Ponder Awhile Message From The Light

by Mohit K. Misra

Classically wrought in the ways of the sages, the beautifully penned Ponder Awhile shares the complexities of life as a simple and accessible dose of spirit and soul stuff. Author and poet Mohit K. Misra leaves no stone unearthed as he dons the robes of a mystic, though is plainspoken, lilting, and at times, playful with his language and words.

Written as Dohas or couplets, each stanza of the fifty-one poems found in this collection chases the glow of a new dawn of world enlightenment. Straightforward, uncomplicated and wise, with titles such as "Mother Earth," "Married to the Light," "Charity," and "Peace," the author examines and dissects the frailty of life, the inevitability of death and the most tender part of the stalk and the root. These poems are necessary, irresistible and evolved. Courageous in their simple message, God and His many faces are pressed into the window box for all to see and celebrate. The poet encourages introspection, deliberation, mediation and the search for deeper meaning. His poems of praise, poems of contemplation and poems of provocation sing God's praises, His justice and His grace. Knowledge leads to understanding, which leads to peace and, finally, to love. It is what the world needs—a little of God's love, the fabric, the sheer essence; the gems of the universe unfold on these pages. And we are, as readers, better for these gifts.

Editorial Reviews

"One With The Universe-Contemplative and simple, Ponder Awhile is not just a composition of some 66 poems but an experience which will leave you with your thoughts alone."
Pune Newsline- The Indian Express

"This youngish poet has scored very well in categories of Spirituality, Philosophy and Poetry on listing of writing constantly updated on the world wide web. He has even inched passed Charles Taylor for a well known work A Secular Age. Surprisingly Kabir, Rabindranath Tagore, Gibran, Shakespare and several other literary luminaries have been left in the shade too."
Pune Mirror

"Stimulating and mesmerizing, yet simple and pure they will leave you wanting to embrace the simple joys and truths of bare existence.
"DNA News

"We are sure that this is one poet that the city of Pune can call its very own Shakespeare!"
Eastside Plus -Times Of India


Award Winning Finalist "USA Book News" Spirituality General 2009;
Top 100 Recommended Religion and Spirituality "ebookmall" 2009;
Ranked 1 in Religious and Spiritual eBooks "Franklin" 2010/ 2011;
"Best Book Buys"
Ranked 1 in Poetry books 2011
Top 10 Poetry, Top 10 Body, Mind and Spirit and Top 10 Philosophy- Religious Books 2011/2012 and 2013;

66 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2006

About the author

An extraordinary struggle of an atheist youngster who came from a surprisingly religious background, maternal grandfather being a Parsi priest in a Mumbai fire temple and paternal family, Brahmins from the alluringly spiritual Hindu city on the banks of the Ganges, Allahabad. Became a sailor and one day, in the middle of Atlantic Ocean, divinity struck upon him and grew when he received signs to write poetry. He started writing at the age of 30 and has finally, brought out a winning poetry edition which he has nurtured and polished over a decade.


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Reviews

[Amit Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ponder Awhile is a debut book of the poet. So, it is not as intense as poems written by seasoned and passionate poets. However, Mohit Misra's efforts are worth appreciation. His poems are simple. When I say simple, it doesn't mean they are written in simple language. However, it means that they deal with the most simple topics of the life of common people. For instance, God, time, present moment, confusion, win, loss, peace, nature, religion, and so on. Yes, these are simple topics but contain really deep meanings. And that's why the poet has given this collection a very thoughtful title - Ponder Awhile. Through these poems, he is trying to pass a message that we should too take out time to ponder awhile. Loved it.

[Alok Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The golden rule to follow while judging a book of poems:
Don't judge a poem individually. Judge the poetry!

Mohit's book, Ponder Awhile, has been there for a while (about 7-8 years). However, I got to read it recently. Let me be honest, if you read individual poems, scattered here and there on the internet, hypothetically, you might not like them. However, once you read the poems one by one or even randomly, together in the book, you get to know the hidden appeal of the poems. All these poems, together, strike the consciousness of the readers – what is real? What is truth? What is life? What's the purpose of human existence? Many questions gather in the subconscious... constantly fanned by the poems as we keep reading... and then we realise:

"We are constantly fighting like cats and dogs,
Reality is covered by some strange fog."

Mohit Misra's collection takes the readers from darkness to the translucent and then finally to the light if the reader is careful enough to decode the messages and read between the lines.

[Parakastha Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plain and straightforward poems that will reveal the world's most desired truths to you. What is death? Why we fear death? What to do with this life? What is philosophy? What is spirituality? What human beings want the most? From where we come? Where do we go after death? And everything in plain words that will leave you impressed and possibly enlightened. Enjoyable read!

[Akash Aryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much is hidden in a poem. It is like a sea. We need to read, re-read and again re-read to extract the meaning. Every poem in this collection is not less than a pearl. Almost all of them ended in a way that left me saying "mmmmm" with pleasure or admiration or the quiet of feeling stunned by such beautiful words.
The poems in this collection also offer solace and comfort if you are feeling sad and broken!

[Agastya Sharma]

Reading a book of poems invites a unique feeling. Particularly, reading Mohit Misra's poems was like reading multiple pages of particularly designed inspiration. The poem titled Religions consists of straight facts that fill me with a sense of equality and more importantly it makes me meet the ultimate reality of humans. Mother Earth encourages me to appreciate everything that she has offered me as she has offered me everything. This is a book full of fantastic poems.

[Amit Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poems are fairly simple to read. You will connect with the flow of ideas in many of them as you start reading it. However, the real fun is getting to know what goes on in the backend. How could the poet think of such imagery? Such ideas and expressions? Spiritual thoughts are there in plenty and they dominate the scene. The poet has tried to express his feelings and emotions, thoughts and ideas through simple poems.

[Alok Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, poetry is a dart game, either it hit me or I miss it. There are always some poems that I really like and the rest of them I just skim read. However, this poetry collection is easy to read. And the best part is, the poets has weaved his experiences in the form couplets. Some of the poems may seem suggestive, some may appear naive and but overall I think most of them promote positive thinking, spirituality and hopefulness.

[Akshay Sinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book best read slowly, in your bed during the late hours of night when everything is clam and quiet. Then you can easily concentrate and actually ponder awhile (as its title suggests). It is a beautiful collection of poems focusing on themes ranging from spirituality, nature, life's confusions, self-improvement, politics, war and so on. Each couplet paints a careful image that slices into you. I had so many visceral reactions throughout the book where his words genuinely made me thrill.

[Ambika Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I take a book of poetry in my hand, a sense of calmness fills my mind and my thoughts immediately get settled to travel to a different of imagination. However, this was not the case with this book. Mohit has moulded his thoughts into poems. This is it! There is rhyme and rhythm in it. However, poems lack depth, at times, and everything is said instantly or apparently! You can definitely read the book to enjoy rhymes ans rhythms and the instant messages of peace, brotherhood, spirituality.

[Sima Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry becomes more interesting when it is decorated with ideas and realisations that are personally gathered by the poet... we are more interested in the story behind poetry rather than the poetry itself. Mohit's work is of the same nature and you will apparently see the qualities of spiritual realisation... philosophical insights in the verse. A must-read collection for those who are interested in reading contemporary Indian English poetry.

[Ashish Ranjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is not poems that define contemporary Love. Nor do they explain life. Because both love and life are something that cannot be defined and explained. They can only be experienced and lived. Most of the poems in this collection are very straightforward and simply portray most common issues, concerns and ideas of common people. But, at the same time, they are profound and delivers life-changing lessons and cathartic messages. Read it carefully... you may experience the truth! :)

[Gaurav Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, I found the poems aesthetically on the back-foot but philosophically very far ahead from the content we read these days. However, I do feel strongly that there should be a balance between content and offering... and on that front, the collection lacks a few percent... what do you think? You read it once and you can decide. Though I do strongly feel that the poems are readable. Do get a look and you can find many things about life, love, relationships and many things more.

[Amit Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mohit Misra's poetry collection divulges the real meaning of life. Each poem help us untangle countless knots which we have self created in over lives. It clears our vision and helps us understand and appreciate the world around us. His words are soothing and his poems carries deep meaning. I am truly astonished by this book.

[Abha Grover · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is said that poetry can be read in many different ways. Ponder Awhile by Mohit Misra too can be read, interpreted and understand in multiple ways. The spiritual allegory and imagery is excellent. Aside this, the author has shared obviously his own experiences which you can easily relate to. After all, common men has many things in common. There's so much to say about this book but I feel it is better first hand experience is always better. DO read it!

[Abhishek Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not at all a difficult read, but requires your attention and time. It takes a while to get into his rhythm and finally dance with his words. However, if you try to look beyond words you will observe new reality opening up. Mohit has experienced things. He has felt the beauty of nothingness. His writing is not extraordinary but fresh and meaningful.

[Ashish Pandey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection of poems... written for the new age readers and telling them the stories from the ancient times. You will love the way the poet has discussed his journey to the awakening of the inner eyes, peace and acceptance of the world as one.

[Naman Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ordinary book of poems offers extraordinary thoughts to the readers to ponder, contemplate and think. You will be taken into the tunnels of darkness and then shown the ray of light... use the ladder and try to understand the things that Mohit may have understood in his life. Rare are the occasions that such books are composed by contemporary writers. Mohit has done something special – created amazing scenario with ordinary experiences of life that lead us to realisation – what's temporary and what's permanent.

[Snigdha Nanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a beautiful collection of poems.

What I love about this book is its versality. Some poems will motivate you and some will guide you on a spiritual path. There are some poems which feels like they’re talking about your own experiences, and some also reveal deep truths.

If you're a poetry lover, definitely go for it—you will love it!

[Shyam Jha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ponder Awhile is one of the most witty collections of poems that I have read in my life. The apparent or the visible layer of these poems is very simple and one might think to pass through it rather easily. However, once you actually do what the poet has said – Ponder Awhile – you will understand the hidden meanings and that will leave you surprised and shocked... enjoy!

[Rupesh Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's gorgeous. It's peaceful. It's naturally loving. You will not want to keep it down. However, I would advise you to read these poems just like you're sipping your tea beholding the beauty of the nature of wine... slowly! If you love to explore spiritual perspectives of life or life in general, add this book to your collection without hesitation.

[Kanika · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only way you can conquer me is through love and there I am gladly conquered."
- Krishna

🍀 "Ponder Awhile" is a collection of short poems which will allow you to, as the title suggest take a pause and ponder awhile.

🤌 Elements I 💕 in the book:
• The poems are written in rhythmic fashion following the "coupled rhyming scheme" making it an enjoyable read.
• Each poem has been crafted with a simple vocabulary making it an easy-to-grasp read even for a kid.
• Poems are short and simple yet convey profound thoughts.

🥲 Elements I didn't like as much:
• To me, at a couple of places, rhyming felt a bit forced as if it was used just for the sake of creating a rhyming pattern.
• I felt that thoughts conveyed in some of the poems lacked an emotional depth to them.

💭 General thoughts on the 📚:
• This book, in the words of the author, is a result of the spiritual experience that he had in the midst of Atlantic Ocean which altered the course of his life. He was given signs to share his knowledge through his poetries.
• The poetries in this book capture a diverse range of topics from friends, dreams to complexities of life and death.
• The entire collection of poems has universal appeal to it catering to a wide spectrum of audience.
• The poems' discourse intertwines author's life experiences with his spiritual musings.

✒ Poetic lines I 💕 from the 📚:
Getting hurt is a part and parcel of life,
It just makes you stronger so that you can survive
If it is due, it will come to you,
Stop being jealous of the few.

[Madhura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can simple chains of words explain the complexity of human divergence?
This is a very deep question, but the poet with his lucid poems proves it's possible. 

The world that was made by God today is divided in his name. The poet is right—humans fight because we have failed to understand God, for we call him by different names. In this book, the poet, through his beautiful poems, tries to unite the religions, as all the religions teach the same knowledge. 

This book is not a spiritual or philosophical genre; through poetry, the poet quotes the common human learnings and emotions. He asks the readers to understand the commonality among us and live with tolerance, peace, and love. 

Each poem in this collection is meaningful and beautiful, but these ones are my favourites: Religions, Peace, Dreams, and Life

Rating : 4.4/5

[Amarkant Shiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mohit's poetry collection is all about expression. What was there inside, he has given it a shape of couplet using beautiful words. And he has done it pretty well. His poems are filled with a touch of spirituality. And as the book's title says, each poem is deep and meaningful and takes you in the lanes of contemplation. A nice read.

[Khushi Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real rating: 3.75

Ponder Awhile is a collection of 48 poems. It's written in simple and straightforward couplets that just hit you. It's the kind of book you can keep on your nightstand and just open to a random page when you need a moment of calm. If you're looking for something that's easy to read but still makes you think, you should definitely check it out.

[Zeenat Perween · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through these poems, the poet has tried to meet us with the truth which we always ignored. We know that time is flying. With time, we too are running. Running fast and fast and fast. For peace. For happiness. However, constant running cannot bring us peace and happiness. We know this too. Still, we do not stop. Mohit wants us to stop a while and ponder over discovering inner truth. Quite insightful and thought-provoking.

[Gaurav Aroda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up last night, wanting to read just one poem, but I ended up reading all of them, the entire book. I won't pretend to understand what most of Mohit's poems were about, but they left me with goosebumps and a shiver. I enjoyed them to the core. They are vivid, deep and real. And these three factors make this collection more relatable. This poetry book is truly amazing and must be read by all, considering its honesty and the messages it is trying to spread.

[Sushmita Payal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was spellbound after reading this poetry collection. All the poems in this book are the common expressions of common people. And the poet has chosen the form of couplet or dohas to express these expressions. His simple language lucidly carries his deep thoughts akin to gusts of wind moving a sailboat. I got the same feeling while reading these verses. However, the poem that literally tried to stop my movement with its profundity is Friends. We do gossip, chit-chats, parties, outing and whatnot with so-called friends. But, in this list of friends, we do not include ourselves. Because no one can be your best friend other than you yourself. Superb.

[Mayanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would call this book a necessity of the present time. It is not like you need to plough through it in its entirety but you need to have this book on your bookshelf to dip into now and again to understand what life is and what we are lacking. Again, no need to sit down and read the whole thing. Page through and use this book to find the answers to universally common questions regarding life, death, religion, happiness, peace, God, and the truth.

[Piyali Kundu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everybody is acting busy,
The mind inward uneasy."- So much truth in these two lines, right? It hits hard... This is an excerpt from a poem named "Peace" in this book, and I can't stop thinking about it, how relatable it sounded to me.

This book is a collection of poems accumulated by the poet from some of his life experiences and events. It surely will resonate with almost everyone.

Ponder Awhile can be considered as a series of autobiographical rhymes that touches upon themes of spirituality, peace, human relationships, nature, religion, and the philosophy of life as a whole.

It's a light read yet each of the themes will put you through a series of thoughts, it will keep you questioning things that you probably never gave a thought to, previously.

The only thing that didn't resonate much with me in this book was how certain sentences were framed to catch up with the rhyming, it felt a bit forced at places.

Nevertheless, the poet has put in considerable effort to amalgamate some really important issues which surely will make you rethink certain things. You will feel the emotions of the poet that's reflected in each of the poems and that will make you feel closer to him, closer to spirituality, and of course closer to you own self.

Also, I can't stop appreciating the sheer beauty of the matte finish of the book cover! I feel like touching it everytime, it's so comforting...♡

[Prachi Arora · Rating 1 out of 5]

“Ponder Awhile” by Mohit K Misra is a collection of spiritual poems that delve into the themes of life, death, and the search for enlightenment.
The book is structured as a journey of self-reflection, where each poem serves as a step towards understanding the deeper truths of existence.

As a first-time author, Misra’s poems may not possess the intensity often found in the works of more seasoned poets. However, his dedication to his craft is evident in the simplicity and straightforwardness of his lines, and the way most of the poems feature rhyming verses. 🌟

Misra draws from his own spiritual experiences to craft verses that are accessible and easy to grasp, making the concepts he explores approachable for a wide range of readers. 🤌🏻

It’s a contemplative read that invites readers to reflect on their own lives and spiritual journeys. ✨
This book is also a great example for budding writers, demonstrating the importance of sharing one’s work. 💌

Special thanks to @anecdotepublishinghouse for sharing this review copy with me.