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Emerging From Shadows : Poetry by Balroop Singh
From darkness into light, from despair onto the wider ways of hope…life oscillates between sunshine and shadows. Emerging from shadows is a choice, which lies dormant, which can be gently inspired by self-talk. Each poem in this book banks on the hope of emerging stronger, saner, positive and resilient. Each poem in this book would talk to you, revealing layers of enclosed emotions. Each poem would divulge a secret path that could lead you into the world of poise and serenity.
When turbulences hit, when shadows of life darken, when they come like unseen robbers, with muffled exterior, when they threaten to shatter your dreams, it is better to break free rather than get sucked by the vortex of emotions.
When turbulences hit, when shadows of life darken, when they come like unseen robbers, with muffled exterior, when they threaten to shatter your dreams, it is better to break free rather than get sucked by the vortex of emotions.
- GenresPoetry
50 pages, ebook
Published July 21, 2017
3 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Balroop Singh
14 books82 followersBalroop Singh, an educator, a poet and an author always had a passion for writing. She would jot down her reflections on a piece of paper and forget about them till each drawer of her home started overflowing with poetic reminders, popping out at will! The world of her imagination has a queer connection with realism. She could envision the images of her own poetry while teaching the poems. Her dreams saw the light of the day when she published her first poetry book: ‘Sublime Shadows Of Life.’ She has always lived through her heart. She is a great nature lover; she loves to watch birds flying home. The sunsets allure her with their varied hues that they lend to the sky. She can spend endless hours listening to the rustling of leaves and the sound of waterfalls. She lives in California. You can visit her blog at http://balroop2013.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 25 reviews
March 2, 2020
Poetry is an inspirational and emotive format that allows writers to express a myriad of ideas and images percolating inside their minds. Balroop Singh takes this skill to new heights in her collection of poems entitled 'Emerging From Shadows.' This is the second book I've read from the author, but it will not be the last. I've previously read a non-fiction, self-help book focused on how to be a better person, and I've also perused many of her regular blog posts. If you're looking for advice, beautiful imagery, or a wonderful spectrum of emotions, you should dive into her work.
The first thing that strikes me with many of these poems is the vocabulary. Singh has an immense handle on the English language; students and authors needing to expand their word choice and definitions would do well to read this book. Despite being well read and knowing many unusual and lesser-known words, Singh's poems pushed me to look up many new words. In poetry, this is ideal, in my opinion. Sometimes the word choice is every bit as important as the rhyming, length of phrasing, or metaphors. By pushing our understanding of meaning and images, Singh has taken our experience to a new level in this collection.
One of my favorites, 'In My Grave' is lighter in terms of word choice but also had the more powerful images. Phrases such as: 'I live unwanted inside my grave' or 'The choices were cryptically caustic' or 'The carcass waits, wilting without care' stunned me for a brief time. The carcass, while potentially literal, is also figurative... shedding our past, ignoring the pain, etc. Great moments in this larger collection, and I really enjoyed being pushed to think harder and be more introspective in my analysis of relationships and everyday events.
A high recommendation for poetry lovers, and those looking to experience something from literature and words... 4.5 stars. Thank you for sharing this one, Ms. Singh.
The first thing that strikes me with many of these poems is the vocabulary. Singh has an immense handle on the English language; students and authors needing to expand their word choice and definitions would do well to read this book. Despite being well read and knowing many unusual and lesser-known words, Singh's poems pushed me to look up many new words. In poetry, this is ideal, in my opinion. Sometimes the word choice is every bit as important as the rhyming, length of phrasing, or metaphors. By pushing our understanding of meaning and images, Singh has taken our experience to a new level in this collection.
One of my favorites, 'In My Grave' is lighter in terms of word choice but also had the more powerful images. Phrases such as: 'I live unwanted inside my grave' or 'The choices were cryptically caustic' or 'The carcass waits, wilting without care' stunned me for a brief time. The carcass, while potentially literal, is also figurative... shedding our past, ignoring the pain, etc. Great moments in this larger collection, and I really enjoyed being pushed to think harder and be more introspective in my analysis of relationships and everyday events.
A high recommendation for poetry lovers, and those looking to experience something from literature and words... 4.5 stars. Thank you for sharing this one, Ms. Singh.
January 28, 2020
"Emerging from Shadows" is a beautiful collection of poetry, written from the heart. The poems cover a myriad of emotions from grief and darkness through joy, gratitude and forgiveness.
The author's love of Nature shines throughout "walking hand in hand in the meadows."
"Visages of Joy" was one of my personal favourites: "When you meet joy, Even in that momentary experience, This ephemeral emotion enravels, All these colours of contentment."
The author has obviously found a place of peace within her own life, and she will inspire others to follow her example in the words of " The Call of Calmness" - "Gentle breeze breathes a quiet message, I am here to bless you."
The author's love of Nature shines throughout "walking hand in hand in the meadows."
"Visages of Joy" was one of my personal favourites: "When you meet joy, Even in that momentary experience, This ephemeral emotion enravels, All these colours of contentment."
The author has obviously found a place of peace within her own life, and she will inspire others to follow her example in the words of " The Call of Calmness" - "Gentle breeze breathes a quiet message, I am here to bless you."
August 18, 2017
Balroop is one of those first few bloggers I got acquainted with since the beginning of my blogging journey. I’ve been reading her blog Emotional Shadows for quite a long time and, the depth and profoundness of her words never have failed to amaze me. So, when she offered me an e-copy of her newest publication, Emerging From Shadows, (her fifth book) a collection of poems, it was quite a pleasure.
Forty poems, composed and curated by the author herself, adorn the book. All the poems, though not related to each other, seems harmonious to me as I finished reading. As if, they are pearls of the same string and, together they exude a feeling that resonates with your mind in more than one way.
Balroop’s poems liberate the mind of the reader from darkness to light. Life, for us, is not a bed of roses. It is a roller coaster ride alternating continuously with highs and lows. The carousel of life concocts love, discord, merriment and strife. Balroop made us understand this eternal truth and guides us to rise above mediocrity. Her poems would make you feel stronger from within, would help you ameliorate the pain and suffering life has thrust upon you, would lead you to have that insight towards self-discovery. There lies the magic of her!
I’ll learn to be happy
In my own solitude,
In the dark, little corners
With the words of self-compassion
(I Give Up This Chase)
Portraying the philosophy of life in the poetical form, that is what the poet has done in the book. But, so subtle, so beautiful is her approach, that the reader will never feel encumbered. The language is a delight, exuberant bubbles of words rising softly upwards– leaving behind a sillage to cherish for a long time.
Miniscule moments of hope awning around
Floating like bubbles but burst without a sound
Duress of living with mixed thoughts
Flying on the wings of optimism I thrive!
(The Secret of Being Alive)
There are poems which compelled me to read them over and over again; I cherished the thoughts, the flavour they left in my mind.
I know I have in me
All that I expect to be
To defeat despondency in time
To rise, to smile at the sunshine.
(It Will Not Last)
But, I liked most the eponymous poem of the book where the poet says,
Shadows of indifferent past
Shadows of dreary darkness
The sheen of my dreams
The delusion of my success
Faded in that shadowy existence.
I convince myself to rise, to react
To push perils that glare grimly
To satiate shadows that gloat glibly
Positive light is just round the corner
The hope is beckoning bright.
I recommend the book for all poetry lovers. It will be a joyful experience for you to go through Balroop Singh’s Emerging From Shadows.
For more such reviews, follow https://maniparna.com
Forty poems, composed and curated by the author herself, adorn the book. All the poems, though not related to each other, seems harmonious to me as I finished reading. As if, they are pearls of the same string and, together they exude a feeling that resonates with your mind in more than one way.
Balroop’s poems liberate the mind of the reader from darkness to light. Life, for us, is not a bed of roses. It is a roller coaster ride alternating continuously with highs and lows. The carousel of life concocts love, discord, merriment and strife. Balroop made us understand this eternal truth and guides us to rise above mediocrity. Her poems would make you feel stronger from within, would help you ameliorate the pain and suffering life has thrust upon you, would lead you to have that insight towards self-discovery. There lies the magic of her!
I’ll learn to be happy
In my own solitude,
In the dark, little corners
With the words of self-compassion
(I Give Up This Chase)
Portraying the philosophy of life in the poetical form, that is what the poet has done in the book. But, so subtle, so beautiful is her approach, that the reader will never feel encumbered. The language is a delight, exuberant bubbles of words rising softly upwards– leaving behind a sillage to cherish for a long time.
Miniscule moments of hope awning around
Floating like bubbles but burst without a sound
Duress of living with mixed thoughts
Flying on the wings of optimism I thrive!
(The Secret of Being Alive)
There are poems which compelled me to read them over and over again; I cherished the thoughts, the flavour they left in my mind.
I know I have in me
All that I expect to be
To defeat despondency in time
To rise, to smile at the sunshine.
(It Will Not Last)
But, I liked most the eponymous poem of the book where the poet says,
Shadows of indifferent past
Shadows of dreary darkness
The sheen of my dreams
The delusion of my success
Faded in that shadowy existence.
I convince myself to rise, to react
To push perils that glare grimly
To satiate shadows that gloat glibly
Positive light is just round the corner
The hope is beckoning bright.
I recommend the book for all poetry lovers. It will be a joyful experience for you to go through Balroop Singh’s Emerging From Shadows.
For more such reviews, follow https://maniparna.com
February 1, 2018
“Emerging from Shadows” is a beautiful and profound collection of poems. The poems covered countless emotions both dark and bright, reflecting the many trials and tribulations as well as triumphs that a person faces throughout life. The kind of person that is strong-minded and willing to learn and grow from these experiences. I felt like an intruder as I read, because this book felt like a diary in verse.
When reading the book, I kept pausing to recite the verses out loud. So many of the lines drip from the tongue:
The dazzling rays of sun
Had to pierce through you,
To reach me, while
The moonlight was all mine.
The best books, and that includes poetry books, make us smarter. They teach us new things and make us question what we know. This book is smart without being pretentious. It is also heartfelt, honest and inspiring. I highly recommended it to all poetry lovers.
When reading the book, I kept pausing to recite the verses out loud. So many of the lines drip from the tongue:
The dazzling rays of sun
Had to pierce through you,
To reach me, while
The moonlight was all mine.
The best books, and that includes poetry books, make us smarter. They teach us new things and make us question what we know. This book is smart without being pretentious. It is also heartfelt, honest and inspiring. I highly recommended it to all poetry lovers.
November 11, 2017
This is the second book I've read from Singh and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading inspirational poetry. Singh's messages in her writing encompass self-worth, hurts, tribulations, and words of encouragement, reminding us we can overcome these by self-empowerment. All her messages finish with hope. Beautifully written with exquisite prose, this book was a delight to read and the passages are timeless, making it a book you can go back to for a bit of soul-searching when the need arises.
July 23, 2017
“Beneath that beauty lie broken dreams
Beneath that smile recline unspoken words
That gentle caress hides frozen fallacy
Feigning to hold forlorn finesse.”
These delightful words are the opening stanza of the first poem, entitled When Darkness Deepens, that feature in Balroop Singh’s new book of poetry.
Each poem featured in the book comprises of beautifully constructed phrases which together tell a story. Some of the poems are sad and some are happy, all are filled with mystery and delight.
My interpretations of three of Balroop’s poems are as follows:
The poem Emerging from Shadows encourages the reader to be brave and rise up above obstacles in your path, grasping at life and making the best of it.
Why I walked away …. teaches the reader how to turn your back on negativity and sadness and how to break free from the shackles of unhappy past events. It is a joyous poem of a search for liberation.
Outside and inside – a tale of that illustrates that settling for the deception of second best and the sanctuary of the easily attained leads to perpetual self doubt and anxiety.
Each poem in this book is a voyage of self discovery.
Beneath that smile recline unspoken words
That gentle caress hides frozen fallacy
Feigning to hold forlorn finesse.”
These delightful words are the opening stanza of the first poem, entitled When Darkness Deepens, that feature in Balroop Singh’s new book of poetry.
Each poem featured in the book comprises of beautifully constructed phrases which together tell a story. Some of the poems are sad and some are happy, all are filled with mystery and delight.
My interpretations of three of Balroop’s poems are as follows:
The poem Emerging from Shadows encourages the reader to be brave and rise up above obstacles in your path, grasping at life and making the best of it.
Why I walked away …. teaches the reader how to turn your back on negativity and sadness and how to break free from the shackles of unhappy past events. It is a joyous poem of a search for liberation.
Outside and inside – a tale of that illustrates that settling for the deception of second best and the sanctuary of the easily attained leads to perpetual self doubt and anxiety.
Each poem in this book is a voyage of self discovery.
July 26, 2017
-Each poem was so relatable as if they were written for me.
-The poet played with words well.
-Different forms and symbols were used to awake my sleeping imagination.
-There were rhymes that when I read each poem aloud, it was just good to hear.
-Most of the poems had that power to leave me introspective.
-Variety of tones were present like at some point I felt ecstatic then down after another.
-ESL (English as a Second Language) learners won’t find it hard to understand and feel each poem. It’ll also serve as vocabulary enhancement for them. Why? Because I’m one myself and as an ESL teacher, it’s important to read something that does not only teach grammar, but touches one’s emotion and mind.
-The book left me inspirited by its delightful words.
-The poet played with words well.
-Different forms and symbols were used to awake my sleeping imagination.
-There were rhymes that when I read each poem aloud, it was just good to hear.
-Most of the poems had that power to leave me introspective.
-Variety of tones were present like at some point I felt ecstatic then down after another.
-ESL (English as a Second Language) learners won’t find it hard to understand and feel each poem. It’ll also serve as vocabulary enhancement for them. Why? Because I’m one myself and as an ESL teacher, it’s important to read something that does not only teach grammar, but touches one’s emotion and mind.
-The book left me inspirited by its delightful words.
November 19, 2017
Emerging from Shadows is no callow compilation of a lovestruck young adult's first sonnets. Rather, it's the reflections of an emotionally mature writier who has faced life's stings with a determination to grow from them in an honest and healthy way.
This is a verse from my favorite poem in the collection, Sound that Resounds.
"I can no longer remain insignificant
Your harrowing hauteur is oppressive
Forgive me for finding my own avenues
My gratitude goes to my spirit."
It's an excellent read for anyone recovering from emotional trauma, especially those who would rather eschew bitterness, and instead be at peace with how they respond to life's trials.
This is a verse from my favorite poem in the collection, Sound that Resounds.
"I can no longer remain insignificant
Your harrowing hauteur is oppressive
Forgive me for finding my own avenues
My gratitude goes to my spirit."
It's an excellent read for anyone recovering from emotional trauma, especially those who would rather eschew bitterness, and instead be at peace with how they respond to life's trials.
November 24, 2017
Emerging from Shadows is no callow compilation of a lovestruck young adult’s first sonnets. Rather, it’s the reflections of an emotionally mature writer who has faced life’s stings with a determination to grow from them in an honest and healthy way.
This is a verse from my favorite poem in the collection, Sound that Resounds.
“I can no longer remain insignificant
Your harrowing hauteur is oppressive
Forgive me for finding my own avenues
My gratitude goes to my spirit.”
It’s an excellent read for anyone recovering from emotional trauma, especially those who would rather eschew bitterness, and instead be at peace with how they respond to life’s trials.
This is a verse from my favorite poem in the collection, Sound that Resounds.
“I can no longer remain insignificant
Your harrowing hauteur is oppressive
Forgive me for finding my own avenues
My gratitude goes to my spirit.”
It’s an excellent read for anyone recovering from emotional trauma, especially those who would rather eschew bitterness, and instead be at peace with how they respond to life’s trials.
November 5, 2017
Potpourri of Life!
A potpourri of life is beautifully captured by Balroop Singh as her poems fall and rise with life’s tide. From darkness to light, subtleties of the trials and triumphs of living emerge to touch the reader’s soul and offer hope in Singh’s poetry collection—Emerging from Shadows. ~Bette A. Stevens, author of award-winning children’s book AMAZING MATILDA and other books for children and adults
A potpourri of life is beautifully captured by Balroop Singh as her poems fall and rise with life’s tide. From darkness to light, subtleties of the trials and triumphs of living emerge to touch the reader’s soul and offer hope in Singh’s poetry collection—Emerging from Shadows. ~Bette A. Stevens, author of award-winning children’s book AMAZING MATILDA and other books for children and adults
December 10, 2018
“Emerging from Shadows,” is filled with the prose of a woman who has broken free from the shackles of life. The majority of her writings are uplifting and positive illustrating the power of positive thinking.
Free verse poems do not follow the rules. They have no rhyme or rhythm but are still considered to be an artistic expression. Several of the author’s poems meet these criteria. Nevertheless, the messages are strong and true leading the reader to experience the world through her eyes.
The themes that circulate throughout this compilation are that of self-worth, healing, and letting go of the past. Several passages read like personal affirmations filled with hope to lead the reader from the darkness into the light.
MY RATING:
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 4
Reader Engagement: 4
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 4
Overall Rate: 4 out of 5 Stars
Free verse poems do not follow the rules. They have no rhyme or rhythm but are still considered to be an artistic expression. Several of the author’s poems meet these criteria. Nevertheless, the messages are strong and true leading the reader to experience the world through her eyes.
The themes that circulate throughout this compilation are that of self-worth, healing, and letting go of the past. Several passages read like personal affirmations filled with hope to lead the reader from the darkness into the light.
MY RATING:
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 4
Reader Engagement: 4
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 4
Overall Rate: 4 out of 5 Stars
June 16, 2020
Another excellent collection of poetry from Balroop. This is the second of the poet’s books that I have read, and I enjoyed this very much. I felt a strong sense of positive energy from some of these poems. Balroop really opens up her soul in these works and they are powerful and thought provoking.
I would definitely recommend both this book and ‘Moments We Love’. If you enjoy poetry, give this a try.
I would definitely recommend both this book and ‘Moments We Love’. If you enjoy poetry, give this a try.
June 25, 2020
What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger…
Every poem—a story. Of breaking free, walking away, personal struggle, finding strength. The book feels like a transition from oppression (emotional) to freedom. It’s in the name, too. It’s eerie, gloomy, melancholic, full of loneliness and darkness. Yet, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Very atmospheric. The poems, and the language itself, complex and full of literary devices.
It feels like the author is going through personal struggles. Solitude, resentment, hence, anger, outburst. A person vs Society is a clear theme. Or, maybe, a person vs personal demons.
A note on “I Give Up the Chase”. Maybe, happiness is not in the destination, but a journey instead. If it is—than you don’t need to chase it. It is yours and no one else’s, so instead of rushing, one should take it slow. Enjoy the ride, as they say. For during the journey, you might find out that’s what happiness is about—looking around and enjoying the path, instead of looking forward without knowing whether you reach it or not.
Emerging From Shadows will not be everyone’s favorite poetry. There is a lot of darkness and pain in it, at least that’s what I saw in it. But it’s a beautiful poetry. “The Call if Calmness” should be the final poem. It reads like a prayer, or mantra.
Great book. Emotional. Maybe Balroop Singh is the new Rumi or Khayyam in the making.
Every poem—a story. Of breaking free, walking away, personal struggle, finding strength. The book feels like a transition from oppression (emotional) to freedom. It’s in the name, too. It’s eerie, gloomy, melancholic, full of loneliness and darkness. Yet, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Very atmospheric. The poems, and the language itself, complex and full of literary devices.
It feels like the author is going through personal struggles. Solitude, resentment, hence, anger, outburst. A person vs Society is a clear theme. Or, maybe, a person vs personal demons.
A note on “I Give Up the Chase”. Maybe, happiness is not in the destination, but a journey instead. If it is—than you don’t need to chase it. It is yours and no one else’s, so instead of rushing, one should take it slow. Enjoy the ride, as they say. For during the journey, you might find out that’s what happiness is about—looking around and enjoying the path, instead of looking forward without knowing whether you reach it or not.
Emerging From Shadows will not be everyone’s favorite poetry. There is a lot of darkness and pain in it, at least that’s what I saw in it. But it’s a beautiful poetry. “The Call if Calmness” should be the final poem. It reads like a prayer, or mantra.
Great book. Emotional. Maybe Balroop Singh is the new Rumi or Khayyam in the making.
May 20, 2019
This was yet another amazing therapeutic collection of poems by Balroop Singh. 'Emerging From Shadows' was a poetic journey of healing, self-actualization & forgiveness. I loved each & every one of the poems. As always, the poems of Balroop Singh are like a balm to the soul. 'Emerging From Shadows' tells the tale of the weary poetic soul's self-realization process to 'come out' once & for all from the 'shadows' that consists of our lives. The poetry collection was therapeutic, inspirational & mesmerizing. Please buy this book & dip into this wonderful collection of poems. If you are depressed & want to read some inspirational poems to get you out of your current state then buy this book. If you want to read a poetry collection that is quick to read but tells a story of a soul 'emerging from the darkness' & entering into a new world where forgiveness is possible, then this is the book for you. Are you looking for an excellent poetry collection that uses a lot of nature images then go & buy 'Emerging From Shadows' by Balroop Singh, the poet with a healing touch to her poems. From her collection, my favorite poems were - 'Breaking Free', 'I Give Up This Chase', 'I Am Enough', 'Confounded Yet Calm', 'The Secret Of Being Alive', 'Follow The Sunshine', 'Dreams That Never Were', 'Fortified Beauty', 'In My Grave', 'The Invitation' & 'Divine Light'. Liked the sound of these poem titles, then what are you waiting for, go & buy this book ! Support Balroop Singh & happy reading to all !
March 31, 2018
In a topsy-turvy world where people grapple to make sense of the events around them, they look to literature for a moment of reflection. Poetry by Balroop Singh helps clear the chaos by making life easier to navigate, find, and feel cheerful about.
In The Secret of Being Alive, she writes, “sharp shards of shattered emotions, pierce as I try to gather those sensations, wilderness walks with me; yet a dim, discrete light beckons” - has such spunk, that last shred commanding us to hang on to hope, not rope, as the first step. And, no matter how glossy the outside world looks, there’s always a struggle “beneath that beauty lie broken dreams, beneath that smile recline unspoken words,” which she pens in When Darkness Deepens. What she does in How Can I Thank You? “The dazzling rays of sun, had to pierce through you, to reach me, while the moonlight was all mine,” is pure enchantment.
So many pearls of unalloyed magic glisten in Emerging from Shadows, worth visiting and revisiting. Anyone can externalize, but if one wishes to internalize in a world where emotions are fast dying, grab a copy of this book. Now.
In The Secret of Being Alive, she writes, “sharp shards of shattered emotions, pierce as I try to gather those sensations, wilderness walks with me; yet a dim, discrete light beckons” - has such spunk, that last shred commanding us to hang on to hope, not rope, as the first step. And, no matter how glossy the outside world looks, there’s always a struggle “beneath that beauty lie broken dreams, beneath that smile recline unspoken words,” which she pens in When Darkness Deepens. What she does in How Can I Thank You? “The dazzling rays of sun, had to pierce through you, to reach me, while the moonlight was all mine,” is pure enchantment.
So many pearls of unalloyed magic glisten in Emerging from Shadows, worth visiting and revisiting. Anyone can externalize, but if one wishes to internalize in a world where emotions are fast dying, grab a copy of this book. Now.
March 11, 2018
A treasure chest of emotions!
This is a book every poet, every human being with a heart full of emotion can relate to, cherish, and read over and over again. You will experience a different, more resonant feeling each time you read these poignant words of a true master of verse, Balroop Singh. This book is a plethora of expression. As the author emerges from the shadows, life is renewed for all who read these exquisitely penned poems.
If you desire only one book to be on your own personal journey, THIS IS THE ONE!I
I would love to recite some snippets of Singh's masterful creations to you, the reader, but even quotes or small passages are restricted by copyright.
This is a book every poet, every human being with a heart full of emotion can relate to, cherish, and read over and over again. You will experience a different, more resonant feeling each time you read these poignant words of a true master of verse, Balroop Singh. This book is a plethora of expression. As the author emerges from the shadows, life is renewed for all who read these exquisitely penned poems.
If you desire only one book to be on your own personal journey, THIS IS THE ONE!I
I would love to recite some snippets of Singh's masterful creations to you, the reader, but even quotes or small passages are restricted by copyright.
July 7, 2020
As a person who has suffered a recent tragedy, I found the poetry to be meditative and thoughtful. Clearly personal, in my opinion, the poems take the reader through darkness, despair, hopelessness to light. While some of the imagery can be triggering for those who have suffered tragedy, anxiety, depression, despair, there is always a little light at the end that beckons hope and strength.
My favorite poem was The Call To Calmness as it offers a tranquil kind of peace and support from unknown forces who can offer a balm to affliction, worry, and stress.
The only reason why this isn't five stars for me is that I feel like a lot of the poems tackle the same topic and I was sort of hoping for more of a story. Not that poetry should tell a story but since there seems to be a story there I felt like just knowing more and feeling more deeply connected to the prose would have engaged me a little better, but this is just my preference.
Overall this is a very enjoyable and meditative read that might be helpful for those who are suffering loss, stress, or anxiety. While the poems face the darkness head-on they also offer ways to find light and healing.
My favorite poem was The Call To Calmness as it offers a tranquil kind of peace and support from unknown forces who can offer a balm to affliction, worry, and stress.
The only reason why this isn't five stars for me is that I feel like a lot of the poems tackle the same topic and I was sort of hoping for more of a story. Not that poetry should tell a story but since there seems to be a story there I felt like just knowing more and feeling more deeply connected to the prose would have engaged me a little better, but this is just my preference.
Overall this is a very enjoyable and meditative read that might be helpful for those who are suffering loss, stress, or anxiety. While the poems face the darkness head-on they also offer ways to find light and healing.
July 11, 2020
Song of Singh
Poetry can be the most personal and emotional style of writing, and Balroop Singh’s “Emerging from Shadows” is an excellent example. Ms. Singh shares with her readers a deeply emotional collection of forty short poems. Many reflect struggles with difficult situations – lost love, emotional abuse, fading hope, death – but all ultimately leave the reader with reasons to carry on – newfound love, renewed self-esteem, recovered hope, positive reflections on life. She pulls no punches, but still helps us to find inspiration.
A real challenge in writing short poetry is that, with so few words compared to a novel, each and every word choice can have an outsized impact on the reader. In that vein, I was a bit put off by the frequent use of alliteration, which often felt forced and sometimes diminished the emotional impact of the stanzas. However, I am not knowledgeable in the art of poetry, and that is purely my own personal reaction.
For its optimistic – but not saccharine – outlook, I recommend this collection for anyone who has struggled with life’s difficulties and is looking for a way forward.
Poetry can be the most personal and emotional style of writing, and Balroop Singh’s “Emerging from Shadows” is an excellent example. Ms. Singh shares with her readers a deeply emotional collection of forty short poems. Many reflect struggles with difficult situations – lost love, emotional abuse, fading hope, death – but all ultimately leave the reader with reasons to carry on – newfound love, renewed self-esteem, recovered hope, positive reflections on life. She pulls no punches, but still helps us to find inspiration.
A real challenge in writing short poetry is that, with so few words compared to a novel, each and every word choice can have an outsized impact on the reader. In that vein, I was a bit put off by the frequent use of alliteration, which often felt forced and sometimes diminished the emotional impact of the stanzas. However, I am not knowledgeable in the art of poetry, and that is purely my own personal reaction.
For its optimistic – but not saccharine – outlook, I recommend this collection for anyone who has struggled with life’s difficulties and is looking for a way forward.
September 23, 2019
In all honesty, for most of my life, I have not read much poetry, having preferred novels and short stories. This has changed since I've joined Rave Reviews Book Club and discovered the many talented poets who are part of this writing family. I include Balroop Singh to be among them.
This was the first, and it won't be the last, book of poetry that I have devoured by this talented author. Each poem follows a similar theme of choosing to make those first, and sometimes painful, steps from inner darkness and pessimism to hope and optimism.
Poetry can often deliver a greater emotional impact using vivid imagery and flowery language, in a far more efficient manner than novels. I believe this is due to the liberty from the requirements of developing in-depth backgrounds for mutiple characters that must hustle through a plotline, while avoiding a backlog of too much detail. Poetry is truly a time-warp back to the Victorian-style of writing, and is a treat!
I highly recommend this book and give it a five star rating!
This was the first, and it won't be the last, book of poetry that I have devoured by this talented author. Each poem follows a similar theme of choosing to make those first, and sometimes painful, steps from inner darkness and pessimism to hope and optimism.
Poetry can often deliver a greater emotional impact using vivid imagery and flowery language, in a far more efficient manner than novels. I believe this is due to the liberty from the requirements of developing in-depth backgrounds for mutiple characters that must hustle through a plotline, while avoiding a backlog of too much detail. Poetry is truly a time-warp back to the Victorian-style of writing, and is a treat!
I highly recommend this book and give it a five star rating!
March 25, 2021
“Emerging From Shadows” is a deeply emotional collection of poetry. The words were a journey that showed the darkest of moments but extended the light of hope on the horizon. The poetry is free verse, and it swirled around the bleakness of a situation and then offered possibilities of what might be. Here are a few of my favorite passages: “When sun smiles at the horizon/Gloriously beaming its buoyant banter/A hope emanates from the dimming light/Disseminating a metaphorical message…,” “You inspire me to look at the clouds/Creative fairies step out and smile/Sober thoughts spill out to greet you/You enthrall them when you meet,” and “Smooth silvery clouds of/Myriad shapes, shifting, forming/Moving, mesmerizing, merging/Into the azure blue.” This is a book to be read slowly and will leave you thinking after reading it. If you enjoy poetry exploring those shadows we carry inside, you will want to read this.
May 19, 2023
Another collection from poet Balroop Singh, this time reflecting on hardship and finding hope in dark times. The poems are in first-person and don’t seem to follow any obvious rhyme scheme, which might annoy some readers. The consistent theme is choosing hope over despair, something everyone will have to decide at some point in life. Balroop’s imagery helps to sell her message, and poetry readers will likely find plenty to enjoy.
May 16, 2024
The poems in this collection are very calming and uplifting. The poems are free verse, and there is a lot to love here. From poems about loving yourself, to poems about letting your spirit free by forgiving. Either self or others. The poems were a little jarring in places, perhaps because of the strange word choice of some of them. Overall, however, they were enjoyable.
July 23, 2020
These poems truly show us an emergence from shadows, traversing from gut-wrenching lows and uncertainty into the sunlight of joy and self-reliance. Each page is a journey in discovery. The verse is beautifully written, leaving the reader both at peace and inspired. Highly recommended.
August 26, 2022
Balroop Singh's collection of poetry is thoughtful, emotional and stirring to the soul. Her love for the natural world, love of words, and her inner resilience shines through in her light and dark poetry.
Really enjoyed. Highly recommended for poetry enthusiasts.
The Call of Calmness is one of my favourite poems in the collection.
Really enjoyed. Highly recommended for poetry enthusiasts.
The Call of Calmness is one of my favourite poems in the collection.
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