The Wise Owl, August 2023

 https://www.thewiseowl.art/poems-micropoems-by-rk-singh

A Thought-provoking collection

A Review by Neena Singh     

 ‘Poems and Micropoems’ is a thought-provoking collection of poetry by Ram Krishna Singh that delves into the depths of human emotions, the intricacies of life, and the wonders of nature.

R K Singh, Professor, IIT(ISM), contributed a lot to popularizing haiku literature during the early eighties. In an interview with Prof. R B Singh in 2012, he candidly says, “I have been practicing these difficult Japanese forms for over 25 years. Initially, I used these as stanzas of my regular poems, but it took me about 15 years to understand the essential spirit of haiku and tanka as independent poems.” He further says, “It is the spirit behind the words that counts: the pauses, hesitations, and the silences between words and between the lines, the silences that make a poem live and breathe.  That is what makes a good haiku.”  Dr. Lyle Glazier opines,

“R K Singh writes with the directness of an overheard whisper, or a wind through trees, a ripple in a stream, or a cry in the street after dark.”
 

Spanning various themes and styles, this collection showcases Singh's versatility as a poet and his keen observation of the world around him. The book carries 35 regular poems, 80 haiku and 44 tanka.The collection is divided into two sections: poems and micropoems. The poems are longer and delve into a wide range of topics, such as nature's beauty, the complexities of human emotions, social issues like poverty and inequality, spirituality, and the passage of time. Singh's poems are thought-provoking and introspective, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them. The poems also touch upon themes of the metaphysical, inviting readers to ponder on the deeper questions of existence. The first poem in the book:

Nature is Me

Nature is me 

seeking my place
in the star through births

now memory
wild maze of conceit 

and darkness

yet a tiny part 

a dew drop
dotted with beauty

Another poem that I liked:

 

On the Edge

 

She rises from stone gate

with searching eyes

for passion flower

stays for a while and goes 

making promise of return  

to sleep with me once 

before the last good bye

 

One of the standout features of this collection is Singh's ability to convey profound emotions and complex ideas through concise and evocative language in his micropoems. These micropoems with just a few lines, pack a powerful punch, leaving readers with lingering thoughts and emotions. Singh's micropoems are like miniature paintings, a montage capturing the essence of a moment or an emotion with precision and depth.

I am a man like millions
who dream struggle  and die

and nobody mourns my
drifty silence

The poems in this collection cover a wide range of topics, including love, spirituality, nature, politics, and social issues. Singh's poems are deeply introspective, reflecting on the human condition and the mysteries of life. His words are imbued with rich imagery, sensory details, and metaphors that create vivid and memorable images in the reader's mind. Singh's language is both accessible and lyrical, making his poetry a delight to read and savour.

One of the strengths of ‘Poems and Micropoems’ is the diversity of themes and styles. Singh's poems vary in form, including free verse, haiku, tanka, ghazal, and more, showcasing his versatility as a poet. He experiments with different poetic techniques and structures, creating a dynamic and engaging reading experience. The collection also delves into contemporary issues, such as environmental degradation, social inequality, and political unrest, showing Singh's keen awareness of the world around him and his ability to use poetry as a medium for social commentary.

Singh's poetry is deeply rooted in his Indian heritage and spirituality, and his reverence for nature shines through in many of his poems. He captures the beauty and mystique of the natural world, from the whispering winds to the blooming flowers, with a keen eye and a poetic sensibility. His poems are infused with a sense of wonder and awe, inviting readers to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of the world we live in. Singh's poetry requires careful reading and contemplation to fully grasp the depths of his words and ideas. For readers who enjoy thought-provoking poetry that challenges the mind and stirs the soul, this collection is a treasure trove. Singh invites readers on a journey of introspection, reflection, and appreciation for the world we live in.

clicking jaw and cracking knees
I touch the sounds of ageing

One of the defining features of this collection is the author's skillful use of language. Singh's poetry is marked by his command over words and his ability to paint vivid pictures with his imagery. Each poem is carefully crafted, utilizing metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to create a multi-layered and evocative experience for the reader. The language is rich, yet accessible, drawing readers into the world of the poems and allowing them to fully engage with the emotions and ideas presented.

Another notable aspect of this collection is the emotional depth of the poems. Singh's poetry is raw and honest, delving into the human experience with all its complexities, joys, sorrows, and contradictions. The poems evoke a wide range of emotions, from nostalgia and longing to love and compassion, making the collection relatable and emotionally resonant. Sample haiku:

​

searching truth

a homeless wanderer— 

shoreless sea

 

sunny morning

no kites flying in the sky: 

Makar Sankranti

 

old diary—

finding phone numbers
of friends still alive

Tanka in the book are spontaneous and experiential— 

 

her lips

crimson with paan

stings my heart:

smell of saffron and cardamom

melts in my haiku

 

dream-incited

I awake with a start

to her promise

sleeping together once  

more before we depart

                          

‘Poems and Micropoems’ by Ram Krishna Singh is a captivating collection of poems that offers readers a rich and introspective journey through various themes and emotions. Singh's mastery of language, depth of emotions, and thought-provoking insights make this collection a compelling read for poetry enthusiasts and those who appreciate profound reflections on the human condition. In conclusion, ‘Poems and Micropoems’ is a poignant and resonant collection that leaves a lasting impact.

 About the Author

Ram Krishna Singh        

Prof. Ram Krishna Singh, also known as R.K.Singh, has published poems, articles and book reviews in various magazines and journals over the years and taught English for Science and Technology, Indian Writing in English, and Criticism at IIT-ISM, Dhanbad for nearly four decades. 

His latest poetry collections include Covid-19 And Surge of Silence/Kovid-19 Hem Sessízlík Tolkȋnȋ (English/Tatar, 2021), 白濁: SILENCE: A WHITE DISTRUST(English/Japanese, 2022), and Poems and Micropoems (2023). His work has been widely translated in over 30 languages.

About the Reviewer

Neena Singh

A Touchstone nominee in the Shortlist for Individual Poems in 2021, Neena Singh is a banker turned poet. Her haikai poetry is regularly published in international journals and magazines. She has published two books of poetry—'Whispers of the Soul: the journey within' and 'One Breath Poetry'. She runs a non-profit for quality interventions in the education and health of underprivileged children in Chandigarh. Neena loves to play 'fetch ball' with her pet Rumi, and sit in the garden conversing with squirrels and pigeons.

Flipbook Link:

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ba5dd23622.html