Dr. Yogesh Chander Sood, an esteemed educationist with over forty years of experience teaching at both the college and university levels, presents a remarkable collection of 115 poems in “Poetic Pearls On Literary Seashore”. His extensive academic background, combined with his mentorship of M.Phil. and Ph.D. students, reflects the depth and intellectual richness of his poetic compositions. Furthermore, his contribution to the study of the English language through 36 educational videos on YouTube solidifies his literary and scholarly credibility.
What sets this collection apart is its exploration of themes that are often overlooked by poets. Dr. Sood masterfully weaves poetic imagination into the fabric of seemingly mundane subjects such as Bubble, Beads, Rubbish, Seed, Photos, Sparks, Umbrella and Door, transforming them into profound reflections on life, existence, and human emotions. His craftsmanship shines in both his succinct and longer poems, where he skillfully encapsulates the essence of each theme with remarkable brevity and poignancy.
One of the most striking features of Poetic Pearls On Literary Seashore is the poet’s ability to convey deep philosophical insights through minimal yet powerful lines. For instance, in “Love,” a mere nine-line poem, Dr. Sood poignantly captures the emotions of an old man in a way that surpasses the verbosity of countless other love poems(parents don’t want money or comforts; they want love from their children). Similarly, “He Lies in Peace” and “Greatest Truth,” each consisting of just six lines, deliver profound messages about life, mortality, and the inevitable passage of time. “Greatest Truth” encapsulates the universality of death, reminding readers that both the rich and the poor are ultimately bound by the same fate(I will die one day/And you too will lick the dust someday)
In “One More Operation,” the poet addresses the loneliness and emotional yearning of the elderly, illustrating the bittersweet reality of familial bonds. The plea of an old man to his doctor for “one more operation” so that he may continue to bask in the fleeting warmth of his loved ones’ presence is deeply moving. Likewise, in “Oh For Sweet Ripe Fruit,” the poet redefines old age as a phase of wisdom and dignity, rather than decline and despair:
Old age is pride and glory,
And no shame.
One’s hair is grey,
Not in the Sun,
But with maturity great.
In the poem “To Road of Life”, the poet sums up the reality of life by writing:
The road of life
Never runs straight and smooth.
The lines of the poem “You Are Honest” are very meaningful:
It’s your destiny
To suffer
Since you are honest.
Dr. Sood’s spiritual inclinations are also evident in his verses dedicated to divine figures such as Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna, Guru Nanak Dev, Shri Naina Devi, and Goddess Chintpurni. His poetic expressions of faith and devotion add a deeply spiritual dimension to this collection, making it resonate with readers seeking both literary and philosophical enrichment.
Another remarkable aspect of Dr. Sood’s poetry is his fresh perspective on familiar natural elements. In “The Sun,” he portrays the sun not merely as a celestial body but as “the symbol of benediction” and “like a gentleman, earnest, courteous and upright.” His poem “My Ancestors” is particularly noteworthy, as it employs rich metaphorical language to depict ancestors as divine figures and the roots of heritage.
Through Poetic Pearls On Literary Seashore, Dr. Sood emerges not only as a skilled poet but also as a thinker who contemplates universal truths, human emotions, and spiritual wisdom. His mastery of language and ability to distil complex emotions into concise yet evocative verses make this collection a compelling read. For lovers of English poetry, this book is a treasure trove of poetic brilliance and philosophical depth, and it comes highly recommended. Keeping in mind the nature of Dr Sood’s poetry, it may be safely said that it is highly suitable for research at the Postgraduate and Doctorate levels.
This book, published by MacBrain Publishing House, had 184 pages.
Ravinder Singh Sodhi
001-604-369-2371
Calgary, Canada