PrefaceAfter a creative hiatus that lasted a year and a ...

 Preface

After a creative hiatus that lasted a year and a half, I found myself increasingly seeking strength and comfort in days gone by, often indulging in daydreams as I mentally revisited the homes I lived in, the schools I studied at, and the festivals that brought me joy. In these memory-scapes, I appreciated the small and significant joys—floating paper boats, stargazing, flying kites, enjoying ice lollies, living vicariously through others' love stories, playing make-believe weddings with dolls, visiting temples with grandparents, and relishing family picnics, among many other cherished moments. These reflections highlighted a time when friends, though few, served as steadfast anchors in our lifeboats, unlike today's plethora of social media connections, where interactions often boil down to likes and shares.

Yet, as journalist Doug Larson aptly put it, "nostalgia is a file that removes the rough edges from the good old days." This sentiment echoes in my mind as I sometimes question the value of this constant yearning for the past. Why should we look backward, romanticizing everything as golden and valuable? While it's crucial not to dwell solely in the past, our roots and memories provide a sense of belonging and tradition, offering solace in an increasingly alienating world where physical and technological proximity paradoxically breeds distance and diminishes the depth of our relationships, inflicting a cursory-ness to them and everything that should have been significant.

In this anthology, I delve into the longing and yearning for times past, exploring whether these memories are truly golden or merely tinged with a sepia hue by the relentless march of time. The poems within these pages touch on themes that may resonate broadly, yet some might seem quirky, stemming from my unique whims and experiences. While some narratives are universal, others are culturally specific or even exotic to the uninitiated, offering fresh perspectives and experiences.

Through this collection, I aim to preserve the fleeting memories eroding under the deluge of modern life's incessant content. I invite the reader to indulge in this journey, supporting this endeavor to cherish and immortalize our collective and individual pasts.