“BALLADRIES”, indeed is a bouquet of poetry expressed by different authors.

“BALLADRIES”, indeed is a bouquet of poetry expressed by different authors.  It is a MUST READ!  The best catch line in this book which caught my attention is a pertinent question raised to the readers is – “Are we made for the Universe? Or is the Universe made for us”.  I feel Justin has given these lines a very profound spiritual meaning.  The irony in Spirituality is that it is simple and complicated and difficult to understand.  It left me mesmerized and I am still trying to find an answer to this question.  If you guys find out, do let me know J.

Each of the poem is connected with an remarkable and eye-catching pencil illustration which so beautifully captures the thoughts of each of the author’s mind which they have put on paper.  I was dumbfounded to read about the real meaning of knowing a person as in “Illusion”.  Niki Kath, hats off to you!

The true spirit of Brotherhood and Unity has been expressed very well in the poem “Not me but you” in the lines – “Standing here today under the NSS banner one and true, And by the glitters shooting for above, The symphony of brotherhood and humanity, we will raise the flag of welfare and oneness, Not for us but for you”.

While all the poems have given a different meaning, few ones really should not go un-noticed like the earnest request made to “Stay a little longer, Live a little longer” as in “The things she was, the vivid glories captured in “Beautiful Chedema”, comparison of sirens to music in Merry-go-round of Life, the sadness and emptiness of missing someone as in the poem “Always” expressed so aptly in the lines “And maybe, sometimes will be my Always”. 

Various other poems on Love, Death, Mother, Woman, and Sometimes are worth reading and contemplation.  “Teens Society” made me think about my Teenage Days!  Last but not the least, I was touched to read on “Fallacies of Nagaland”.

Dearest Justin, Niki, Keneipounuo, Joyce, Khrietsi, Grace, and Nganyah, I must say, your efforts in bringing out this bountiful poetry is exemplary and sets a wonderful example of teamwork.  Many congratulations to you and here is wishing you all success for your future.  I wish this book travels wide across continents and brings you all luck.

Shubhaangi Kundalkar

Author – Justaju – In Search of Life