A feast for poetry lovers

The history of literature is as old as the history of society and mankind. Having many sharp and impactful genres in its quiver, literature has been with man in multiple roles, guiding him to walk straight and steadfast on the path of moral rectitude. One such genre of literature which has been an inalienable part […]

by Prof. Dr Shiv Sethi - July 8, 2024, 2:54 am

The history of literature is as old as the history of society and mankind. Having many sharp and impactful genres in its quiver, literature has been with man in multiple roles, guiding him to walk straight and steadfast on the path of moral rectitude. One such genre of literature which has been an inalienable part of man’s joyful and sorrowful moments alike is poetry. Thus, defining poetry by choosing a few of the morphological items is undoubtedly a daunting task. Though, time to time, differnt poets, literary-wits and intellectual have made many sincere endeavors to demystify the hidden semantics of this noblest and pristine emotion of poetry. William Wordsworth whom the scholars of literature hold in high esteem is of the opinion that Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility. Whereas one of his successors William Butler Yeats remarks that Poetry is an art that requires the skill of mending and unmending.

Although both the views seem to be in utter dichotomy yet the fact cannot be refuted that poetry is beauty, truth and inherent goodness which has the most ennobling, soothing and healing effect on the shattered mind and bruised soul. When it comes to the cathartic aspect of poetry, no literary critic can afford to ignore the latest soul stirring anthology of poem titled as Halo – Colors of Aura** by Nigama RV. Nigama is one the those young Indian poets who has endeared a large spectrum of poetry buffs with her subtle and sublime lyrics. Therefore, like all of her previous anthologies, the present anthology too has been profusely lauded for its emotional profundity and lyrical craftsmanship.

Readers and critics alike have unbiasedly and unflinchingly lavished piles of praise on Nigama for her remarkable ability to articulate complex emotions with immaculate clarity and grace. While reading Halo, one is initially reminded of Edmund Spenser who was first called the “Poet’s Poet” by the English essayist Charles Lamb. Here, while Lamb was lavishing this compliment on Spenser, the critics opine, he had articulated this sentiment in tongue-in -cheek style. Perhaps, it was the complexity of Spenser’s poetry due to which he could only be understood by poets with high intellectual competence. But poets like Nigama Rv are People’s Poet which is in fact their strength. Most of the poems in this book are couched in simple and easy to comprehend language. Here, the fact must be mentioned that lucidity is the hallmark of Nigama’s poetry. She seems at one with William Wordsworth who believes that language of poetry should be language of everyday communication. But it does not mean that there is any dearth of refinement in Nigama’s poetry. Rather, she is herself refinement personified. Let me quote a few lines from her book in order to corroborate my point of view.

“Wrapping myself in your Aura, my heart breathed life into yours.”
You’re in my soliloquy,
A thought,
An illusion
That’s my reality.”

The emotional quotient of the book is also enormously great and speaks volumes about the poetic sensibilities of the poet.

Halo is a poetry collection that delves into the intricate and often ethereal dimensions of human emotions and experiences. This book invites readers into a vivid exploration of life’s myriad hues, using the metaphor of the aura to represent the spectrum of feelings, thoughts, and states of being that color our existence.

The poems in **Halo – Colors of Aura** are known for their rich imagery and evocative language. Nigama RV crafts each piece with a sensitivity to both the beauty and the complexity of life’s moments that reverberate and resound like a haunting melody, echoing through the corridors of the heart with poignant resonance.

The aura, often described in metaphysical contexts as a subtle energy field surrounding a person, becomes a powerful symbol in the book. Each poem can be seen as a glimpse into different shades of the human soul, capturing everything from joy and love to sorrow and introspection.

Nigama RV takes recourse to a variety of poetic forms, devices and techniques, ranging from free verse to structured rhymes, ensuring that each poem has its own unique rhythm and flow. This diversity in style mirrors the thematic diversity of the book, which touches on love, nature, spirituality, and the passage of time. The poet’s use of color imagery is particularly striking, with each poem potentially representing a different “color” or aspect of the aura, contributing to an overall tapestry of emotional and deep spiritual insight.

The collection’s strength lies in its ability to resonate with readers on a personal level. Whether reflecting on a personal loss or celebrating the beauty of a moment, Nigama RV’s poems offer a space for readers to reflect on their own lives and the colors that make up their own auras.

Throughout the poem, Nigama RV’s poetic style is characterized by its lyrical beauty and emotional intensity. Her use of vivid imagery and rich symbolism invites readers to immerse themselves fully in the emotional landscapes she creates with great finesse. The poems are crafted with a meticulous attention to rhythm and sound, making each piece a melodic exploration of the soul’s cry. Her language is both accessible and deeply layered, allowing readers to find new meanings with each reading.

Overall, **Halo – Colors of Aura** is a testament to the power of poetry to illuminate the unseen and to connect deeply with the human spirit. Nigama RV’s work stands out for its heartfelt expression and its ability to capture the ineffable qualities of the human experience, making it a cherished addition to contemporary poetry.