‘Quill On a Window Sill’ by Shewta Malhotra: A Review

We are a patchwork quilt of memories, each piece woven into our fabric somewhat randomly but with welcoming care or acceptance. Not every pattern makes perfect sense, but collectively, every colour and hue completes us.

Quill on the Window Sill by Shweta Malhotra: is a canvas of poetry that appears to burrow into the deepest recesses of the vault of her memories to come up with the pleasure and pain, the victories and defeats and, in a manner of speaking, her gains and losses. This must come across as a presumptuous description of a work of verses that gives little outward evidence of being autobiographical. Still, I cannot shake away the feeling that the outpourings are personal rather than generic. This is a bold claim from someone (me) who knows nothing whatsoever about the journey of her life.

I was struck by this captivating anthology that delves deep into the intricate facets of human emotions, offering a diverse range of poetic expressions that explore themes of love, loss, and the enigmatic nature of existence. Shweta has achieved the difficult mandate of capturing complex thoughts within the bounds of rhyming structures. Sample this:

She was more than a gender, a living soul,
With every right to live, to reach her goal.
Her own originator, ruthless and blind,
To her silent cries, her dreams confined.

Shweta’s evocative imagery and lyrical prose beautifully capture the ecstasy and agony of love and loss, inviting readers to immerse themselves in her introspections. From tender declarations of affection to bittersweet reflections on the complexities of relationships, these poems resonate with an authenticity that is both raw and tender. ‘A Life Lesson’ equates the privations caused by a bleak winter in our lives but ends with this resolute conclusion:

Cloaked in snow, a pristine landscape
They whispered, “Hold on, don’t escape,”
In their steadfast stance, a clear depiction,
Of enduring hope and unyielding conviction.

As the collection progresses, the tone increasingly acquires an introspective register, with a series of poems that explore the depths of the entire spectrum of human emotion – from melancholy to sunny optimism. On some level, it invites us all to confront our vulnerabilities and find solace in the shared experiences of the poet. Eventually, these poems also serve as poignant reminders of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit, offering moments of profound catharsis amidst bellowing darkness.

At the heart of Quill on the Window Sill is an invitation to look at the larger landscape of life through a series of poems that grapple with timeless questions of meaning, purpose, and the search for the self. It is a journey of self-discovery to which we are all invited. While exploring complex and often difficult emotions, it ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience, of rising after each fall and never letting go of the innate goodness of human nature.

Yes, I harbour no regrets for the paths I’ve tread,
Decisions made, lessons learned, my pride frayed.
Facile or daunting, in steps both swift and slow,
Choices abound, choose wisely, and let prudent instincts flow.

Quill on the Window Sill is a remarkable testament to the power of poetry to illuminate the depths of human experience. Immaculately published by Ferntree, this short book packs exquisite craftsmanship and profound insights that will resonate with readers long after the final page is turned. It is a book for the sensitive reader, imbued with empathy and perennially in search of making sense of his own existence.

Shweta Malhotra has penned a beautiful work of art that deserves to be widely read.