My poems published in Phenomenal Literature and Verbal Art

 

A Short review of Abnish Singh Chauhan's new poetry book

 Professor Abnish Singh Chauhan, Editor, CREATION AND CRITICISM and POORVABHAS, recently shared with me his latest poetry collection, TELL ME, PLEASE..., (published by Authors Press,  New Delhi   ISBN 978-93-6095-309-6). I have known the poet-Professor for over a decade for his commendable publications, both in English and Hindi, in areas as diverse as Applied Language Teaching, ELT/ESL, Translation,  Literary Criticism,  Short Story Writing, and Poetry. Abnish is a recognized name in Hindi 'Navgeet' and its translation into English. His new poetry book is highly readable. 

As a poet, Abnish writes simple verses weaving deep emotional themes with vivid imagery, exploring the complexities of human nature and living today. His lyrical simplicity and rhythm creates an engaging reading experience, inviting readers to reflect on their own emotions and feelings.  Also,  he frequently assimilates elements of personal introspection and philosophical  inquiry that resonate on multiple levels.  

Abnish Chauhan collects 51 poems in TELL ME, PLEASE. He makes some honest admissions, sincere observations, and sharp comments on the current urban and rural values, attitudes, and norms of behaviour. A couple of poems in the volume, though written in English,  sound like translation from Hindi-- the rhythm, the tone, the style, and even the context. This may be possibly because Abnish has been very active as a poet, translator, and critic in Hindi 'Navgeet'?

All the same, his new poetry collection significantly adds to the growing body of Indian English Literature. Highly recommended. 

-Professor R K Singh

The book is available on

https://www.amazon.in/Tell-Please-Abnish-Singh-Chauhan/dp/B0FF3278C4/

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16qSYMTK7y/

My poems on Religion appear on Festival for Poetry

 

A Poem on RELIGION: R.K. Singh

MAHAKUMBH

i.

The Ganges condescended
to flow down from Shiva’s matted hair
with white laughter
from the Himalayas to Kashi
it shone so pure and bright
but failed to quench
the earthly thirst
or cleanse the human heart
their sinful mind
the goddess couldn’t change
I clearly see in its apparent grace
missing all turbulence
so necessary to wash out
the ills of ages it seems
it’s lifeless now
impotent to set right
the rotten state of man

ii.

The morning’s withered flesh
and swollen skin of the day
by bloody nullah in smoke
tears shade tomorrow
like today, everyday they cry
but nobody hears groans, or sees
dark eruptions on naked walls
that hide maps of bones
and skeins of dreams piled
beside broken hearth fate
is a luxury of helplessness
they won’t believe or accept
if there is a hell on earth
it’s here, it’s here, it’s here

iii.

Sacred map
no sense of direction
lost again
the message in numbers
the way in 434*
the twin flame—
missing the connection
scary world
feeling isolated
yet hope to get better

(*One needs to unlock the spiritual meaning of the number, the numerological significance of each digit, says a sadhu!)

iv.

Who sees the smoke
of the thumb-sized flame
the body burns
the ashes of silence
float on the holy breast
tears pollute

–R.K. Singh

 

 https://festivalforpoetry.com/2025/07/14/a-poem-on-religion-r-k-singh/