In a world characterized by the relentless pace of progress, Harish Bhat’s poetry collection, ‘Restless Lives’, emerges as a soothing air for the soul. This collection of verses serves as an antidote to the impersonal and chaotic nature of modern existence, offering readers a contemplative oasis amid the discord of our daily lives.
Bhat, a seasoned professional with a rich background in the Tata Group, brings a unique perspective to his poetry. Drawing on his diverse experiences, he weaves a wide range of emotions and observations that reflect on readers from all walks of life. Harish Bhat’s special way of using words brings them together in unexpected ways, giving us hope that language can help redeem the world.
A poet should be kind to life and give hope to readers! We turn to poetry to find new languages and worlds beyond the poet’s own. Bhat’s poems are full of such gentle surprises. Let’s read a poem from the anthology, starting with:
The World Has Finally Stopped
I heard the world has finally stopped.
And I wonder why.
Is it something we did
Or some secret we hid
Or that gooey sticky stream of blood
That ruined our backyard last week?
Such a rapidly spinning thing
No forewarning, not a ring
And now it’s stopped.
Like my darling little watch.
Like my blingy thingy watch with diamonds in it
Now hard and frozen, no light to shine
Oh, that’s because the lights have also gone
Searching for the missing dawn I wonder why.
Is it something we never spoke about
Some lingering, packed up, shameful doubt
Like those shredded limbs we suddenly saw.
On our beautiful lawns last week?
Questions for you, questions for me
Questions that’ll never let us be
People in a world that’s finally stopped
Where we lived too long for free. (Page no-37)
We feel that the anthology ‘Restless Lives’ is not just a collection of poems; it’s a mirror reflecting the intricacies of our everyday existence, inviting us to pause and delve into the nuances that often go unnoticed.
The verses within these pages are like snapshots capturing various facets of life. They are a melodic symphony that ranges from the pleasing to the disquieting, mirroring the ebb and flow of our own emotions as we travel the complexities of the modern age.
Poet Bhat reveals himself as a wordsmith with a keen understanding of the human condition. His poems touch upon themes of love, loss, joy, and resilience, offering readers a diverse range of emotions to explore. It’s a collection that goes beyond the surface and into the depths of the human psyche with an authenticity that is both refreshing and reassuring.
His other poem, which I would like to keep here.
Still As Rain
The stillness of this rain
Rides its torrential deluge
A sheet of frosted glass
Set against furious skies
An inexplicable tranquillity
That disowns itself
Time after time after time. (Page no-42)
Bhat’s words do not merely describe; they evoke, inviting readers to connect with their own experiences and emotions. As a poet his keen observations and insights into the corporate world are seamlessly blended with the universal themes of life, creating a collection that is both relatable and thought-provoking. It’s proof of his ability to cross the boundaries of his professional life and tap into the shared human experience.
Sanchita Mukherjee, whose illustrations greatly enriched this anthology, stands as a shining example of exquisite Ink and Brush craftsmanship. She deserves special admiration, upon her remarkable contributions.
The anthology ‘Restless Lives’ is a poetic journey that beckons readers to slow down and savour the moments that shape our existence. Bhat’s ability to distil the complexities of life into simple yet profound verses make this collection a gem worth cherishing. In a world that often feels like a whirlwind, ‘Restless Lives’ invites us to find serenity in the rhythm of our own lives, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a reprieve from the chaos of the modern age.
Book: Restless Lives Poems by Harish Bhat
Published by: Penguin.
Price: ₹399.00
