POEMS: 4/5
RHYTHM AND RELATABILITY: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5

“My hair found a new friend –

A friend called grey,

The grey of wisdom.

Time dulled my memory,

The resilience and energy

Is far off the bay.”

Words can be arranged in countless ways, and while love poetry certainly has its charm, not all poetry is supposed to be of the romantic kind. It is during these moments when you are craving the lyrical beauty of poetry but something beyond the romantic kind that a certain book catches your eye. It stands out because of the staggering variety in its content and the wide range of emotions it promises to evoke – laughter, pain, nostalgia, and happiness.

I am talking about poetess Sneha Sabu’s My Lost Pages, a collection of 25 original poems written in free verse. This anthology offers a window into the rich inner world of the poetess’s imagination, inviting the readers to explore her reflections, ponderings, and thoughtful wisdom.

What I truly love about this collection is the variety it shows in terms of the topics explored through its poems. From carbon to shooting stars, loan sharks to logs of wood, wildfires, fishes, memory lane, dew drops, and even the pandemic, these poems draw from a wealth of lived experiences and a diverse range of inspirations, making the collection relatable to its readers.

Speaking of unconventional subjects, one poem that immediately comes to mind is Carbon. It undoubtedly takes a surge of creativity to craft a lyrical tribute to a substance as multifaceted as the people on this planet. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of childhood memories tied to carbon, thus adding depth and relatability to an already inventive piece.

I also admire how the poetess shares the inspiration behind each poem, adding a layer of intimacy to the collection. In the poem titled Down Memory Lane, she introduces a newfound friend called “grey” – the colour that reflects not just age but also wisdom. Through this thoughtful piece, she inspires us to take a moment, slow down, look back, and also look around. She urges us to be in the present so that we can truly appreciate the ordinary moments and experiences in life that often go unnoticed or unacknowledged.

Few dare to broach sensitive topics like mercy killing and the burden of being brown in an increasingly fractured world. Sneha writes with a depth that compels you to pause and think about such socially relevant issues, taking you on an emotional journey, and offering a perspective that allows you to see the other side of the picture. Whether or not you relate to her words based on your own lived experiences, you will surely feel the profound weight they carry.

Several poems in the collection are inspired by her journeys and adventures around the world. Whether she’s basking under the Hawaiian sun, paragliding in New Zealand, or marveling at the vibrant wonders of Vegas, these poems capture the full spectrum of her diverse experiences. Others, like Lake Tekapo, are full of awe and appreciation for the natural world.

In complete contrast to the above-mentioned adventurous and worldly themes, some poems talk about learning to love our bodies. These pieces celebrate self-acceptance, urging the readers to appreciate and embrace their bodies as they come – in all sizes, shapes, and forms.

Other poems delve into the many lessons we can learn from nature, particularly from animals. For instance, The Change Warrior draws inspiration from the eagle, illustrating how to adapt and change for growth and progress in this world. Meanwhile, The Bee and the Fly offers a moral choice for humans: to contribute to the beauty and betterment of the world like a bee or to dwell in negativity and filth like a fly. These pieces subtly yet powerfully encourage introspection and mindful living.

To sum it up, My Lost Pages offers something for everyone, delving into topics and issues that the mind often overlooks. Some poems are exquisitely lyrical and refined, while others appear amateurish at best. Yet, despite this unevenness, I admire the collection because it evokes a wide spectrum of emotions and inspires meaningful introspection.

Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy right away!