The Poetry Almanac, published by IPC (Indian Poetry Circle) through Authors Press Publishers and edited by Annie George and Swagata Soumyanrayanan, is a thoughtfully curated anthology that offers a refreshing approach to reading poetry. Conceptualised as a poetic diary, the book invites readers to engage with one poem each day, turning reading into a reflective daily ritual.
Spanning all 366 days of the year,
the anthology brings together the voices of over sixty poets, each contributing
poems that resonate with specific dates, seasons, months, and festivals. This
structure lends the book both continuity and variety, allowing readers to
experience poetry as a living, time-bound art form rather than a static
collection.
Each month opens with a visually
evocative image that captures its essence, adding an aesthetic dimension to the
reading experience. The careful acknowledgment of these images reflects the
editors’ attention to detail and ethical presentation. The poems themselves
vary widely in form, length, and meter, offering readers a rich tapestry of
styles and sensibilities. This diversity keeps the anthology engaging and
prevents monotony, even with daily reading.
A notable feature of The Poetry
Almanac is the inclusion of brief profiles of the contributing poets at the end
of the book. This allows readers to connect poems with their creators,
fostering a deeper appreciation of the varied voices represented.
With its unique concept, inclusive
range of poetic expressions, and calendar-based structure, The Poetry Almanac
stands out as an innovative contribution to contemporary poetry. It is
particularly well suited for readers who enjoy slow, mindful reading and wish
to make poetry a part of their everyday lives. The book is available on Amazon (Book buy link and carries the ISBN 978-93-095-31-4, making it an accessible and rewarding
addition to any poetry lover’s collection.
Here are few poems from the book;
1.“Memory of a month of dark days,
When the sun meditated behind rain
clouds,
Surviving on stored dried foods
and pickles
Rich or poor, without sun what
fun!
2. Super hot days
Occasional rains
The last few days
Of the mango season
July seems so sad
But the monsoon
Brings with it
The joy of festivals
To renew our relationship
With Nature and God.
3. After being in August company
It carries a distinct festive air
Come, September and I get ready to
join friends, family
September reminds me
Life is but a celebratory affair.
4. April skies so bright,
Mangoes ripen in the sun,
Breeze brings jasmine scents,
Festivals fill hearts with cheer,
As the warmth of spring unfolds
5. Gusty winds that blows the rocks
Aadi, the August month of
festivities
The songs of Goddess purifies the air,
Karthikeya also has his share!
Month which birthed a free nation,
Birth month of Ganesha,
Krishna and me!
6. A simple thread that keeps evil at bay,
A sister’s love for her brother as
she prays
For his welfare and long life
The knot of RakshaBandhan
Vibes of a special bond
Surpassing distance and time

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