There are moments in history when the demands of the time are such that merely speaking of love, equality, or beauty is not enough. One has to speak directly. One has to protest injustice without hesitation. Poems that articulate such direct and explicit protest are what we generally identify as political poetry.

A Crossroad where Transience Meets Perpetuity A Review of Ranjit Hoskote’s Icelight by Tamoghna Mukherjee In an interview with Sumeet Keswani, Ranjit Hoskote once said, “I think what all the arts do is that they sensitise you to that moment when there’s a leap into unpredictability and [you] come upon something that is a mystery.”…

Painting by Debashish Saha Whisper They said don’ttalk to her.They said she is not yours, So I abandoned words. Hence, I spokewith my breath,she listened with her lips. Tears on the Shore I sit by the water and soak many a tissue with cries. New York puts an armaround me and says, ‘Why for anybody are you weeping when by…

Painting by Sudeshna Majumdar RIGHTS You’re such ill-fated that God’s own blessingsare not meant for yougloominess appears to stand after every prayer. The chanting of mantras for thousands of yearsyet, hasn’t led even a ray of light to the doorpost of yoursthe curse of many millennia yet floating in the atmosphereyou’re surrounded by many invisible…

Painting by Sri Mahadeb In Virginia’s memory “Whatever happens, stay alive.Don’t die before you’re dead.”With that, Virginia filled her coat pockets with stonesAnd drowned in the river alone.Many years have passed since then.I am collecting stones in my pockets again and againAnd I keep telling myself,“There is only one thing in life that you should…

Painting by Sudeshna Majumdar Quiet Poems Come closer—these are not poems that shout. They sit beside youlike an old shawl on a rainy afternoon,warm, a little worn,but never asking for applause. You’ll find thembetween your sigh and your second cup of tea,in the hush after the door clicks shut. Read slowly.They are listening too. Pink…

Painting by Debashish Saha Leaf by leaf I shed all my leaves in sight,just to keep you upright. I wither low, too many times,just to catch your ray of smile. I hide away from every light,just to water your lawn of pride. I am yours, alright…But you? You were never mine. Full Moon The moon…

Painting by Sri Mahadeb Beneath the White Sheet Your toe stuck outfrom the light cloththey had lain on you. There was no needto uncover your face;I knew it was you. I gently raise the cloth,as if not to wake you.I draw it downbelow your nipples. Your chest is still.The once throbbing heartis now silent. I…