Critique of Rajiv Khandelwal’s ‘A Time to Forget’
By,
Dr Dalip Khetarpal
When mind and emotion work together in harmony, a person becomes truly complete. This is exemplified by Rajiv Khandelwal, who skillfully applies his intellect in business while also channeling his emotions to create remarkable poetry. He excels in both areas by compartmentalizing his intellect and emotions, without losing sight of the imagination, the driving force behind both endeavors. Reflecting on S. T. Coleridge’s idea of imagination, the primary imagination is our innate ability to perceive the world, while secondary imagination is the poet’s gift to idealize and unify. T.S. Eliot advocates “a fusion of thought and feeling”, “a direct sensuous apprehension of thought”. Such fusion of thought and feeling is, according to him, essential for good poetry. One clearly sees such fusion in Khandelwal’s poetry which has seamlessly integrated the seemingly opposing worlds of poetry and intellect through his powerful imagination, making him a unique poet-magnate.
Since 1998, Rajiv Khandelwal has published six poetry collections: Conch Shells and Cowries (1998), Love is a Lot of Work (2013), A Monument to Pigeons (2013), A Time to Forget (2017), Dwelling with Denial (2020), and Khandelwal’s Poetic Process (2024). These works are widely read for their simplicity, lively, pacey and racy style and focus on everyday experiences. Despite the depth and philosophical nature of his poetry, Khandelwal remains accessible to his readers.
Recently, I came across his fourth anthology, A Time to Forget, and found it deeply captivating and refreshing. His unique perspective on the world and humanity, along with his distinctive style, set him apart from most contemporary poets. After reading the anthology, I was eager to analyze all of his poems, but ultimately focused on those that resonated with me the most. The first poem, “Beauty in Ordinary Things” (p. 1) skillfully weaves together the ordinary and the extraordinary, highlighting how beauty can be found in the most mundane aspects of life. Through its free verse structure, the poem emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the subject, which is celebrated not only for physical allure but also for intellectual and emotional depth. The use of vivid imagery, such as the “5 Scoop Ice cream cone” and the “Palace of Perfection,” serves to elevate the subject to an almost mythical status, idealizing their presence in everyday life. The poem’s integration of symbols like Hypatia of Alexandria adds a layer of historical reverence, merging the subject’s contemporary beauty with the intellectual legacy of the past. This blend of historical and personal admiration enhances the poem’s depth, suggesting that the subject’s beauty transcends time and place.
The central theme of the poem—the recognition of beauty in both the ordinary and extraordinary—suggests that the subject possesses a unique perspective that transforms the mundane into something unique. This idea is further reinforced by the poem’s tone, which shifts from contemplative to celebratory, capturing the warmth and admiration the speaker feels towards the subject. The strength of the poem lies in its ability to evoke a deep emotional response and its use of vivid, dynamic imagery. By encouraging readers to find beauty in everyday life, the poem ultimately succeeds in its goal, even if it sometimes teeters on the edge of idealization.
“A Ritual” (p. 2) is a poignant poem that critiques the contradictions in cultural traditions, particularly marriage rituals. The free verse structure allows for raw emotional expression, while stark imagery like “blood, sweat and toil” and “raped for just a pinch of mehendi and sindoor” highlights the contrast between personal sacrifice and the superficial demands of societal rituals. The poem’s central theme is the exploitation of individual efforts for the sake of maintaining traditions. Symbols like “mehendi and sindoor” represent the oppressive nature of these customs, and the “suddenly silent shehanai” suggests the harsh reality beneath the celebratory facade.
The tone is bitter and disillusioned, with a somber and reflective mood that invites critical examination of cultural practices. The direct and unembellished language underscores the poem’s critique of the superficiality and injustice of rituals that demand personal sacrifice. While the intense imagery and confrontational language may be challenging for some, the poem’s strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of the sacrifices imposed by societal expectations.
“Reflection” (p. 3) is a contemplative poem that explores the power of language, using water imagery to illustrate how words flow and impact us. The free verse structure mirrors this fluidity, with imagery ranging from “drips” to “torrents,” showing that language can be both gentle and overwhelming. The central theme of the poem is the manipulation of language, particularly how words shape perceptions and realities. It critiques how rhetoric, especially in political contexts, can divide and deceive. Symbols like “wave after wave of believable fiction” highlight the deceptive nature of persuasive language, while “puerile puddle” questions the authenticity of superficial judgments.
The tone of the poem is critical and reflective, with a mood that invites deep contemplation about the power and authenticity of language. The precise, rhythmic language and its visual structure enhance the poem’s critique, particularly its comparison to political speeches. The poem effectively challenges the reliability of language in shaping reality, though its abstract nature and political references may require careful reading to fully appreciate it. Overall, “Reflection” is a thought-provoking critique of language’s influence on perception, strengthened by vivid imagery and a critical perspective.
“Standing Alone” (p. 4) powerfully explores themes of isolation, identity, and the fight against prejudice. Vivid imagery, like “half naked” and “blind eyed crowds,” highlights the speaker’s emotional turmoil. The free verse structure amplifies the raw intensity of these feelings. Key themes include loneliness, imposed identities, psychological trauma, and the battle to retain compassion. Symbolism, such as “ethnic cleanser identity” and “quicksand of crazy stereotypes,” deepens the poem’s impact. The tone is a mix of despair, anger, and defiance, making it a compelling reflection on societal prejudice and internal struggle.
The poem “Sages Confirm” (p. 5) reflects on the complex nature of pain, blending physical, emotional, and existential dimensions. Through free verse, it contrasts physical pain, depicted with vivid imagery like “scorching chimta” and “stubbed toe,” with deeper emotional pain and philosophical reflections on suffering. The poem explores themes like the immediacy of physical pain versus the enduring nature of emotional pain, and the intertwining of love and pain. Symbolism, such as “live-in-lover in someone else’s arm,” highlights emotional betrayal, while references to sages and Aristotle add philosophical depth. The tone is contemplative and somber, inviting readers to consider their own experiences of pain. The poem’s strength lies in its vivid imagery and layered exploration of pain, encouraging reflection on the nature of suffering. “Comfort Zone” (p. 8) poignantly explores the emotional turmoil of unrequited love, paralleling it with the resilience often seen in corrupt politicians. Written in free verse, it captures the speaker’s journey from eager anticipation to disillusionment, using vivid imagery like “leaping eagerness” and “crawling about like ants.” Themes include unrequited love, disillusionment, and resilience, with symbolism drawn from Radha and Krishna, representing unattainable love, and Indian politicians, representing resilience through unethical means. The tone shifts from excitement to melancholy, with expressive, candid language that adds a satirical touch. The poem effectively contrasts personal emotions with societal critique, exploring both love and resilience with depth and vivid imagery.
“ITCH” (p. 13) uses vivid imagery and metaphor to express deep longing and frustration. Parched lips / Reconciliatory desire / Aches for oasis are lines that evoke intense thirst and yearning, both physical and emotional, symbolizing also a need for relief and “reconciliatory desire” and suggesting a longing for peace. The relentless suffering is compared to an unreachable itch, emphasizing a specific, persistent frustration: The continuous suffering / As insistent / As the desire to itch / One’s shoulder blades: Where own hands / Bound by frozen shoulders / Refuse to go: “Frozen shoulders” symbolize an inability to relieve one’s discomfort, representing emotional paralysis or the need for external help.
The poem is filled with yearning for something unattainable, with physical discomfort representing deeper emotional desires. The inability to scratch an itch due to “frozen shoulders” conveys a sense of powerlessness, symbolizing, being trapped in unresolved issues. The lines about seeking masseurs or crying for help suggest others may seek relief, but the speaker distances themselves due to muted voices, implying suppressed cries for help. The speaker refuses to seek help due to pride, with the “trifling domestic squabble” indicating that minor issues can be magnified by ego. The poem also explores longing, frustration, and the conflict between pride and helplessness. The vivid imagery of physical discomfort serves as a metaphor for emotional pain, highlighting the paradoxical nature of human pride and the struggle for self-sufficiency.
“LABYRINTH OF LIGHT” (p. 16) delves into themes of morality, the soul, and the mind’s rebellion against conventional beliefs. Lines like, Morality an ash / Dropping / Bit by bit / Into putrescent pits depict morality gradually decaying, symbolized by ash falling into rotting pits, suggesting a loss of ethical values. The soul is portrayed as fragile and fleeting, compared to smoke or thistledown, emphasizing its impermanence: Soul / A whiff of smoke / Drifting away like thistledown / While the rebel mind / Disciple of light / Bids the heart / To let go. The “rebel mind,” seeking truth and enlightenment, encourages the heart to detach from traditional beliefs, signaling a pursuit of higher understanding and awareness. “TRESPASS” (p. 17) delves into a deep emotional experience, using loneliness and sadness as metaphors for unwanted companions. The poem personifies these emotions, suggesting they kept the speaker company during another person’s absence: Loneliness and Sadness as Companions. However, the lack of contact from the absent person intensifies the speaker’s loneliness and sadness.
Invasive thoughts of the absent person are compared to predatory men chasing a woman at night, highlighting how these thoughts intrude disturbingly. Terms like “invading,” “provoking,” and “molesting” emphasize the aggressive, unsettling nature of these thoughts, deepening the speaker’s distress and discomfort.
Loneliness and sadness eventually fade, likened to insubstantial laws or a fleeting breeze, suggesting the relief is temporary i.e. Illusory Relief. The poem vividly portrays the invasive nature of thoughts during someone’s absence, using powerful metaphors to convey the speaker’s inner turmoil and the temporary nature of emotional relief.
END OF THE TUNNEL” (p. 20) explores the themes of light and darkness, focusing on fear, self-awareness, and internal struggle. Light exists within a tunnel of thick darkness, symbolizing the struggle to maintain purity amid overwhelming obscurity. The light moves in the opposite direction, resisting the darkness to preserve its essence. Darkness, over time, infiltrates and corrupts by finding hidden angles to stain the heart. The heart, like a mirror, reflects this internal battle, with the light fearing to awaken the “demonic element” within, indicating self-awareness of one’s potential for darkness. The poem metaphorically depicts an inner battle between light and darkness. The poem highlights the fear of awakening inner darkness and the constant struggle to maintain moral or spiritual integrity amidst inevitable
“RETURNED TO LIFE” (p. 23) captures a transformative moment where a fleeting encounter rekindles a sense of vitality. The speaker describes a fast-paced life: ‘Speeding through Life,’ also suggesting a lack of deep reflection or connection. A moment of connection is emphasized through a “gaze” described as sharp and penetrating, indicating an impactful interaction. This brief encounter, likened to a “New York minute,” quickly revives forgotten memories and feelings, with “Geometry” symbolizing the precise reconstruction of past experiences. The final line, “The appetite returned to life,” signifies a reawakening of desire or motivation that had been dormant. The poem illustrates how a brief, intense encounter can profoundly transform and revive the speaker’s zest for life, highlighting the power of human connection to reawaken the spirit. “EMPATHY” (p. 26) delves into the speaker’s deep emotional connection when reading about others’ suffering through his Perception of Others’ Pain. The speaker strongly feels the pain of rape victims, highlighting strong empathy for others’ trauma. This empathy then triggers the speaker’s own pain, reactivating past experiences stored in “controlled images.”
The line between fantasy and reality that fades and its Boundaries become blurred as the speaker’s empathetic pain becomes part of their identity, showing how deeply empathy affects self-perception. This kind of pain for him is therapeutic in nature as it suggests that acknowledging this pain can be healing, with a nod to Carl Jung’s psychological insights. The phrase “What works / Works” reflects a pragmatic acceptance of empathy’s healing power. On the whole, the poem explores how deeply feeling others’ pain can evoke and blend with one’s own suffering, illustrating empathy’s transformative and healing potential, as it transcends rational boundaries.
FREE WILL (p. 30) explores the intense and almost addictive emotional response the speaker experiences in the presence of a particular person. The imagery of fireworks and a racing heart conveys a sudden, overwhelming rush of euphoria, likened to a drug-induced high. This stark contrast between the speaker’s emotional state with and without the person, highlights a deep dependency, suggesting that the speaker’s sense of well-being which is closely tied to this relationship.
On the whole, the poem captures the exhilaration and volatility of intense emotions, but it also hints at the potential loss of self-control or autonomy. The metaphor of a drug-like high raises questions about the sustainability and healthiness of such a powerful attachment. The speaker’s admission that they don’t feel the same without the person underscores a sense of emotional vulnerability, revealing the fine line between passion and dependency. The poem effectively illustrates the dual nature of powerful emotions—both thrilling and potentially destabilizing.
YOU (p. 31) portrays the powerful impact of another person’s thoughts on the speaker, comparing them to high-stress situations like an unopened tax notice or the controversy of a jailed god-man. These comparisons evoke a sense of anxiety, tension, and unavoidable confrontation, suggesting that the thoughts are not just powerful but also unsettling. The vivid imagery of memories “blazing” through the mind indicates that these thoughts stir deep, intense recollections, perhaps of unresolved issues or powerful emotions.
In sum, the poem effectively captures the overwhelming and intrusive nature of certain thoughts or memories. The comparisons to stressful situations highlight the intensity and discomfort these thoughts bring, implying that they are not easily ignored or dismissed. This suggests a complex relationship where the presence of the other person’s thoughts evokes both reflection and distress. The poem also hints at the idea that such thoughts have the power to dominate the speaker’s mental space, indicating a lack of control or an inability to distance oneself from these thoughts. While the imagery is strong and evocative, it also raises questions about the nature of the relationship—whether it is one of deep connection or of psychological burden.
WHEN YOU ARE NOT WITH ME (p. 32) describes the speaker’s emotional turmoil in the absence of the person they care about. Irritability and depression take hold, becoming inescapable realities. Their emotions spiral into chaos, leaving the speaker’s heart battered and vulnerable to dark, self-destructive thoughts. Despite this inner turmoil, the speaker holds onto a glimmer of hope, yearning to know if the other person is safe and well.
DESIGN (p. 33) reflects on how words, when thoughtfully crafted, can evoke powerful and vivid memories. These memories are compared to flowers blooming into intricate, expressive arrangements, where the beauty of flowers like Zinnia Magenta, Lily of the Valley, and Rose symbolizes the emotional richness of these recollections. However, the presence of thorns serves as a metaphor for the inevitable challenges and pains that accompany even the most beautiful memories.
The poem effectively uses floral imagery to illustrate the dual nature of memory—both beautiful and painful. The carefully chosen words, like flowers in a well-arranged bouquet, create a sense of aesthetic pleasure, but the thorns remind us that no memory is without its difficulties. This juxtaposition suggests that the process of recalling and shaping memories is not just about preserving beauty but also about acknowledging the pain that often lies beneath the surface. The metaphor of thorns underscores the complexity of memory, where beauty and pain coexist, making the crafted recollections both rich and realistic.
A TRANSITION NOT SO SMOOTH (p. 34) uses the metaphor of waiting to explore the tension and unease that accompany the shift from anticipation to realization. The speaker describes his prolonged waiting as consuming, comparing it to the delay in arresting a controversial figure, which highlights the frustration and impatience inherent in the process. The arrival of a dream is likened to a taxi with its meter running, eager to decipher the meaning in a brief and cryptic message, symbolizing the urgency and anxiety that accompanies this transition.
The poem captures the emotional strain and psychological toll of waiting, illustrating how anticipation can become all-consuming. The comparison to a stalled police action underscores the frustration and helplessness that can accompany long periods of anticipation. The metaphor of a taxi with its meter running further emphasizes the sense of urgency and the high stakes involved in the transition from expectation to reality. However, this transition is depicted as “far from smooth,” suggesting that the shift is fraught with difficulty, anxiety, and impatience. The imagery effectively conveys the speaker’s inner turmoil, making the poem a poignant reflection on the complexities and discomforts of waiting and the often turbulent journey toward understanding or fulfillment.
UNTO THE SELF (p. 35) portrays the speaker’s struggle to find inner peace and self-reconnection. The tranquil setting of the lily pond contrasts with the restless, compulsive nature of the speaker’s thoughts, which are likened to the addictive pull of cocaine. This mental agitation disrupts the intended relaxation, as the speaker is absorbed in deep reflections on poetry and philosophy. However, the intrusion of thoughts about someone else, vivid and alluring like peacock feathers, complicates this internal journey, sparking ambitions and dreams that divert attention from self-discovery.
Overall, the poem highlights the tension between the desire for inner tranquility and the persistent distractions of the mind. The lily pond symbolizes a serene space for reflection, yet the speaker’s compulsive thoughts and external influences challenge this calm. The imagery of peacock plumage suggests the allure and beauty of these distractions, yet they may also hinder the speaker’s ability to reconnect with their true essence. The poem explores the complexity of self-reconnection, emphasizing the difficulty of achieving mental stillness and clarity when external desires and thoughts continually intrude.
SHARED GROWTH (p. 40) explores the deepening connection between the speaker and another person through their daily conversations. The dialogue, which initially seems casual, reveals the contrasting priorities between the speaker and the other person—one who is immersed in reading and another who has no time for books. The speaker finds this contrast absurd, especially in light of an article claiming, “Anybody can have sex,” highlighting a juxtaposition between physical intimacy and the intellectual or emotional intimacy they share.
The poem emphasizes the profound fulfillment that comes from shared communication and connection, contrasting it with the transient nature of physical pleasure. The speaker likens the anticipation of these conversations to an addiction, but one that is more nourishing and sustaining than sex. The daily interactions foster a sense of mutual growth and understanding, offering a form of intimacy that transcends the physical. The poem suggests that true connection lies not in physical acts but in the consistent, meaningful exchange of ideas and emotions, which contribute to personal and shared growth. The contrast between the trivialization of sex in the article and the depth of their conversations underscores the value the speaker places on intellectual and emotional bonding.
In “ENDLESS NIGHTS” (p. 45) moored pain navigates through the nights, moving with a rhythmic, throbbing motion. The poet journeys from one shore to another; he tows along the debris of his pain, with nights of self-drowning serving as his only form of solace. In this relentless voyage, he searches for fleeting moments of hope or inspiration, symbolized by shooting stars—a very telling and meaningful comparison indeed!
“READY TO BE HURT AGAIN” (page 46) explores the theme of emotional vulnerability and the inevitability of pain in relationships. It reflects on the disintegration of friendships and the erosion of once-solid rationalizations. The language suggests a sense of inevitability and resignation, as the speaker acknowledges the transient nature of human connections. The use of phrases like “poisoned chalice” and “dissonance to build into a full orchestra of emotion” evokes the idea of willingly embracing emotional pain, despite knowing the potential for harm.
The passage also critiques the tendency of acquaintances to speculate and complicate situations further, adding layers of complexity to the emotional experience. The metaphorical imagery employed throughout conveys a deep sense of weariness and preparedness for the cyclical nature of hurt, where the speaker braces for another round of emotional turmoil. In essence, the passage is a poignant reflection on the complexities of relationships, the inevitability of emotional pain, and the conscious decision to face it despite the inherent risks.
“WILL YOU OR WON’T YOU” (page 48) delves into the intense emotional response triggered by the possibility of rekindled connection, symbolized by the appearance of a familiar name on a mobile screen. The passage captures the complexity of emotions that arise in a split second—excitement, longing, anxiety, and the weight of past experiences all converge in a single moment.
The metaphor of the mind as a “bustling street” vividly illustrates the chaotic and overwhelming nature of these thoughts. Memories, like speeding cars, rush through the mind, while doubts linger, akin to pedestrians at crosswalks, reflecting the hesitation and uncertainty that accompany such a situation. The imagery effectively conveys the internal conflict between the desire for connection and the fear of potential disappointment.
The passage also highlights the tension between expectation and reality, as the speaker grapples with both excitement and dread. This duality suggests an awareness of the risks involved in opening oneself up to the possibility of rekindling a relationship, yet there is also an underlying hopefulness, even in the face of anxiety.
In brief, the passage critically examines the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies moments of potential reconnection, capturing the interplay of hope, fear, and the impact of past experiences on present emotions. The vivid metaphors and imagery underscore the intensity of the internal struggle, making the reader feel the weight of the speaker’s anticipation.
“AMBROSIA” (p. 53) is a poem that vividly explores sensuality and desire through a blend of physical and emotional imagery. The poet uses alliteration and playful language to create a rhythmic and cinematic depiction of a subject in tight skirts and high heels, emphasizing their sexuality. The poem delves into the psychological impact of this “eroticized slooooooty identity,” highlighting the immediate and intense reactions it provokes. The closing lines introduce a sense of ephemeral beauty, with “wisps of ambrosia” symbolizing fleeting, divine pleasure. Overall, the poem richly intertwines physical descriptions with emotional responses, creating a dynamic and immersive narrative.
“SNAPSHOT MOMENT” (p. 55) is a poem that critiques the power of appearance and media sensationalism. The poem juxtaposes a woman’s captivating presence with the intense media coverage of the Mumbai massacre, highlighting how both can hold an audience’s attention. The opening lines describe a woman with a “bold / Look at me attitude” and “loads of the oomph factor,” emphasizing her magnetic appeal and the difficulty for others to resist watching and concentrating on her, including politicians, to maintain their self-control. This parallels how fashionistas, like conflict correspondents, strategically choose what to reveal or hide to maximize impact.
Her “untamed tresses” and “lipstick coated provocative lips” are depicted as potent and mesmerizing, much like the continuous news coverage that captivated viewers during the Mumbai terrorist attacks. The poem suggests that both the woman’s allure and the media’s portrayal have a “killer image” that leaves a lasting impression, illustrating the potent influence of visual appeal in shaping responses and reactions.
“REFUSAL TO STAY PUT” (p. 56) delves into the emotional distress and persistent memories resulting from a breakdown in communication within a relationship. The poem vividly depicts the narrator’s inner struggle through contrasting images, such as the slow movement of glaciers and the rapid chaos of daylight robbers, reflecting the fluctuating pace of their thoughts. Comparisons to “Fidayeen movements” and “Indian politician’s on terror tourism” highlight the oscillation between rationality and absurdity in the narrator’s attempts to understand the silence. The poem conveys a sense of helplessness as happiness fades, likening the emotional impact to Ratan Tata’s reaction during the Taj Hotel attack. The unshakeable, vivid memories haunt the narrator, capturing the agony of unresolved communication and the enduring grip of past experiences. “The Good Old Days” (p. 61) reflects nostalgically on a past time of simplicity and fulfillment, marked by regular companionship and meaningful conversations. The repeated phrase “In the good old days” emphasizes the speaker’s longing for this period, highlighting routine visits that symbolize intimacy. The poem suggests that the bond shared was more important than the content of their conversations. It also hints at regret, as the speaker realizes they didn’t fully appreciate the relationship at the time. The closing imagery of the good old days “taking a silent stroll into the sunset” signifies a peaceful yet irreversible end, leaving the speaker to reflect on what has been lost. Overall, the poem is a bittersweet contemplation of past happiness and the enduring impact of those cherished moments.
“Presence” (p. 64) is a contemplative poem about the lasting impact of a shared silent moment between two individuals at a lily pond. The speaker is captivated by the other person’s beauty while the latter is lost in thought, highlighting their disconnect. The intense memory of this moment is conveyed through the metaphor of the person’s scent being as consuming as wildfires. Despite the passage of time, the memory persists, described as intrusive and demanding attention. The poem concludes with the lily pond seeming to recognize the speaker, underscoring the enduring nature of certain experiences and their call for reflection. Overall, “Presence” explores themes of memory, missed connections, and the lasting resonance of past moments. “Fusion – 2” is a vivid poem that explores the merging of elements in a moment of passionate anonymity. It opens with imagery of a “rainbow collide / In cloak of darkness,” suggesting a powerful, hidden interaction. The poem describes an encounter marked by explosive passion under secrecy. It then shifts to the mind’s spontaneous expression, symbolized by “subway graffiti,” and conveys a sense of liberation with “everything permitted.” The urgency of “Do it well / Do it quickly” underscores the fleeting nature of the experience, emphasizing the need to seize the moment before it fades. Overall, the poem delves into themes of passion, anonymity, and the transient nature of intense experiences
“Thresholds” (p. 67) is a reflective poem that intertwines physical pain with emotional memories, showing how small moments can hold profound significance. It begins with the speaker accidentally slamming their finger in a car door, leading to pain and tears. This pain triggers a memory of intimate care from another person, transforming the painful experience into a cherished memory. In contrast, the present is marked by resignation and disconnection, as doors now offer empty promises and the speaker expects nothing. The poem concludes by noting that these small memories, though seemingly insignificant, act as emotional thresholds, shaping the speaker’s experiences and expectations. Overall, “Thresholds” explores themes of pain, memory, intimacy, and loss.
“Anything Can Happen” (p. 68) is a poem that blends whimsical and poignant imagery to illustrate life’s unpredictability and the mixture of joy and sorrow. It begins with a playful reference to the “Vienna Vegetable Orchestra,” symbolizing creativity and unexpected delights. Moments of happiness and simplicity are depicted through images of “young couples kiss / While the farmers sniff.” The poem then shifts to a personal tone, where the speaker, inspired by letters and postcards, imagines themselves as a bard writing romantic and heartfelt lyrics to cope with emotions and acknowledge the duality of love and loss. Photographs, likened to “coffee-table-books,” serve as comforting reminders of past summers and cherished moments. The poem ends by revisiting the rural scene, now with a deeper emotional undertone, showing how joyous moments can evoke memories of pain and longing. In brief, the poem explores life’s unpredictability, the interplay of joy and sorrow, and the role of memories and creativity in navigating these experiences.
To enhance the meaning and themes of his poems and to make them more aesthetically pleasing, impactful, dynamic, memorable, and to shape and foreshadow the readers experience and response, Khandelwal has deliberately or instinctively employed a wide range of literary devices throughout the anthology. He skillfully uses irony, banter, humor, satire, metaphor, simile, imagery, allusion, personification, symbolism, anthropomorphism, euphemism, and more—many of which are rarely employed by contemporary poets. Critics and reviewers have praised Khandelwal in various ways for the mastery over his art, craft and the wide-ranging themes he covers. Reginald Massey has rightly observed, ‘The poems have an immediacy and urgency. Their sharp laser-like intensity penetrates the head and the heart. Khandelwal is a new voice singing songs of love for the new generation of the new world’. This compliment suitably complements the remarks of Dr Som Ranchan: ‘An original voice with the distinct idiom, terse, scintillating, at times elliptical, mirroring upper crusts shenanigans, corruption, material , moral, psychic with satire and punch , and surreal inner states with viscosity and brevity’.
Keeping in view the above facts, there is no reason why Rajiv Khandelwal, a great luminary of art and poetry in the literary firmament, should not receive international acclaim!
