Wednesday, 24 December 2025

Book Review: The Poetry Almanac

     


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

 September hugs  me with a warm intimacy

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

 

 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Book Review: The Poetry Almanac

      The Poetry Almanac, published by  IPC (Indian Poetry Circle) through Authors Press Publishers and edited by Annie George and Swagata ...