Sreena K.S.

A few verses in particular completely stole my heart:

“Has she melted into my heart?

Or is she reflected there?

Perhaps she’s been painted?

Or engraved?

Or studded like some precious gem?

Or consecrated like a goddess on her plinth?

Or buried like some invaluable treasure?

Or pinned by the Love God’s five arrows?

Or sewn tight into the fabric of my heart

by the threads of my thoughts?”

2. On the lethal power of natural beauty:

“Beautiful,

let your doe-eyes be.

No kohl, please.

When the arrow can kill by itself

why rub poison on the tip?”

(A brilliant line celebrating eyes so naturally captivating that adding kohl feels redundant—why poison an arrow that is already lethal?)

3. A tender tribute to dimples:

“After creating her

God must have

gazed at his work admiringly

holding her face in his hands

thumb on each cheek.

That’s how she got

her two perfect dimples.”

Beyond the poetry itself, I really appreciated that the book provides helpful context, including the author, date, and historical background for each poet.

Overall, this collection is absolute magic and well worth every second spent reading it.

“Once upon a time, son,
they used to laugh with their hearts
and laugh with their eyes;
but now they only laugh with their teeth,
while their ice-block-cold eyes
search behind my shadow.
There was a time indeed
they used to shake hands with their hearts;
but that’s gone, son.
Now they shake hands without hearts
while their left hands search
my empty pockets.”

Cra

Crafted by Kalidasa-one of India's greatest poets and playwrights, and a devout follower of Goddess Kali: this play, Vikramorvashiyam, is an adaptation of ancient tales originally found in the Rigveda and the Puranas.
And no doubt, a timeless classic! Though, this English translation is good, but I would prefer the Hindi/Malayalam version.