In A Little Fire, Lalit Mohan Sharma crafts a collection that intricately explores human emotions, societal influences, and personal reflections, creating an evocative and thought-provoking experience for readers. Each poem in this anthology is a journey through different stages of life, thought, and the complexities of the human heart. From the universal to the deeply personal, Sharma’s work is a study of how we navigate love, memory, identity, and the external forces that shape our internal worlds.
The opening poem, Surfacing, lays a foundational theme that runs throughout the collection—life’s phases and the inevitable transformations we undergo. In this poem, Sharma describes the emotional journey we traverse as we move through different stages of life. He paints the experience of being under emotional siege, where one’s mind feels trapped in a whirlwind of uncertainty. Yet, there is also a sense of emergence from these struggles, an awakening of sorts that allows the poet to look at his emotions and his journey with both distance and intimacy. The poem resonates with anyone who has grappled with self-discovery, as it illustrates the profound effect life’s stages have on personal growth.
Memory of Time is a striking meditation on the elusive nature of time and how it influences relationships and personal evolution. The poem is divided into three distinct parts, each offering a different perspective on time’s role in our lives. The first section touches on the bittersweet realization that, while we are often unaware of the closeness we share with others, it is the absence of that closeness—often felt more deeply with distance—that is most jarring. It speaks to the way we only truly recognize the depth of our connections when they are fading or lost. The second part is a reflection on the cyclical nature of attachment, despite the inherent knowledge of separation. It highlights the paradox of human connection: we attach ourselves to others knowing that loss is inevitable. The third section explores the burden of memory—the weight of past experiences that shape our present and future, like baggage that we carry but cannot fully discard. Sharma poignantly shows how memory often transforms into both a source of strength and an obstacle, an aspect of the past that we can neither forget nor entirely move past.
In A Country to Many, Sharma shifts from personal reflection to a broader contemplation of historical and collective movements. This poem urges readers to look beyond individual actions and to understand the interconnectedness of human lives across time and geography. It emphasizes how historical events, such as the legacies of figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., are not isolated moments in time but rather part of a larger, ongoing narrative that transcends national boundaries. The poem celebrates the ripple effect of transformative leadership and the power of words and actions to shape not just nations but the consciousness of humanity as a whole. Sharma calls attention to the fact that no person or event is truly isolated; everything is woven into a broader fabric of collective history. In doing so, he underscores the importance of understanding the deeper connections between personal actions and global movements.
That’s the Way is a reflection on societal structures, norms, and the tension between tradition and individual curiosity. Sharma describes the walls built by generations of cultural beliefs and practices, walls that can stifle youthful inquiry and curiosity. The poem presents a society that reinforces tradition at the expense of new ideas and individual questioning. The speaker critiques this oppressive structure, which responds to youthful challenges with an authoritative invocation of ancient culture and norms. There is a deep sense of frustration in this poem as Sharma laments how societies often suppress the potential for change and growth by relying on outdated rituals and practices. Through this poem, he encourages readers to question the established norms they inherit and consider the ways in which culture, while preserving history, can sometimes hinder progress.
Insane Passions offers a raw exploration of love’s complexities and contradictions. The speaker in this poem is consumed by intense, passionate feelings that are both thrilling and painful. There is a tension between the private nature of these emotions and the fear of being misunderstood or labeled as foolish. The poem explores the vulnerability inherent in love, particularly when the speaker’s feelings are unreciprocated or dismissed by others. There is an emotional depth here, as Sharma expresses the internal struggle between the desire to love fully and the fear of judgment. The poem speaks to anyone who has felt the conflict between the beauty of love and the reluctance to share it with the world, encapsulating the delicate balance between personal emotion and external perception.
In A Silken Privacy, Sharma delves into the abstract nature of longing, particularly for someone who exists more as an idea than a tangible person. The poem explores the yearning for a connection that is not necessarily rooted in physical presence but in intellectual and emotional engagement. The speaker is drawn to this person, not for who they are in the material sense, but for the aura they project—an enigmatic presence that remains largely out of reach. There is a sense of hesitation and respect for the other person’s privacy, and the speaker stands at the threshold, longing for connection yet unsure how to bridge the emotional distance. Sharma beautifully captures the tension between desire and restraint, illustrating the complexity of longing for someone who is both near and far—both a physical absence and an emotional presence.
The Thing is one of the most poignant poems in the collection, focusing on unacknowledged care and love. The poem centers on a woman whose daily sacrifices, from caring for her family to providing for others, go largely unnoticed. Her efforts, while constant and selfless, are unrecognized by those she cares for. Sharma uses the metaphor of the “gilded throne” to describe her role—a throne made not of material wealth but of love and devotion, unseen and unappreciated by those around her. The poem speaks to the often invisible labor of love and care that goes unacknowledged in our daily lives. It reminds readers of the quiet sacrifices made by those who give of themselves without expecting recognition, capturing the emotional depth and the quiet strength of those who serve others out of love and duty.
Throughout A Little Fire, Sharma’s poems explore the fragility and strength of the human spirit, the intricacies of relationships, and the emotional landscapes we navigate throughout our lives. His work is imbued with a deep sense of introspection, but it also speaks to larger themes of history, society, and the collective consciousness. The poems are both personal and universal, offering readers a chance to reflect on their own experiences and the world around them. Sharma’s poetic voice is one that lingers, drawing readers into a world where emotions, thoughts, and experiences are shared, examined, and celebrated. A Little Fire is a collection that resonates deeply, offering a mix of beauty, melancholy, and insight into the human condition.
