Benevolence!

by Ray Shabir

In Benevolence! his most personal poetry collection yet, Ray Shabir presents poems written over the course of three years. Navigating heartbreak, grief, body horror, friendship, family, yearning, and most importanly, self-forgiveness, his work reflects a person who refuses to be an innocent bystander in the life that unfolds before him.

Often irreverent, sometime pensive, but always, unflinchingly honest, Ray is unfraid to declare love as fiercely as he questions it. Like a calm, that washes over the shore after the wave crashes, Benevolence! offers a moment clarity-a reckoning with pain, tenderness, and survival. It is a book for those who crave genuine connection in an increasingly alienating world.

136 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2025

Reviews

[M Adi · Rating 2 out of 5]

KINK but with no pictures.

fav poem: Lingering Still

[Anggi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember meeting the author when I became an unpaid intern for Comma Books, an imprint of KPG with my best friend (I believe it has now been defunct) for one of their book launches. It was a bit of a shit-show to be honest.

However, I remember distinctly that Ray was one of the kindest people there. He welcomed us with open arms and made us feel like we were part of the team. So when I found out about this book I decided to buy it and give it a read to show my appreciation. Plus I find the title intriguing.

I read this book in one sitting on a cool and quiet Sunday morning. It packs quite a punch just as Ray warned in the beginning of the book. I can sense a lot of anguish, rage, and grief in his poems and also a hint of longing for a simpler and happier time in Ray's life. I always really enjoy poems that evoke strong feelings inside me, be it sorrow or joy. I must say this poem collection did just that. So I highly recommend it!

I want to leave you with a quote from the book:

When I wrote it I wrote it for me, but when you read it it's never for free

[Shanya Putri · Rating 4 out of 5]

i don't really read poetry books, but the simple yet beautiful yellow cover is like calling for me... this book is my first introduction to ray shabir and i am kinda shocked?? well, the readers have been warned at the beginning of the book, but i did not expect that it's going to be this raw and poignant. so deeply personal. and i loveee all the references too. i will definitely check out his other works!! <3

[Marek Hnatiak]

Bene-violence. Suffering comes from many different angles, there is so much rage.

[Muhammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elegy in a good meeting. Harmony as a coupled. Ahlussunnah wal jama'ah.