Poem Review: Miracles In Stillness and Flow

I aspired to embody Dostoevsky’s essence. I yearned to encapsulate Tolstoy’s spirit. I aspired to reflect Tagore’s brilliance. Perhaps, someday, I might.

However, what about the realm of contemporary poetry? I’ve been captivated by the profoundness of words, capable of flowing while maintaining a serene stillness — akin to both a brook and a pond. Yet, we can perceive these elements distinctly, don’t you agree? This is precisely the sensation that Sourabha Rao’s poetry evokes in me.

I aspire to emulate her. A sigh escapes as I realize, I can only be me.

I can’t bypass any of her poems; I find myself bookmarking each one. The works of Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Tagore, I’ve collected them, but their poetry remains unread — a euphoria in itself. It’s an intoxicating sentiment. However, when it comes down to it, I understand that I will eventually delve into them, repeatedly. Sourabha’s poetry is akin to that experience.

We examine three of her poems:

a) The Plant and the Poem: A poem that marries its journey with a sapling, discovering its rebellious movements, and yet finding its space which was nothing before.

b) Mercy: Those little forgiving acts that make our moments complete

c) Everyday life: A poem inspired by memories of a December morning in Bokkapuram, Tamil Nadu

The first and the third poems were title-less, and they are better that way. But I felt that…