On the Wings of SKY

by Seemeen Khan Yousufzai (SKY)

On the Wings of SKY soars the realm of our lives. It is a journey of memories; self-exploration; acknowledgement of pain and defeat and the strength it endows; rediscovering ourselves; and finding hope and a prospect in the circumstances and mankind's surroundings.

This book is for anyone who seeks motivation, liberation, and hope in life; it brings about a catharsis so the reader can begin to breathe, heal, and regrow.

On the Wings of SKY is ultimately a book of appreciation and hope--a spiritual journey working as an ointment for the healing and strengthening soul. It is a book that talks to you, befriends you, soothes you, questions your actions, awakens your conscience, and makes you think.

In its 40 poems of diverse genres that best depict the expression of the soul, from free verse and lyrical to haiku, On the Wings of SKY demonstrates the process of transforming the physical being into its reality--the glowing and pure soul. This book is a prologue of the spiritual journey of the body and soul, their coexistence, their oneness and individual identity in the world of metaphysics.

92 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2016

Reviews

[Anish Kohli · Rating 1 out of 5]

UPDATE 2 (28/8/19): In a move that is surprising to absolutely no one, the charming author Seemeen has deleted all the comments (or marked her review private from me or blocked me?) where she took a dig at me from her review of Noor Unnhar's book, Yesterday I was the Moon, soon after I made the update here on my review!

UPDATE 1 (27/8/19): The string of authors attacking reviewers continues! The author took a dig at me by saying "I understood from our conversation that it is difficult for you to understand poetry." And when I told her that she's full of herself, she responded with: "I am sorry that I made you feel worse about yourself. That wasn't my intention. Get well soon."
Wow, what a patronizing f*ck!!

Apparently the author decided to attack me after I reviewed her book bcz it was not sufficient for her to say, in a very thinly veiled manner, that I do not understand poetry as she did in this comment of hers even before I posted my review. I guess this behavior just proves my whole point about her being a typical BS gatekeeper!

This has become a thing now, I guess. Write a shitty book. Ask for an honest review. And if the review is not favorable, attack the reviewer with the lamest defensive statement ever, "you didn't understand what you read"! Of course we didn't understand what we read, you genius you! What you've written here puts the legends like Shakespeare and Tolkien and Poe to shame! You've outdone them all. You've written the bestest book that has ever existed or will ever exist in the whole wide world! Right?
Just bcz you have a major in English, it must translate into you being an amazing author, right?
Just bcz you penned down a few pages filled with some lofty words, you rose above every avid reader and author, right?
Just bcz a fellow author 5 stars your book, whose recent book you rated 5 stars as well, it must be a nod to your awe-inspiring writing prowess, right?

You wish, Seemeen Khan Yousufzai, you frigging wish! Eat your heart out!

Original Review:

Note: Free copy from the Author in exchange of an honest review.

Shout out to Dumbass for this Buddy Review! We read the book apart but are now reviewing it together bcz apparently we do that. It’s a thing for us. Don’t judge. We ain’t crazy!

Anyway, before the review, I’d like to mention that I have tried to be extremely cautious as to what I say in this review, considering my review will literally be the FIRST review for this book and I don’t wanna hurt the book in any way (although I am going to, inevitably). Considering this, I have toned my review down but I have kept it just as honest as ever.

Tell me, have you ever been in the situation where someone has given you such detailed and strong explanations that you felt the need to question your own knowledge? Have you felt the need to go back and re-check or re-validate how you feel about a certain thing just bcz the person in front of you made such a strong case?
Most importantly, has it ever happened to you that when all is said and done, when all the self-doubt has been quashed and all the things have been re-checked and re-considered, you realized the person in front of you is making tall claims with no real idea about how to actually make good on those claims or even how to go about it?
This is how I felt when I was conversing with this author about what poetry is and should be like. For a good while I questioned my own understanding of the author’s work and poetry in general bcz how could a high achiever like her be wrong about it, right? And I went back and checked myself and my feelings and I came to realize, like so often it happens, Seemeen is someone who has a great theoretical knowledge but she is also someone who has no idea how to execute that knowledge.

We had a lengthy discussion, Seemeen and I, and came pretty close to pissing each other off too, (I still believe she did get pissed with me even if she says she didn’t but anyway). She told me exactly what poetry is supposed to be like and what she considers poetry. For example, she doesn’t consider Noor’s or Rupi’s works as poetry. Now, tbh I am not a fan of either of those author’s works either but it gave us a common ground to talk and to measure things. And when I measured, I found that Noor’s work (one of the lowest poetry I have read) became GOLD compared to Seemeen’s work. The reason for this is the fact that Seemeen’s work is devoid of any real depth. And without that, it just seems like a bunch of rhyming sentences with too lofty words for its own good.

Let me state that in my opinion, naming a character in the book after your own, or taking it one step further and naming the book after your own name, for me personally, that is a HUGE turn off and I just find it extremely pompous & ludicrous. I find it hard to take any author seriously who does any of this. Not to mention the fact that I don’t enjoy it when any author just goes ahead and rates their own book as 5 stars.
Also, did I ever mention how I ABSOLUTELY hate gatekeeper talk? A lot of what was said to me by the author came across like that. About what poetry is supposed to be like and how anything written in the same format as Rupi’s work cannot be considered poetry but ‘dramatic sentences’. She also said that every author who writes a story (novels) works with the same elements, thus making every story a story even if it is devoid of any real depth but that isn’t true for poetry and how it ‘amused’ her that I didn’t agree with her opinion. It sounded like the author somehow feels poetry as an art form is better than story-telling in some way. Again, all of this is a bunch of gatekeeper BS and I do not enjoy that!
Further, saying something like “not everyone understands poetry even if they are an avid reader” to the same guy who you ASKED for a review of your poetry book, the guy being me, tells me that the author is pretty much full of themselves.

Sadly, Seemeen Khah Yousufzai (SKY) is guilty of all the things above and I will not shy away from saying that based on these acts alone, she lost me as a reader. I just can’t take you seriously when you name your book after yourself and talk like a gatekeeper and tell someone they can’t understand poetry. I have read poetry from Edgar Allen Poe and understood it just fine, thank you very much. And if I can understand that, I can definitely understand the palest of pale shadow of poetry that has been attempted here in this book. I wanted to tell the author that, but I refrained bcz let’s be honest, anyone who needs to tell a reviewer that they can’t understand what they have read, whether they are an author or fellow reader, just isn’t worth the effort to explain yourself to.

This book that has been published and served out to the masses to be consumed, it isn’t ready yet. This book, I find is devoid of any depth, emotion or any real meaning. It doesn’t give any insights into anything. It basically just is…
In her poems, I felt, SKY was so obsessed about making it technically right and making it how poetry ‘should be’ that she forgot the very thing she emphasised upon, the need for it all to make the reader feel something. And all I saw while reading the poems was that they were trying too hard to stick to the idea of how it needs to rhyme and look and sound symmetrical. Funny part is, there were many instances where mid poem she abandoned her rhyming scheme as well. In her pursuit to make the poems have ‘layers to unfurl’, she ended up making them vague and impersonal to the point where you can’t connect to any of it.

I think, this book is an example of what poetry isn’t like. It doesn’t have to be bound by a certain format or rules. As long as what’s written on the page has the power to make you feel something, as long as it touches the reader’s soul and makes them ponder or tugs their attention towards something they were oblivious to, it’s poetic, even if it’s a novel/story. And I challenge all of this author’s claims and want to tell her that in my opinion storytellers do a heck of a better job at that. Definitely better than her. Fight me on it!

To summarize, this book didn’t work for me at all in any way and nor did I find it worth my time. Will not be suggesting it to anyone. Very forgettable.

[Charlie Hasler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well crafted book of poems. I am a sucker for order and tidiness and this book is certainly that. The book is structured and set out in a rhythmic way which alters accordingly with the mood and flow of each poem. I found the writing to be of a melancholy / dark theme throughout with notes of light and hope to ease and rise me back up. I would recommend this book to anyone who embraces creative writing. There is a lot of passion and love poured into these pages. Its honest and passionate, which, in my opinion is mission accomplished for any poet/writer. Give it a go.

[Yamna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

So, here’s the thing. I don’t generally seek out poetry books anymore, especially not with modern poetry. I have had the worst time reading about a dozen so-called “poetry” books that have turned out to be complete crap beautified through those “chic” sketches and Instagram-inspired fonts, biggest case in point being Pierre’s “Him” and Rupi Kaur’s both books (yep, hated all of them).
So why did I pick this one up? Why did I intentionally seek out the author and asked for a copy of this book? Because of this wonderful discussion between the one and only Kuckoo and the author herself on her Review of Yesterday I was the Moon

What intrigued me was her in-depth analysis of Noor Unahar’s work, using ostentatious terms for her work such as “baring a part of your emotional physique to the reader that they immerse and drown themselves in the atmosphere you create” and “Poetry takes a humongous emotional toll on the writer” and “In my book, I have attempted at haiku, free verse, and lyrical poetry with a touch of Romanticism; a lot of poems that are metaphysical in nature...I hope so”.
So I thought to myself that someone who so humbly speaks of their own work as if it was a gift to the poetry genre must know how to write. Plus, I was quite intrigued that she rejected Rupi Kaur’s work to be even poetry (I mean even I think Rupi’s work was sub-par, but it was still an ATTEMPT at poetics nonetheless, and for someone to so brazenly declare that it was just “Tumblr lines arbitrarily placed together”…damn did that convince me into emailing her for a copy. She happily obliged and for that, I am extremely grateful
However, ten pages into the book, I realized that I was in for a real treat. And I don’t mean the good kind. And do remember Anish had already given me a taste for what I could expect from the book, yet read it I did, and oh, what a fun two hours that was.
Let us begin, shall we?
Title:
I’m sorry but On The Wings of SKY makes zero sense. It took me a long time to realize SKY is the acronym for the author’s name. But do you really understand what it even means? I mean….on the wings of SKY? As in…HOW?

Writing
Once you’ve read enough literature books and George Orwell’s commentary on what writing is supposed to be like and attended a few lectures on the different styles of poetry, I guess you start to think writing poetry has set guidelines and rules that everyone must follow. I’m sorry to say this, but that is entirely untrue. Poetry can most definitely be turned into prose. Poetry does not always have to “rhyme”. And poetry most certainly CAN be written by anyone, whether or not they have a detailed understanding of it. You don’t “learn” poetry and you don’t become an “expert” in poetry after reading a few commentary-style books on it being an art. The reason for that is I believe not everyone is born a writer, but everyone can become one. You may think you have this gift with words but you could be writing utter bullcrap and you won’t even know it. That’s because judging writing is independent of set rules and standards. Some people adore Orwell (me included) while others abhor the guy. Some people could die for Rupi Kaur’s work while others think they’ve read better. Some people hate famous series such as The Lord of the Rings. I mean, if there were a set rules that okay every author must write a certain way, then what is the point of writing? Isn’t art a form of release? If you restrict it by saying you must study it first, you must get a degree in it first, then what would make it differ from anything else that you study at school? It becomes a chore then, a job. And I believe the saddest thing in the world is when you turn creative art into a boring pile of mush just because you think not everyone is entitled to channeling their inner skills.
I am not a great writer, nor a good one. Most of the things I’ve written end up in journals stowed deep in my cupboards. And I HAVE taken a number of classes on journalism and prose style and whatnot. But I still would not make it a reason to preach to others that they need experience or an understanding to be able to write.
That all being said, it clearly shows in Yousafzai’s book that she’s trying to constrain herself to a set of guidelines she’s been reading for ages. Not only did they turn most of her work into non-sensical series of words haphazardly strewn together but it also robbed me of the joy of enjoying a book that either makes me contemplate life or motivates me to do anything. E.g. trying to make every line rhyme because “poetry always rhymes” is the best way to ensure your reader goes “what the f***” every three lines.
Case in point:
This celestial tease,
Leaves me puffing for cool breeze

Oh and this is also an example of the second rule of thumb the author decided to use even if it meant throwing logic out of the window i.e. using those so-called “big words” instead of commonly known terms because well…we need the work to sound “smart”, right?
What does “celestial tease” even mean?

Scrutinising the message of nature
Encoded in the ambience
Under the canopy of the firmament

And it gets worse, trust me
If only we would muster the courage to rise up from this quagmire of puss

I can’t even force myself to try to understand it *facepalm*

I discern the nebulous shape of fear,
If I allow it to become precise, I disappear

Anyway, moving on

Quality of work

Not even remotely close to what a poet’s work should be like. In fact, if I were a teacher, I’d quote this book in my class as an example of what poetry is NOT like. I know this is a little harsh but to be honest, I am tired of this godlike syndrome a few authors possess. They refuse to take criticism for their own work yet they would bash other authors brazenly, without any care. I thought Goodreads was a platform where honestly, quality-content, learning opportunities and humbleness were the most loved qualities. But I have become tired of it being everything else.

Theme

To be honest, the theme of the book is unclear. It is not about true love, or friendship, or nature, or loyalty, or anything else. One thing Rupi did right was stick to what her books were portraying, and that was feminism as a form of nature. But Seemeen’s book has no apparent theme. Some headlines speak of the sky, but one spoke of God, one spoke of a child, so it’s kind of like a haphazard mixture of random works strewn together. The problem with that is if your reader can’t decipher one clear message from your book, it means it left little or no impact.

Exuberantly I trill, heralding truth, on my new wings.

Also

Don’t rush forth, O Moon,
My heart’s rhythm flutters Not knowing what morrow utters.
Don’t rush forth, O Moon, My heartbeat stops
As the dread of the expected knocks.
Don’t rush forth, O Moon,
For you may be rushing forth to view
The death of our heart’s desires, bidding them adieu.
Don’t rush forth, O Moon,
Stay with me, be my harmony Why not linger in each other’s company?
Don’t rush forth, O Moon, Hold me in your silver arms’ tomb,
Let your rays be an ointment to my wounds

I tried to dissect terms like “silver arms’ tomb” and “as the dread of the expected knocks” but all it did was cause me a headache so I’ve given up

Overall Impression

Unfortunately, one of the worst books I have ever read, and I don’t mean just in poetry. And GOD knows I’ve read a lot of crap but this one stands right up there with the rest. I contemplated going easy because this is my first poetry book from an author, but you know what, if going easy means I don’t go by own beliefs or morals or that I somehow become the one thing I loathe and that is a reader intentionally lying in their review just to be chummy to the author, then I refuse to do it. I did not like the book, and I am not afraid to say it.

A few more terms to prove just how much nonsense there is in the book:
1. The sable companion espoused my wounds,
2. sanguine stance.
3. pirouetting into the dust.
4. Yet our final bed’s dust.
5. My heart as vivo as yours.
6. Entranced by the flutes of dazzle,
We are sucked into a cerebral state worn to a frazzle
7. And I form a bond becoming...a bone.
8. I blink my eyes and
Seasons change, faces more oft, Few are veils, mostly masks.
9. Let not your tomorrows Beset with Raw regrets
10. Silence stayed staunch, while The friend, watched my dust turn to Ashes, like a foe

I really wanted to quote the entire book because I kid you not, the ENTIRE BOOK is like this but oh well.

To sum up, nor would I be reading from this author again (pretty sure she won’t even give me another review copy again) nor will I be recommending this book to anyone, unless of course they like stuff that make them want to push their fingers up through their nose and extract their brains out from their eyes.
Lastly, I’d say that I’m extremely disappointed. I actually thought an author who was so sure of the concept of poetry could actually PULL OFF poetry but I guess that has been proven wrong. I am now a firm believe that any kind of poetry (apart from what my darling Nayirrah writes) is not worth wasting my time.
Adieu.

[Sana Zameer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: Thank you to the author for providing copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 Stars rounded off to 3.
It's been ages since I read poetry so when Seemeen, kindly offered me an arc I took the chance. It's her debut book and I can feel the emotions the author has poured into it. It has a very melancholy feel to it, which I don't mind. My biggest issue with the book is while in trying to make her work unique the author has used too many 'big words' screwing up the rhythm. It made reading stilted and took me quite a while to finish this. I think I'm not the right person to review poetry, this is just my honest opinion.

[Seemeen Yousufzai · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Wings of SKY soars the realm of our lives. It is a journey of memories; self-exploration;
acknowledgement of pain and defeat and the strength it endows;
rediscovering ourselves; finding hope and a prospect in the circumstances
and mankind’s surroundings.

This book is for anyone who seeks motivation, liberation, and hope in life; it
brings about a catharsis so the reader can begin to breathe, heal, and regrow.
On the Wings of SKY is ultimately a book of appreciation and hope—a spiritual
journey working as an ointment for the healing and strengthening soul. It is
a book that talks to you, befriends you, soothes you, questions your actions,
awakens your conscience, and makes you think.

In its 40 poems of diverse genres that best depict the expression of the soul, from
free verse and lyrical to haiku, On the Wings of SKY demonstrates the process of
transforming the physical being into its reality—the glowing and pure soul. This
book is a prologue of the spiritual journey of the body and soul, their coexistence,
their oneness and individual identity in the world of metaphysics.