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Roads: A Journey with Verses
"Roads" is a poetic rendezvous that takes the reader on a panoramic journey, making one pause, ponder and celebrate life.
The book is a light, alluring read that instantly strikes a chord and elevates one's spirits. A trove of 60 poems, it is quilled with beads of nine virtues: Courage, Wisdom, Serenity, Love, Hope, Strength, Joy, Compassion and Gratitude. The verses encapsulate life's ebbs and flows while prompting the reader to enjoy its simple pleasures.
"Roads" is a book that you would want to keep on your bedside, for a quiet read before retiring for the night or for the morning wisdom to seize the day. With poems revolving around emotions that each of us experiences, "Roads" very easily develops a personal connect with the reader that is defiantly refreshing.
"Roads" is a journey with verses. Take it on yours.
The book is a light, alluring read that instantly strikes a chord and elevates one's spirits. A trove of 60 poems, it is quilled with beads of nine virtues: Courage, Wisdom, Serenity, Love, Hope, Strength, Joy, Compassion and Gratitude. The verses encapsulate life's ebbs and flows while prompting the reader to enjoy its simple pleasures.
"Roads" is a book that you would want to keep on your bedside, for a quiet read before retiring for the night or for the morning wisdom to seize the day. With poems revolving around emotions that each of us experiences, "Roads" very easily develops a personal connect with the reader that is defiantly refreshing.
"Roads" is a journey with verses. Take it on yours.
160 pages, Paperback
Published June 29, 2019
About the author
Smitha Vishwanath
2 books23 followersSmitha Vishwanath is your quintessential 'bored banker' turned writer. After a rewarding career in Banking in the Middle East where she worked for leading banks in senior positions, she quit and moved to India in July 2018 with her husband who had been transferred to the country on an International assignment. Therein began her writing journey.
'Roads' is the first book she has co-authored. Having lived and studied in different countries and different states within India and worked with different cultures, Smitha understands that 'change' and 'ups and downs' are very much a part of life. It is this experience that reflects in her poems and her writing which are filled with positivity, acceptance and willingness to change for the better.
She also writes regularly through her blog : https://lifeateacher.wordpress.com
a
'Roads' is the first book she has co-authored. Having lived and studied in different countries and different states within India and worked with different cultures, Smitha understands that 'change' and 'ups and downs' are very much a part of life. It is this experience that reflects in her poems and her writing which are filled with positivity, acceptance and willingness to change for the better.
She also writes regularly through her blog : https://lifeateacher.wordpress.com
a
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 28, 2019
Roads.
Poetry – with its own governing rules and grammar lenience, this offers a wider scope for the expression of one’s emotions. The subtle nuances in the differences between the presentation of prose and poetry are what make the journey more enjoyable to the writer who is well versed in both.
As for the reader, poetry instantly connects with the alter side, the one where the verses elicit reactions that are unique to everyone who perceives it.
I am glad to record here that ‘Roads’ did this for me. It is not often I enjoy poetry collections because the lack of a strict grammatical structure often affects the output adversely. But Roads was a collection I could not miss – for it won in the language as much as it did in the department of expressions of emotions.
The collection is organised in a unique way, following how the mind perceives the quality that makes humans what they are – from courage to compassion. Each attribute has its own poems, all of which are perfect fits and stay true to the concepts handled under that attribute.
The poems are each gems – uniquely presented, because none of them are similar to each other. Be it in the line or length, or the rhymes and tones, they keep the pace active, the interest alive, and the reader’s emotional chords roused.
I personally loved what I felt was the core of the book – the unapologetic declarations that everyone feels but very few express, are written in the form of hard-hitting verses. Special mention to the small descriptions that precede every poem, making them all the more relatable as they connect with life instances anyone can face.
The language was above par, so was the presentation. I loved some specific gems from the collection like ‘Writer vs. Woman’, and ‘This is Me, and This is Me, Too’, ‘A Father’s Shade’, 'Let every girl be', 'I wouldn't change a thing', and ‘Let me unwind’.
The book wins in one aspect: despite being written by two poets, the verses flow so fluidly together, complementing each other perfectly. It was such a joy to read the work of people who were so in sync that the output mirrored it.
Roads is that book that could be read in any random order, often revisiting favourites, and is surely a book to be placed at the easily accessible top of the reading pile.
Poetry – with its own governing rules and grammar lenience, this offers a wider scope for the expression of one’s emotions. The subtle nuances in the differences between the presentation of prose and poetry are what make the journey more enjoyable to the writer who is well versed in both.
As for the reader, poetry instantly connects with the alter side, the one where the verses elicit reactions that are unique to everyone who perceives it.
I am glad to record here that ‘Roads’ did this for me. It is not often I enjoy poetry collections because the lack of a strict grammatical structure often affects the output adversely. But Roads was a collection I could not miss – for it won in the language as much as it did in the department of expressions of emotions.
The collection is organised in a unique way, following how the mind perceives the quality that makes humans what they are – from courage to compassion. Each attribute has its own poems, all of which are perfect fits and stay true to the concepts handled under that attribute.
The poems are each gems – uniquely presented, because none of them are similar to each other. Be it in the line or length, or the rhymes and tones, they keep the pace active, the interest alive, and the reader’s emotional chords roused.
I personally loved what I felt was the core of the book – the unapologetic declarations that everyone feels but very few express, are written in the form of hard-hitting verses. Special mention to the small descriptions that precede every poem, making them all the more relatable as they connect with life instances anyone can face.
The language was above par, so was the presentation. I loved some specific gems from the collection like ‘Writer vs. Woman’, and ‘This is Me, and This is Me, Too’, ‘A Father’s Shade’, 'Let every girl be', 'I wouldn't change a thing', and ‘Let me unwind’.
The book wins in one aspect: despite being written by two poets, the verses flow so fluidly together, complementing each other perfectly. It was such a joy to read the work of people who were so in sync that the output mirrored it.
Roads is that book that could be read in any random order, often revisiting favourites, and is surely a book to be placed at the easily accessible top of the reading pile.
August 3, 2019
Roads: A Journey With Verses is a beautiful book of mainly freestyle poetry written by Smitha Vishwanath and Vandana Bhasin. I have read and enjoyed a lot of poetry on Smitha's blog in the past, but this was my first introduction to Vandana's poetry.
I thought this was a wonderful combination of work by two talented poets and I enjoyed the different styles of writing by the two contributors. Smitha writes delicately beautiful poems in which her messages are subtly shrouded as if within a loving cocoon of words. Vandana's writing is more strident and forthright, but I enjoyed her style equally and her strong messages for women's rights moved me greatly.
This book is divided into sections as follows: Courage, Wisdom, Serenity; Love, Strength, Compassion and Joy, Hope, Gratitude. Each section is divided into subsections setting out an arrange of delightful poems in each subcategory. Each subsection is introduced with a short introductory verse which conveys its meaning for the poets and each poem is introduced with a paragraph setting out the the meaning and purpose of the specific poem to the writer. I really enjoyed reading about the inspiration and meaning behind each poem.
A selection of my favourite verses from this book are as follows:
From the sub-section Strength -
Believe in yourself by Vandana Bhasin
"They'll laugh at you, and even ridicule you
They'll even endeavor to enervate your spirits
But let the force of their dissuasion empower your faith
and the sound of their derision echo your beliefs
Believe in yourself, even when none believes in you."
From the sub-section Compassion -
Help! She's calling by Smitha Vishwanath
"Her eyes shone a tear, her lips quivered with
fear; down her face ran a scar, like a spear.
Her leg bruised, her hand bleeding, she felt a
shooting pain."
From the sub-section Joy -
Tender moments by Smitha Vishwanath
"Their countenance silken smooth; serene
Tugs my heart, an enticing scene
Distinctly different, yet subtly the same -
Contrasting as night and day; asleep, they look
- Oh! So tame
Their striking silhouette, in the mellow moonlit night
Slightly stirring, they curl; enraptured, I gaze at the sight
One's creamy-white skin peeps form the warm woolen quilt above
And the other's little chocolaty toe pushes its way from below
One, strong and athletic; the other, dainty and petite
Pole apart in every way; a miracle I behold, a divine treat.
From the sub-section Hope -
Wings of freedom by Vandana Bhasin
"Wings of freedom are all I need
I want to live and not just breathe
I want to fly high like a bird
I want to dream big, not chase the world"
I thought this was a wonderful combination of work by two talented poets and I enjoyed the different styles of writing by the two contributors. Smitha writes delicately beautiful poems in which her messages are subtly shrouded as if within a loving cocoon of words. Vandana's writing is more strident and forthright, but I enjoyed her style equally and her strong messages for women's rights moved me greatly.
This book is divided into sections as follows: Courage, Wisdom, Serenity; Love, Strength, Compassion and Joy, Hope, Gratitude. Each section is divided into subsections setting out an arrange of delightful poems in each subcategory. Each subsection is introduced with a short introductory verse which conveys its meaning for the poets and each poem is introduced with a paragraph setting out the the meaning and purpose of the specific poem to the writer. I really enjoyed reading about the inspiration and meaning behind each poem.
A selection of my favourite verses from this book are as follows:
From the sub-section Strength -
Believe in yourself by Vandana Bhasin
"They'll laugh at you, and even ridicule you
They'll even endeavor to enervate your spirits
But let the force of their dissuasion empower your faith
and the sound of their derision echo your beliefs
Believe in yourself, even when none believes in you."
From the sub-section Compassion -
Help! She's calling by Smitha Vishwanath
"Her eyes shone a tear, her lips quivered with
fear; down her face ran a scar, like a spear.
Her leg bruised, her hand bleeding, she felt a
shooting pain."
From the sub-section Joy -
Tender moments by Smitha Vishwanath
"Their countenance silken smooth; serene
Tugs my heart, an enticing scene
Distinctly different, yet subtly the same -
Contrasting as night and day; asleep, they look
- Oh! So tame
Their striking silhouette, in the mellow moonlit night
Slightly stirring, they curl; enraptured, I gaze at the sight
One's creamy-white skin peeps form the warm woolen quilt above
And the other's little chocolaty toe pushes its way from below
One, strong and athletic; the other, dainty and petite
Pole apart in every way; a miracle I behold, a divine treat.
From the sub-section Hope -
Wings of freedom by Vandana Bhasin
"Wings of freedom are all I need
I want to live and not just breathe
I want to fly high like a bird
I want to dream big, not chase the world"
August 4, 2019
Roads is a collaboration between two poets, Smitha Vishwanath and Vandana Bhasin. Centered around common and universal themes, the introductory paragraphs often provide an effective segue into the poems themselves. One review can’t do justice to both, so this review focuses primarily on Smitha’s work.
Inspiration is a core theme that Smitha visits in this collection. “Starting over from scratch”, “Believe!”, “I will not succumb” are a few of the anthems to strength and resilience that fill the pages of this book.
“A friend is valiant” lays out the poet’s deeply philosophical outlook on friendship, a complete contrast to “A friend among many’, where she lovingly opens her heart to an old friend.
“I buried what we had” reads like a poetic guidebook to ending a failed relationship. But just when strength in adversity appears the predominant theme, Smitha surprises me with the joyful “Second Chances”, celebrating acceptance and redemption.
“When” brings back memories of the sonnets of the classical poets, mixing wise counsel with an idealistic view of love. “The tree of trust” delights me with her twist on relentless faith.
No rose coloured glasses for “Hush daddy!” which reflects on the effect of pain and age on the relationship between father and daughter, while “Miss you, when you’re gone” is a powerful expression of the pain of long separation.
Images weave childhood nostalgia in “The little corner room”, treasured memories of a life in “Summer of 2016”, a moment of grace in communion with nature even in the heart of the city in “Promise of a new day” and heart meltingly maternal love in “Tender Moments”. Lines, words, feelings all reflect an authenticity coming from the poet’s loving observation and interaction with the world around her.
Wider world views are strongly expressed in the collection, with “Help! She’s calling” leading an impassioned inquiry into the violence the world visits on its children.
One change, perhaps? The book could have ended with the lovely verse on Gratitude, a perfect tribute to this heartfelt collaboration.
Inspiration is a core theme that Smitha visits in this collection. “Starting over from scratch”, “Believe!”, “I will not succumb” are a few of the anthems to strength and resilience that fill the pages of this book.
“A friend is valiant” lays out the poet’s deeply philosophical outlook on friendship, a complete contrast to “A friend among many’, where she lovingly opens her heart to an old friend.
“I buried what we had” reads like a poetic guidebook to ending a failed relationship. But just when strength in adversity appears the predominant theme, Smitha surprises me with the joyful “Second Chances”, celebrating acceptance and redemption.
“When” brings back memories of the sonnets of the classical poets, mixing wise counsel with an idealistic view of love. “The tree of trust” delights me with her twist on relentless faith.
No rose coloured glasses for “Hush daddy!” which reflects on the effect of pain and age on the relationship between father and daughter, while “Miss you, when you’re gone” is a powerful expression of the pain of long separation.
Images weave childhood nostalgia in “The little corner room”, treasured memories of a life in “Summer of 2016”, a moment of grace in communion with nature even in the heart of the city in “Promise of a new day” and heart meltingly maternal love in “Tender Moments”. Lines, words, feelings all reflect an authenticity coming from the poet’s loving observation and interaction with the world around her.
Wider world views are strongly expressed in the collection, with “Help! She’s calling” leading an impassioned inquiry into the violence the world visits on its children.
One change, perhaps? The book could have ended with the lovely verse on Gratitude, a perfect tribute to this heartfelt collaboration.
September 3, 2019
My Review of "Roads - A Journey With Verses" by Smitha Vishwanath and Vandana Bhasin :
"Poetry is the journal of the sea animal living on land, wanting to fly in the air. Poetry is a search for syllables to shoot at the barriers of the unknown and the unknowable. Poetry is a phantom script telling how rainbows are made and why they go away.” — Carl Sandburg, from The Atlantic, March 1923. These words by one of my most favorite authors aptly describes this collection which Smitha and Vandana describe as "a journey with verses". Being both an avid reader and a poet myself, I understand and value the power of verses and really good poetry is infinite in its capacity to enthrall, excite and awe you. And to be honest, that kind of poetry is something rare, something worth cherishing.
Coming to "Roads", the book has been divided into three broad sections - "Courage, Wisdom, Serenity", "Love, Strength, Compassion" and "Joy, Hope, Gratitude" and this well thought of segmentation is something that actually appealed to me. And why it appealed to me so much was, the moment I had flipped through the content pages, I couldn't suppress a smile - I knew this book would be one that could cater to my varied moods and that's why I put it on the very top of the small stack of books I keep on my otherwise very tidy study table. My instinct told me this was a book worth reading and like most of the other times, my instinct wasn't wrong!
In "the conception of Roads", Smitha Vishwanath writes about how she left behind a banking career of twenty long years to begin with writing creatively and how she crossed paths with her co-author Vandana Bhasin. She ends with the line, "This book is serendipity", which I believe is very much true.
Smitha's creative flow becomes evident right from this introductory note which begins with a poem titled "Serendipity". It's a deeply metaphorical poem and immediately catches the reader's attention. To quote a few lines,
" I gazed enraptured at the twinkling beauties
And as I stared, they seemed to align, hundreds, in many straight lines
As if in respect for the erstwhile moon,
A mystery to me, how, they managed so soon.
The secret of the Universe, had been revealed to me
That night the stars had aligned -
For ME"
Vandana Bhasin meanwhile says that she had never fathomed of writing a book earlier and that her coming to know her "writing partner" Smitha, was also Destiny. She writes that writing is a therapeutic experience for her and gives her a deeper insight into the meaning of life.
What is common between both the writers is no doubt their powerful expression, command over the language and an inherently positive note in almost all of the poems.
But, on a deeper, critical probe into the individual poems does bring to light the difference in form, flow, expression and rhythm, elements that are always unique to each writer or poet.
Continuing with the rhetoric of Smitha Vishwanath, her poems, mostly in free verse (something that even I as a poet have always preferred, before experimenting with other forms of poetry) have a sublime flow that want you to keep reading even after the poem has ended and at times I ended up going back to reading the same poem all over again just to experience the emotions it had evoked in me, all over again. Smitha has her own way with words, she is indeed an alchemist who weaves magic with her verses and the power in her verses is something you simply can't help but notice and admire.
In the introductory section of the sub-section "COURAGE", she writes a poem that's made me fall in love with her emotional positivity and self confidence. Even though this is one of the poems from the very beginning of the book, it's one that I shall cherish and go back to reading again and again. To quote Smitha's verses
"I dare to make mistakes
I dare to ask for help
I dare to change
***
I dare to steer my ship in new waters
I dare to walk on uncharted paths
I dare to be different
I will learn
I will strengthen my wings
I will fly
Not with the fear of falling, but with the dream of soaring higher "
This very poem is enough and more to show what a fearless, positive, vibrant and daring poet Smitha Vishwanath is.
Another poem from the same sub-section "COURAGE", penned by Vandana Bhasin is worth due mention. In "Writer Vs. Woman", she expresses beautifully and powerfully, the strength of every woman, with varied use of imagery and attributes to depict the power of each woman born on this earth and concludes on a self-affirmative note. To quote a few lines from the poem,
"Weakest? Who? Me?
My words have the power to contest everyone
My views can stimulate and counter anyone
Do I need a better armor when words are my defence?"
***
"I produce more poems
I rear more writers
My verses breathe life in more women of my kind
I am as proud to be a writer, as I am to be a woman!"
These lines evoke the sheer self-confidence that Vandana Bhasin has in herself and her verses. One marked difference I noticed between Smitha's and Vandana's verses is, while both of them undoubtedly have a brilliant penmanship, Smitha's verses have a soothing flow that makes the reader one with the poet, taking the reader deep into the rhythm of the poems. On the other hand, Vandana's poems are more direct, they are kind of an eye-opener and compel the reader to think and rethink what she has so aptly penned down.
I have read the whole book, cover to cover and it has been a really enthralling experience but there are a few particular poems that I shall always remember and return back to, because they have strummed a few chords in my heart. To briefly mention a few:
In the sub-section WISDOM, becoming the collective voice of all women who are ready to dare, to fight back and not accept humiliation and manipulation as their fate, Vandana Bhasin, in "I Am the Heroine of My Life" writes,
"... Here I stand, refuting all allegations
Here I voice my fight against victimization
Here I squabble, claiming all my rights
Here I demand to not sympathize
***
I will not sacrifice in the name of feminism
I have the mettle to contest dogmatism
I have the acumen to argue against your dictum
For I am the heroine of my life, and not the victim"
Again in WISDOM as Smitha Vishwanath rightly puts it, that some relationships actually deserve another chance, to quote from her poem "Second Chance - when it's worth your life"
"It's a universal truth, not a blatant lie
Nobody is perfect, neither you, nor I
A second chance?
It's no big deal; if it ever made your heart dance
You know what I mean
***
Go ahead, and make another start
Life's simply too short -
Don't let go of what you've got
For, it's easy to break
But once, pause! Think how many years it took you to make."
Her writing is a spectrum of varied shades of emotions, intense in its flow and powerfully assertive.
Moving on to the sub-section COMPASSION, Smitha talks about the need to understand and empathize with someone undergoing depression in her deeply stirring and equally touching poem "Don't Say She Didn't Say". To quote from the poem,
"... You see the calm on her face
Of the storm brewing within her; you see no trace
If only someone could see the pain she tries to hide
Maybe if someone listened, she wouldn't have lied
Her vacant eyes tell a story that you don't read
To the sorrow in her voice, you don't pay any heed... "
Continuing with COMPASSION, Vandana talks about violence and social atrocities and the death of humanity in her vivid verses "My Elegy for Humanity" which ends on an earnest note, a plea, a call to humanity to rise anew :
"... I urge you earnestly, dear humanity
To consider rebirth, on this dismal Earth
For this world would be devastated in a trice
Without your genesis, to empathize."
And the book ends with a poem that sums up the essence of life in a beautiful manner with a poem by Smitha Vishwanath, "Life - a Maze" :
"On some days,
Life feels like a maze
I wander in a daze
And I simply wish I could erase
A note then, I remind myself
That it's all a passing phase
And I will find the way,
For a rainbow only follows a rainy day"
One thing in the book that caught my attention was that, before every poem, both the poets have written a short explanatory note regarding what the poem is about and I found this idea to be quite an innovative one.
All in all, to put it in a nutshell, this compilation of poems is one of the most beautiful, brilliant and promising ones I have ever come across. The poems are wide and rich in variety and composition and both the prolific poets Smitha Vishwanath and Vandana Bhasin have created a commendable work of art, worth cherishing, reading and rereading. What actually is the icing on the cake is the spirit of self confidence, positivity and optimism both of them have maintained in almost all of the poems. And this delightful platter of poems would be the perfect read for any lover of literature. Very few poets have made an impression on my mind and both Smitha and Vandana have managed to do that remarkably well. This collection now remains one of my all-time favorites.
Ratings:
Composition : 4.8/5
Rhythm, synchronization, imagery, metaphor, language - 4.6/5
Interior presentation: 4.3/5
Cover design : 3.5/5
Overall rating : 4.5/5
##################
Review by Samrudhi Dash (Inara) 💜
"Poetry is the journal of the sea animal living on land, wanting to fly in the air. Poetry is a search for syllables to shoot at the barriers of the unknown and the unknowable. Poetry is a phantom script telling how rainbows are made and why they go away.” — Carl Sandburg, from The Atlantic, March 1923. These words by one of my most favorite authors aptly describes this collection which Smitha and Vandana describe as "a journey with verses". Being both an avid reader and a poet myself, I understand and value the power of verses and really good poetry is infinite in its capacity to enthrall, excite and awe you. And to be honest, that kind of poetry is something rare, something worth cherishing.
Coming to "Roads", the book has been divided into three broad sections - "Courage, Wisdom, Serenity", "Love, Strength, Compassion" and "Joy, Hope, Gratitude" and this well thought of segmentation is something that actually appealed to me. And why it appealed to me so much was, the moment I had flipped through the content pages, I couldn't suppress a smile - I knew this book would be one that could cater to my varied moods and that's why I put it on the very top of the small stack of books I keep on my otherwise very tidy study table. My instinct told me this was a book worth reading and like most of the other times, my instinct wasn't wrong!
In "the conception of Roads", Smitha Vishwanath writes about how she left behind a banking career of twenty long years to begin with writing creatively and how she crossed paths with her co-author Vandana Bhasin. She ends with the line, "This book is serendipity", which I believe is very much true.
Smitha's creative flow becomes evident right from this introductory note which begins with a poem titled "Serendipity". It's a deeply metaphorical poem and immediately catches the reader's attention. To quote a few lines,
" I gazed enraptured at the twinkling beauties
And as I stared, they seemed to align, hundreds, in many straight lines
As if in respect for the erstwhile moon,
A mystery to me, how, they managed so soon.
The secret of the Universe, had been revealed to me
That night the stars had aligned -
For ME"
Vandana Bhasin meanwhile says that she had never fathomed of writing a book earlier and that her coming to know her "writing partner" Smitha, was also Destiny. She writes that writing is a therapeutic experience for her and gives her a deeper insight into the meaning of life.
What is common between both the writers is no doubt their powerful expression, command over the language and an inherently positive note in almost all of the poems.
But, on a deeper, critical probe into the individual poems does bring to light the difference in form, flow, expression and rhythm, elements that are always unique to each writer or poet.
Continuing with the rhetoric of Smitha Vishwanath, her poems, mostly in free verse (something that even I as a poet have always preferred, before experimenting with other forms of poetry) have a sublime flow that want you to keep reading even after the poem has ended and at times I ended up going back to reading the same poem all over again just to experience the emotions it had evoked in me, all over again. Smitha has her own way with words, she is indeed an alchemist who weaves magic with her verses and the power in her verses is something you simply can't help but notice and admire.
In the introductory section of the sub-section "COURAGE", she writes a poem that's made me fall in love with her emotional positivity and self confidence. Even though this is one of the poems from the very beginning of the book, it's one that I shall cherish and go back to reading again and again. To quote Smitha's verses
"I dare to make mistakes
I dare to ask for help
I dare to change
***
I dare to steer my ship in new waters
I dare to walk on uncharted paths
I dare to be different
I will learn
I will strengthen my wings
I will fly
Not with the fear of falling, but with the dream of soaring higher "
This very poem is enough and more to show what a fearless, positive, vibrant and daring poet Smitha Vishwanath is.
Another poem from the same sub-section "COURAGE", penned by Vandana Bhasin is worth due mention. In "Writer Vs. Woman", she expresses beautifully and powerfully, the strength of every woman, with varied use of imagery and attributes to depict the power of each woman born on this earth and concludes on a self-affirmative note. To quote a few lines from the poem,
"Weakest? Who? Me?
My words have the power to contest everyone
My views can stimulate and counter anyone
Do I need a better armor when words are my defence?"
***
"I produce more poems
I rear more writers
My verses breathe life in more women of my kind
I am as proud to be a writer, as I am to be a woman!"
These lines evoke the sheer self-confidence that Vandana Bhasin has in herself and her verses. One marked difference I noticed between Smitha's and Vandana's verses is, while both of them undoubtedly have a brilliant penmanship, Smitha's verses have a soothing flow that makes the reader one with the poet, taking the reader deep into the rhythm of the poems. On the other hand, Vandana's poems are more direct, they are kind of an eye-opener and compel the reader to think and rethink what she has so aptly penned down.
I have read the whole book, cover to cover and it has been a really enthralling experience but there are a few particular poems that I shall always remember and return back to, because they have strummed a few chords in my heart. To briefly mention a few:
In the sub-section WISDOM, becoming the collective voice of all women who are ready to dare, to fight back and not accept humiliation and manipulation as their fate, Vandana Bhasin, in "I Am the Heroine of My Life" writes,
"... Here I stand, refuting all allegations
Here I voice my fight against victimization
Here I squabble, claiming all my rights
Here I demand to not sympathize
***
I will not sacrifice in the name of feminism
I have the mettle to contest dogmatism
I have the acumen to argue against your dictum
For I am the heroine of my life, and not the victim"
Again in WISDOM as Smitha Vishwanath rightly puts it, that some relationships actually deserve another chance, to quote from her poem "Second Chance - when it's worth your life"
"It's a universal truth, not a blatant lie
Nobody is perfect, neither you, nor I
A second chance?
It's no big deal; if it ever made your heart dance
You know what I mean
***
Go ahead, and make another start
Life's simply too short -
Don't let go of what you've got
For, it's easy to break
But once, pause! Think how many years it took you to make."
Her writing is a spectrum of varied shades of emotions, intense in its flow and powerfully assertive.
Moving on to the sub-section COMPASSION, Smitha talks about the need to understand and empathize with someone undergoing depression in her deeply stirring and equally touching poem "Don't Say She Didn't Say". To quote from the poem,
"... You see the calm on her face
Of the storm brewing within her; you see no trace
If only someone could see the pain she tries to hide
Maybe if someone listened, she wouldn't have lied
Her vacant eyes tell a story that you don't read
To the sorrow in her voice, you don't pay any heed... "
Continuing with COMPASSION, Vandana talks about violence and social atrocities and the death of humanity in her vivid verses "My Elegy for Humanity" which ends on an earnest note, a plea, a call to humanity to rise anew :
"... I urge you earnestly, dear humanity
To consider rebirth, on this dismal Earth
For this world would be devastated in a trice
Without your genesis, to empathize."
And the book ends with a poem that sums up the essence of life in a beautiful manner with a poem by Smitha Vishwanath, "Life - a Maze" :
"On some days,
Life feels like a maze
I wander in a daze
And I simply wish I could erase
A note then, I remind myself
That it's all a passing phase
And I will find the way,
For a rainbow only follows a rainy day"
One thing in the book that caught my attention was that, before every poem, both the poets have written a short explanatory note regarding what the poem is about and I found this idea to be quite an innovative one.
All in all, to put it in a nutshell, this compilation of poems is one of the most beautiful, brilliant and promising ones I have ever come across. The poems are wide and rich in variety and composition and both the prolific poets Smitha Vishwanath and Vandana Bhasin have created a commendable work of art, worth cherishing, reading and rereading. What actually is the icing on the cake is the spirit of self confidence, positivity and optimism both of them have maintained in almost all of the poems. And this delightful platter of poems would be the perfect read for any lover of literature. Very few poets have made an impression on my mind and both Smitha and Vandana have managed to do that remarkably well. This collection now remains one of my all-time favorites.
Ratings:
Composition : 4.8/5
Rhythm, synchronization, imagery, metaphor, language - 4.6/5
Interior presentation: 4.3/5
Cover design : 3.5/5
Overall rating : 4.5/5
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Review by Samrudhi Dash (Inara) 💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2019
This book of poems by two talented poets promises to take the reader on a journey and delivers and epic trip. The journey in question is that of life, and the book is split into sections that cover many of the big themes we all face on that journey: courage, wisdom, love, strength, joy. Both women contribute to each theme, offering a delightful contrast of views, imagery and tone. Smitha's poems are intimate, emotional, drawing on a strength from within, while Vandana's poems are open, assertive and sometimes confrontational.
The journey begins with 'courage' and it proves to be a positive and uplifting start. Smitha writes about daring to learn, fly, fail, even if the journey to success is not smooth. Vandana rails against rules and victimisation and demands that we drop the masks we wear. There is a nice rhythm to the collection. It moves inwards towards 'wisdom', 'serenity', 'love' and 'joy', then looks outwards to the world with 'strength', 'compassion' and 'hope'. There are quiet moments and demands to be heard. There is sadness and joy, despair and self-assurance. And each poem is accompanied by a personal piece giving context to the verse.
Some of my favourite poems by Smitha are: 'The Night is my Refuge', a soothing poem about the restorative power of the night; 'Treasure the Little Pleasures', an evocative poem about the importance of small things; 'Hush Daddy! Don't Fear', a moving poem about caring for an ageing parent; 'Tender Moments', a quiet loving poem in which a mother watches her children sleep; and 'The Little Corner Room' about a haven in her grandmother's house.
Favourites by Vandana include: 'Today', an encouragement not to put things off to a vague tomorrow; 'It's all in the state of mind' captures that dissatisfaction of wanting something other than what we have; and 'Wings of Freedom', a soaring poem about hopes and dreams.
The book ends, appropriately, with 'gratitude'. Smitha's 'Promise of a new day' is a beautiful meditation on things to be thankful for, while Vandana's 'Moments of Gratitude' has the rhythm of a prayer. This book is an uplifting, enjoyable and emotional journey with two very engaging guides.
The journey begins with 'courage' and it proves to be a positive and uplifting start. Smitha writes about daring to learn, fly, fail, even if the journey to success is not smooth. Vandana rails against rules and victimisation and demands that we drop the masks we wear. There is a nice rhythm to the collection. It moves inwards towards 'wisdom', 'serenity', 'love' and 'joy', then looks outwards to the world with 'strength', 'compassion' and 'hope'. There are quiet moments and demands to be heard. There is sadness and joy, despair and self-assurance. And each poem is accompanied by a personal piece giving context to the verse.
Some of my favourite poems by Smitha are: 'The Night is my Refuge', a soothing poem about the restorative power of the night; 'Treasure the Little Pleasures', an evocative poem about the importance of small things; 'Hush Daddy! Don't Fear', a moving poem about caring for an ageing parent; 'Tender Moments', a quiet loving poem in which a mother watches her children sleep; and 'The Little Corner Room' about a haven in her grandmother's house.
Favourites by Vandana include: 'Today', an encouragement not to put things off to a vague tomorrow; 'It's all in the state of mind' captures that dissatisfaction of wanting something other than what we have; and 'Wings of Freedom', a soaring poem about hopes and dreams.
The book ends, appropriately, with 'gratitude'. Smitha's 'Promise of a new day' is a beautiful meditation on things to be thankful for, while Vandana's 'Moments of Gratitude' has the rhythm of a prayer. This book is an uplifting, enjoyable and emotional journey with two very engaging guides.
August 4, 2019
This is an extremely powerful and impactful collection of poems that make one reflect and analyse.
From being empathetic to inspirational, these poems manage to evoke a gamut of emotions in you.
Sometimes, they will remind you of an incident or an experience when you felt the same as the words on the page, and you feel better because someone out there understands how you feel. Other times, they remind you of the struggles you've faced in your life, and the words work as a soothing balm on your wounds.
But my favourites were the poems that resonate your feelings and give you courage and conviction in your beliefs or personal values, making you realize you're on the right path. There were quite a few of those.
The themes are contemporary and cover a range of topics from current social scenarios to personal life experiences.
My favourite poem, which strongly appealed to the rebel that I am, was 'Darn the rules', which talks about breaking free from all the shackles that are imposed on us in the name of 'rules'.
Another one that resonated strongly with me was 'Love is my Religion', for I too have been brought up in a similar cosmopolitan environment.
The many apt questions asked in 'If Only' are sure to prompt you to ponder too. And so will, 'It's all in the state of mind'.
But the one which applies to every woman who aspires to express through her writing is Writer Vs. Woman, and which (even though I don't write poems) was closest to defining who I am.
The writing is brilliant and, despite this being a collection from two poets, flows naturally through all the poems, irrespective of who wrote which one. This gives the book another dimension as not once does it feel that it's written by two people.
The poems leave you with a certain sense of optimism for life and for the world, something that is reflected in the choice of virtues that the authors cover in their book.
The collection is an absolute gem and if you like poetry, or if you are looking for a book to introduce you to the genre, this is the book you should pick up.
From being empathetic to inspirational, these poems manage to evoke a gamut of emotions in you.
Sometimes, they will remind you of an incident or an experience when you felt the same as the words on the page, and you feel better because someone out there understands how you feel. Other times, they remind you of the struggles you've faced in your life, and the words work as a soothing balm on your wounds.
But my favourites were the poems that resonate your feelings and give you courage and conviction in your beliefs or personal values, making you realize you're on the right path. There were quite a few of those.
The themes are contemporary and cover a range of topics from current social scenarios to personal life experiences.
My favourite poem, which strongly appealed to the rebel that I am, was 'Darn the rules', which talks about breaking free from all the shackles that are imposed on us in the name of 'rules'.
Another one that resonated strongly with me was 'Love is my Religion', for I too have been brought up in a similar cosmopolitan environment.
The many apt questions asked in 'If Only' are sure to prompt you to ponder too. And so will, 'It's all in the state of mind'.
But the one which applies to every woman who aspires to express through her writing is Writer Vs. Woman, and which (even though I don't write poems) was closest to defining who I am.
The writing is brilliant and, despite this being a collection from two poets, flows naturally through all the poems, irrespective of who wrote which one. This gives the book another dimension as not once does it feel that it's written by two people.
The poems leave you with a certain sense of optimism for life and for the world, something that is reflected in the choice of virtues that the authors cover in their book.
The collection is an absolute gem and if you like poetry, or if you are looking for a book to introduce you to the genre, this is the book you should pick up.
December 7, 2019
‘Roads: A Journey With Verses’ by Vandana Bhasin and Smitha Vishwanath is a brilliant collection of poems that talk about life, love and the paths that mold us, values that mentor us, and pay a tribute to the persons who hold our hand through turbulent times to make our journey smoother.
In perfect sync with each other, Smitha’s tenderness is complemented by the exquisite style of Vandana who lashes out at societal norms that fetter us to the threshold, trying to slash our wings to compress us into compartments. Bold and chilling, her poems question the dogma, the exploitation and injustice that have been meekly accepted in the name of parochial diktats. Raising voice against subjugation, she calls upon shedding “the mask” and “darn the rules.”
One of my favorites, ‘Writer vs. Woman’ validates the power that lies dormant within the so-called fragile woman who proudly declares: “Do I need a better armor when words are my defense?” Realism percolates through their words as they capture a thousand emotions with élan. ‘Miss You When You’re Gone’ touches the most precious memories of letting go and breaking free from the stifling love that lingers despite the pride of watching our children soar toward the horizon of their choice. All mothers could relate to the pangs embedded within the words of Smitha.
For a person like me who values emotions and relationships, these poems are heart-warming. Along with tender moments of nurturing love and trust, self-belief, determination and courage stand out to reassure that there is no need to be swayed by the age-old traditions of embracing the defined roles. These poems would tug at your heart; stirring a thousand moments that stand and smile at you, reiterating that roads of life may be arduous yet shimmer with hope and happiness.
In perfect sync with each other, Smitha’s tenderness is complemented by the exquisite style of Vandana who lashes out at societal norms that fetter us to the threshold, trying to slash our wings to compress us into compartments. Bold and chilling, her poems question the dogma, the exploitation and injustice that have been meekly accepted in the name of parochial diktats. Raising voice against subjugation, she calls upon shedding “the mask” and “darn the rules.”
One of my favorites, ‘Writer vs. Woman’ validates the power that lies dormant within the so-called fragile woman who proudly declares: “Do I need a better armor when words are my defense?” Realism percolates through their words as they capture a thousand emotions with élan. ‘Miss You When You’re Gone’ touches the most precious memories of letting go and breaking free from the stifling love that lingers despite the pride of watching our children soar toward the horizon of their choice. All mothers could relate to the pangs embedded within the words of Smitha.
For a person like me who values emotions and relationships, these poems are heart-warming. Along with tender moments of nurturing love and trust, self-belief, determination and courage stand out to reassure that there is no need to be swayed by the age-old traditions of embracing the defined roles. These poems would tug at your heart; stirring a thousand moments that stand and smile at you, reiterating that roads of life may be arduous yet shimmer with hope and happiness.
October 4, 2019
Roads, A Journey With Verses by Vandana Bhasin and Smitha Vishwanath.
Publisher: Notion Press
My Review
I love poetry and even wrote a few here and I thought I could also come out with poetry, as well wishing friends commented positively on them.
Then I was reading some of the comments elsewhere from people who are good in poetry, rubbishing random people like me writing crap in the name of poetry.
That's when I came across this book, Roads. Frankly, the first thing attracted me was that the authors are both ex-bankers like me.
With that connection established, I got the book and started reading.
The collection of poetry has one striking feature. The authors start with a summary giving a background to the poem that follows.
For me poetry has the superiority over literature as the reader gets to interpret the lines in a beautiful way. The verses add to this edge.
The book is of 60 poems arranged under nine virtues. I think the poets have contributed 30 each. Of course I didn't count, which is a deliberate decision.
But then, one may not be able to find out who the poetess is by reading the poem as both have similar styles for a reader like me trying to follow their expressions of the heart. Perhaps all hearts speak the same language. In fact the poets have hinted that it's a reflection of their life journey.
Though not an expert, I can say that I enjoyed reading each and every poem. Bankers also can be good poets. And the poems here are really good.
By the way, I am sure that the experts that I spoke about initially will endorse these beautiful poems.
The banker colleagues have made us proud.
Pages 159
Available on Amazon also.
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Publisher: Notion Press
My Review
I love poetry and even wrote a few here and I thought I could also come out with poetry, as well wishing friends commented positively on them.
Then I was reading some of the comments elsewhere from people who are good in poetry, rubbishing random people like me writing crap in the name of poetry.
That's when I came across this book, Roads. Frankly, the first thing attracted me was that the authors are both ex-bankers like me.
With that connection established, I got the book and started reading.
The collection of poetry has one striking feature. The authors start with a summary giving a background to the poem that follows.
For me poetry has the superiority over literature as the reader gets to interpret the lines in a beautiful way. The verses add to this edge.
The book is of 60 poems arranged under nine virtues. I think the poets have contributed 30 each. Of course I didn't count, which is a deliberate decision.
But then, one may not be able to find out who the poetess is by reading the poem as both have similar styles for a reader like me trying to follow their expressions of the heart. Perhaps all hearts speak the same language. In fact the poets have hinted that it's a reflection of their life journey.
Though not an expert, I can say that I enjoyed reading each and every poem. Bankers also can be good poets. And the poems here are really good.
By the way, I am sure that the experts that I spoke about initially will endorse these beautiful poems.
The banker colleagues have made us proud.
Pages 159
Available on Amazon also.
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Read
August 20, 2019A harmonious orchestra of poems
Roads: A Journey with Verses, has, with its indulgence of simple and everyday language made poetry an unfettered art, connecting everyone in its path. The notes ahead of the verses make for an easy reading, without having to delve too much into the minds of the writers. Written by two soul-searching poetesses, this book of poems will provide companionship to those in need of empathy. Set amidst everyday emotions that we confront in our daily and sometimes monotonous lives, the verses connect with our inner feelings - those so often left untended by our own selves.
Smitha and Vandana have two very distinct styles of penning their emotions, even though the structure and genre of this collection bind them together. While Vandana is like the percussion in an orchestra - hard-hitting and the beat maker, Smitha is more like the strings - mellow and the pitch maker. Together, they have created a greatly likeable chorus, synced in harmony. Good luck to both of them for more happy pennings. The canvas is wide and open - make your mark in the times to come.
Roads: A Journey with Verses, has, with its indulgence of simple and everyday language made poetry an unfettered art, connecting everyone in its path. The notes ahead of the verses make for an easy reading, without having to delve too much into the minds of the writers. Written by two soul-searching poetesses, this book of poems will provide companionship to those in need of empathy. Set amidst everyday emotions that we confront in our daily and sometimes monotonous lives, the verses connect with our inner feelings - those so often left untended by our own selves.
Smitha and Vandana have two very distinct styles of penning their emotions, even though the structure and genre of this collection bind them together. While Vandana is like the percussion in an orchestra - hard-hitting and the beat maker, Smitha is more like the strings - mellow and the pitch maker. Together, they have created a greatly likeable chorus, synced in harmony. Good luck to both of them for more happy pennings. The canvas is wide and open - make your mark in the times to come.
October 5, 2019
In turning the pages of this book, you will relive the emotions you have felt at some point in your lives and relate to situations you encounter day to day. At times you will be transported into distant lands at times to nostalgic times.
Poems about wisdom, love, hope, joy, compassion will stoke your mind and tug at your soul. All this with a backdrop of the celebratory nature of life. This book indeed a journey through the roads of life. A great book and must read for everyone.
Poems about wisdom, love, hope, joy, compassion will stoke your mind and tug at your soul. All this with a backdrop of the celebratory nature of life. This book indeed a journey through the roads of life. A great book and must read for everyone.
August 25, 2019
I love this collection for two key reasons - its unpretentious, from the heart and its a collaboration between two women! Then ofcourse there are the poems - I am reading them as I go, a travel companion The Roads will stay with me on my physical and emotional journeys and serve as a quick break, a tool, a coffee partner!
Congratulations to the authors for The Roads
Congratulations to the authors for The Roads
April 8, 2020
Author: Ms. Vandana Bhasin and Ms. Smitha Vishwanath
Language: English
Publisher: Notion Press
” Roads- A Journey with Verses” is a collection of poems written by Ms. Vandana Bhasin and Ms. Smitha Vishwanath. This book takes the readers to a memorable journey of verses where they get a chance to see life and its beautiful emotions through writers’ perspectives. At one point, you will feel to introspect about your own odyssey. That’s the beauty of this book!
Ms. Vandana Bhasin has excelled both in the field of poetry and prose. She has won numerous accolades for her soulful writings. Recently she has been awarded as the winner of the Asian Literary Society’s Wordsmith Award 2019.
Banker turned writer Ms. Smitha Vishwanath is an erudite poetess whose rich imagery and profound knowledge of human emotions are indeed praiseworthy. She has won laurels in the literary field for her exemplary writing skills.
What I liked:
I did not find any deliberate attempt to stretch the poems. The writers successfully presented their thoughts in these poems. The selection of powerful words enhanced their beauty.
Unlike most of the poetry books, Where titles are embellished with ornamental words, I find this book’s title simple but quite appealing.
Most of the poems have been weaved around profound thoughts which compels you to pause and ponder for a minute.
The interesting division of the book in three major sections and further sub-sections. Clubbing poems on courage, wisdom, serenity in the first section; love, compassion, strength in the second section and keeping verses on joy, hope, and gratitude in the last section was an innovative idea and it really impressed me.
Most of the titles of the poems are thought-provoking. They would arouse interest to flip through the pages and read them. And believe me! the verses would not disappoint you.
Most Interesting Part:
Apart from major sections and sub-sections, I find many of these poems, good choices for recitations. They are powerful and have the capability to draw the attention of the audience. You will feel connected until the last line.
I find small captions written by Ms. Vandana Bhasin and Ms. Smitha Vishwanath before each sub-section interesting as well as quite meaningful.
The book is well-edited and the pictures used before each sub-section are cleverly chosen. My personal favorite is the one that is chosen to introduce the courage sub-section.
The impressive writing by Ms. Vandana Bhasin and Ms. Smitha Vishwanath. The hard work done by them is quite visible when you read it.
Overall Opinion:
I recommend “Roads- A Journey with Verses” to all poetry lovers. It is interesting to read the tapestry of words weaved by these two writers.
Overall Rating:
I give this book a five-star rating for incorporating so many new ideas in it and the sincere effort put by Ms. Vandana Bhasin and Ms. Smitha Vishwanath to make this book worth reading.
Language: English
Publisher: Notion Press
” Roads- A Journey with Verses” is a collection of poems written by Ms. Vandana Bhasin and Ms. Smitha Vishwanath. This book takes the readers to a memorable journey of verses where they get a chance to see life and its beautiful emotions through writers’ perspectives. At one point, you will feel to introspect about your own odyssey. That’s the beauty of this book!
Ms. Vandana Bhasin has excelled both in the field of poetry and prose. She has won numerous accolades for her soulful writings. Recently she has been awarded as the winner of the Asian Literary Society’s Wordsmith Award 2019.
Banker turned writer Ms. Smitha Vishwanath is an erudite poetess whose rich imagery and profound knowledge of human emotions are indeed praiseworthy. She has won laurels in the literary field for her exemplary writing skills.
What I liked:
I did not find any deliberate attempt to stretch the poems. The writers successfully presented their thoughts in these poems. The selection of powerful words enhanced their beauty.
Unlike most of the poetry books, Where titles are embellished with ornamental words, I find this book’s title simple but quite appealing.
Most of the poems have been weaved around profound thoughts which compels you to pause and ponder for a minute.
The interesting division of the book in three major sections and further sub-sections. Clubbing poems on courage, wisdom, serenity in the first section; love, compassion, strength in the second section and keeping verses on joy, hope, and gratitude in the last section was an innovative idea and it really impressed me.
Most of the titles of the poems are thought-provoking. They would arouse interest to flip through the pages and read them. And believe me! the verses would not disappoint you.
Most Interesting Part:
Apart from major sections and sub-sections, I find many of these poems, good choices for recitations. They are powerful and have the capability to draw the attention of the audience. You will feel connected until the last line.
I find small captions written by Ms. Vandana Bhasin and Ms. Smitha Vishwanath before each sub-section interesting as well as quite meaningful.
The book is well-edited and the pictures used before each sub-section are cleverly chosen. My personal favorite is the one that is chosen to introduce the courage sub-section.
The impressive writing by Ms. Vandana Bhasin and Ms. Smitha Vishwanath. The hard work done by them is quite visible when you read it.
Overall Opinion:
I recommend “Roads- A Journey with Verses” to all poetry lovers. It is interesting to read the tapestry of words weaved by these two writers.
Overall Rating:
I give this book a five-star rating for incorporating so many new ideas in it and the sincere effort put by Ms. Vandana Bhasin and Ms. Smitha Vishwanath to make this book worth reading.
June 10, 2020
This was a sweet read full of meaningful poems that I could relate to. The book is sectioned into themes beginning with Courage and ending with Gratitude. Such a lovely book to have and read in the midnight hours while I'm looking for comfort and to relax. The book is authored by two women and each have equal contribution with their voices through their exquisite poetry.
I recommend this book if you love poetry or if you are only beginning your journey through verse.
I recommend this book if you love poetry or if you are only beginning your journey through verse.
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