Poetry and life seem synonyms to me. The prism of poetry reflects life and its varied colors but the spectrum of life is much wider than poetry, which tries to capture some hues and even drifts into the darker crevices to discover those emotions that lurk on the sidelines, yearning to be embraced. Poetry digs deeper into those sensitivities; it understands the finer nuances of life and offers solace.
How well has Walt Whitman summed up the connection of poetry with life:
“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. So medicine, law, business, engineering… these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love… these are what we stay alive for.” – Walt Whitman
Most of the poets from John Donne to W.B. Yeats, from Emily Dickenson to Mary Oliver have talked about life in their poems. If Robert Frost reminds us of the promises that we make with ourselves, William Blake has highlighted discrimination and social injustice. Kipling inspires his readers to stick to goodness despite a streak of wickedness in humanity; Maya Angelou infuses a spirit of freedom and Adrienne Rich raises her voice against oppression.
Life flows through poetry as naturally as a stream that carries a message on its ripples, the message of surging ahead, of making its own way through the impediments, of singing happily despite the turbulences created by the unforeseen circumstances. A song so soft, so mesmerizingly magical that each bounce of flowing water whispers into the ears of a poet unforgettable lyrics that create poetry.
I don’t remember when I developed a liking for poetry; probably I was born with it or was fascinated by the music of Mother Nature. When I walk down the memory lane, one image looms large and that is how much effort one of our English professors used to put into explaining the poetry of Tennyson and Wordsworth. While the latter was relatively easier to understand, the former much more complex and obviously we didn’t like the one who was more challenging.
Once again my mind hurtles back into time and stops to remind me of my teaching interactions with teenagers; all their expressions, yawns and glares stand before me, bringing those exquisite memories of hate-love relationship they had with poetry…when we would try to convince each other why poetry is good or bad and how we could understand it better…when, as a creative head of Creative Writing workshops I would try to motivate them to write poetry and accept a challenge to write on the same topics that I suggested to them.
I would stuff those pieces of paper in the drawers and forget about them till each drawer of my home started overflowing with poetic reminders, popping out at will! A wellwisher suggested to put them together and my first book ‘Sublime Shadows Of Life’ was created. When I was about to publish my first poetry book, one of my friends said, “Balroop, this is just the tip of an iceberg” but I laughed off his prophetic words.
Now I have released my third poetry book Timeless Echoes, which dwells on those desires, which we shove into the darkest crevices, those yearnings that we suppress for the sake of others, those regrets that we refuse to acknowledge.
I am sharing one of the most precious poems that has not been published in any of the books:
YOU AND ME
Poetry is my first love
We wander in the woods together
Hand in hand we walk into wilderness
Sharing dreams of land unseen
A world that is really green
Where clouds of kindness hover
With promises of peace
Soaring on the wings of words
Glistening with a halcyon hope
Brightened by enchanting thoughts
We recline on the stratum of stars
Cooing gently that they would be ours
One day when elixir of love
Would caress the feet of humanity.
© Balroop Singh
About the author
Balroop Singh, a former teacher and an educationalist always had a passion for writing. She is a poet, a creative non-fiction writer, a relaxed blogger and a doting grandma. She writes about people, emotions and relationships. Her poetry highlights the fact that happiness is not a destination but a chasm to bury agony, anguish, grief, distress and move on! No sea of solitude is so deep that it can drown us. Sometimes aspirations are trampled upon, the boulders of exploitation and discrimination may block your path but those who tread on undeterred are always successful.
When turbulences hit, when shadows of life darken, when they come like unseen robbers, with muffled exterior, when they threaten to shatter your dreams, it is better to break free rather than get sucked by the vortex of emotions.
A self-published author, she is the poet of Sublime Shadows of Life and Emerging From Shadows, both widely acclaimed poetry books. She has also written When Success Eludes, Emotional Truths Of Relationships Read FREE with Kindle Unlimited and Allow Yourself to be a Better Person. Her latest poetry book Timeless Echoes has just been released.
Balroop Singh has always lived through her heart. She is a great nature lover; she loves to watch birds flying home. The sunsets allure her with their varied hues that they lend to the sky. She can spend endless hours listening to the rustling leaves and the sound of waterfalls. The moonlight streaming through her garden, the flowers, the meadows, the butterflies cast a spell on her. She lives in California.
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Books by Balroop Singh
Available via Amazon
Allow Yourself To Be A Better Person
Do you think you are a good person? Would you like to meet your better self? Welcome to the vast vistas that this book unravels before you by highlighting the shaded areas that could never get your attention.
Enhancement of personality is a long process, which starts only when we acknowledge the need for it. Often we detest looking at our imperfections and if somebody is professionally successful, the thought doesn’t even strike.
This book enlightens you about the goodness, which lies dormant within us till we make an effort to explore it. It exhorts you to introspect and accept natural human failings. It guides you towards the metamorphosis that could make you an endearing personality.
Emerging From Shadows: Poetry by Balroop Singh
From darkness into light, from despair onto the wider ways of hope…life oscillates between sunshine and shadows. Emerging from shadows is a choice, which lies dormant, which can be gently inspired by self-talk. Each poem in this book banks on the hope of emerging stronger, saner, positive and resilient. Each poem in this book would talk to you, revealing layers of enclosed emotions. Each poem would divulge a secret path that could lead you into the world of poise and serenity.
When turbulences hit, when shadows of life darken, when they come like unseen robbers, with muffled exterior, when they threaten to shatter your dreams, it is better to break free rather than get sucked by the vortex of emotions.
Sublime Shadows of Life is a comment on life, its turbulent curves and relationships. It envisions people through the prism of poetry. I, you, he, we and they are universal symbols which highlight the fact that happiness is not a destination but a chasm to bury agony, anguish, grief, distress and move on! No sea of solitude is so deep that it can drown us. Sometimes aspirations are trampled upon, the boulders of exploitation and discrimination may block your path but those who tread on undeterred are always successful.
Certain desires and thoughts remain within our heart, we can’t express them, we wait for the right time, which never comes till they make inroads out of our most guarded fortresses to spill on to the pages of our choice. This collection is an echo of that love, which remained obscure, those yearnings that were suppressed, the regrets that we refuse to acknowledge. Many poems seem personal because they are written in first person but they have been inspired from the people around me – friends and acquaintances who shared their stories with me.
Some secrets have to remain buried because they are ours
We do share them but only with the stars
The tears that guarded them were as precious as flowers
Soothing like balm on festering scars.
While there are no boxes for grief and joy, some persons in our life are more closely associated with these emotions. Their separation shatters us, their memories echo, we grieve but life does not stagnate for anyone…it is more like a river that flows despite the boulders. When imagination and inspiration try to offer solace, poetry that you are about to read springs forth.
Emotional Truths Of Relationships
Can we stop the flow and speed of emotions? Can we learn from their radiance, their cheerful bounce, their twists and twirls? This book unravels their depth and resilience in handling the stormy weather, which is knitted into the fabric of all our relationships.
We look around and feel – ‘Nothing is perfect’… dreams get shattered, hopes are belied, aspirations delude and the opportunities elude us. The clouds have the power to conceal the sunshine and our radiance fails to ignite positive thoughts.
This book will guide you how you can keep pace with embellishing your thoughts and channelize your emotions, which can be trained to veer into a positive direction.
When Success Eludes Us…A Step-by-Step Guide to Success
Success – the magic word that allures us, that beckons us up the steep, winding trail…the unending path we traverse to accomplish our dreams with all our might yet success eludes us a number of times. This book unlocks all those best-kept secrets of successful endeavors and infuses a new inspiration to go for it! We may define success according to our own perspective but there is no freeway to it. We all have to move slowly, with determined steps. The path may be meandering but rewarding at the end of our journey.
Launching a new book? Have a story to share?
If you are a writer, artist or photographer…If you have a poem, story or memoirs to share… If you have a book to promote, a character to introduce, an exhibition or event to publicise… If you have advice for writers, artists or bloggers…
If you would like to be my guest, please read the guidelines and get in touch!
I don’t know much about poetry, but your words resonate with me. Congrats on your new release, I wish you the best of luck!
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Thank you Jacquie for your wishes. They say poetry is there in the environment, in the babbling brook, in the whispering willows, in the wonderful woods…only if we pay attention to the subtle notes around us!
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Thank you dear Sue for giving me a place of honour at your blog, I am feeling blessed! Love and hugs.
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It is a real pleasure to have you as my guest, Balroop 🙂
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Hola Balroop, I have read some of your beautiful poetry before. Congratulations on having another book published. Always good to share the best things in life, like love and happiness. If only we could sprinkle more around like sowing seeds! I am a lover of Mother Nature, always seeking out her secrets! Long may you prosper.
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Thank you Joy for such a lovely way of saying what you like about my poetry. Poets do sprinkle a little magical joy with their words and I appreciate your poetry doing the same. Have a wonderful week. 🙂
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I adore poetry too Balroop. All the best for your new book. 🙂
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Thank you Marje for your best wishes, I am glad yo meet another poetry lover.
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You have a wonderful way with words, Balroop. I wish you all the best with your new book. xo
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Thank you Darlene, you are so generous with your words of appreciation. xo 🙂
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Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out this post from Sue Vincent’s blog featuring guest author Balroop Singh.
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Thank you for the share Don, much appreciated!
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You’re welcome.
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Thanks for reblogging, Don 🙂
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You’re welcome.
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Lovely post Balroop and your poem is a delight. Thanks Sue for hosting.. in the blogger daily.. xxxx
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Thank you Sally. Love and hugs.
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❤
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Wonderful!
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Thank you Jennie. 🙂
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You are welcome, Balroop. 🙂
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Thanks, Sally xx
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Congrats again Balroop. I look forward to reading this one too. ❤
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Thanks Deb, love your support! 🙂
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A lovely post, Balroop. Some interesting insights into poetry and another fabulous poem.
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Thank you Robbie, I am glad you like this poem.
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Reblogged this on Emotional Shadows and commented:
Poetry tries to capture life in the most subtle manner, offering interpretations beyond the words of a poet. My guest post explores the link between life and poetry.
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Nice to see Balroop featured here! Just “met” her and am enjoying seeing her talented writing!
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She’s a lovely lady and a beautiful poet 🙂
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Thank you Barbara for your kind words. Looking forward to knowing more about you and your work.
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Same!
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A wonderful post, Balroop and your poem “You and Me” is a perfect tribute to poetry and poets! ❤ Sharing… xo
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Thanks for sharing, Bette x
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Many thanks for your support and love Bette, much appreciated. 🙂
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Beautiful post, Balroop! Congratulations on your release of Timeless Echoes. ❤
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Thank you Jill. Stay blessed!
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What a beautiful post, Balroop. I started reading this while I was sick and wasn’t clear-headed enough to give it the attention it deserved. So, I’m back. I love the Whitman quote and it seems to reflect your view of poetry perfectly. So much lovely imagery in here about how you view poetry and it’s reflections of life. Your prose is poetic. It’s great to see you here at Sue’s. ❤
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Thank you Diana, I am delighted at your choice of words, which make my heart sing and think…poetry has immense potential to capture a myriad emotions! 🙂
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Nice job, Balroop. Reminds me how important poetry is in creating a balanced and sane world. Kudos! 😘
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Thank you Bela for coming over and sharing your view. Stay blessed!
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And you as well, dear Balroop. ❤️
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..poetry, beauty, romance, love… these are what we stay alive for. Loved the reference to these words of Walt Whitman. Enjoyed reading Balroop’s tryst with poetry and nature. I completely agree that a creative endeavour like poetry brings finesse to thoughts and expressions that not only bring to attention the unnoticed beauty all around but also provide a soothing touch to the harsh realities of life. Thanks for sharing this beautiful post.
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Yes Somali, I agree with you…a soothing touch and an escape from the realities…may be for a short while but poetry wraps around us in those moments of distress and even joy, just like music. Thank you for hopping over to read and share your view.
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Your Poetry dear Balroop always inspires, and reaches our hearts.. And I can see why it remains your first Love… ❤ I loved reading.. and thank you Sue for sharing.. 🙂
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Many thanks for hopping over to read the full post Sue. I am pleased to hear that a person like you also gets inspired by my poetry…feeling honored dear friend.
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Balroop, you underestimate yourself… I am very inspired by your thoughts and poetry.. the Honour is all mine. ❤
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