Lalit Mohan Sharma, a distinguished academician, bilingual poet, and translator, brings his profound understanding of life and literature to Icicles of Time, his tenth poetry collection. Born in 1952, Sharma has had a lifelong career in education, serving as a principal and a key member of various academic bodies. With his deep connection to both academia and the arts, he offers a blend of intellectual depth and poetic grace in this collection.
Sharma’s Icicles of Time explores themes of time, nature, love, and introspection, engaging with the fleeting nature of existence through vivid imagery and philosophical musings. The collection’s title itself—a metaphor for moments frozen in time, as icicles preserve but eventually melt—sets the tone for the reflective quality of the poems. Sharma uses nature not only as a backdrop for his explorations but as a means of drawing out universal human experiences.
Thematic Depth
In Icicles of Time, time is an ever-present theme. The titular icicles symbolize moments and memories, frozen but ephemeral, representing life’s transitory nature. The poet’s keen awareness of the passage of time is reflected in the poignancy of the verses, with nature acting as a mirror to the human soul. From memories to aging, Sharma’s poetry contemplates how life, while transient, is also beautifully preserved in moments, much like the delicate formations of icicles.
Key Poems
Each poem in Icicles of Time offers a glimpse into Sharma’s philosophical and emotional world. For instance, “Glass Image” critiques the superficiality of modern concerns, touching on religion, politics, and global issues. The glass imagery presents how fragile and distorted our perceptions of the world can be, much like an image in a mirror that only reflects part of the truth.
“Ah, to be” evokes the pain and sadness of existence, resonating with the universal feeling of longing. Through this work, Sharma illustrates how melancholy often accompanies the human condition, as we grapple with the realities of who we are versus who we wish to be.
Another poignant piece, “Not Long After,” delves into the complexities of attachment, abandonment, and the fear that often underpins human relationships. It expresses the vulnerability inherent in our connections with others, exposing the delicate balance between closeness and emotional distance.
“Alchemy,” on the other hand, is a celebration of true love—its transformative power and the deep, almost magical connection between two souls. Through alchemical symbolism, Sharma elevates love to a mystical force, capable of transcending earthly limitations.
In “Rama,” Sharma reflects on the qualities of Lord Ram, using him as a model of strength, virtue, and moral clarity. Here, the poet distills complex cultural and religious ideas into an accessible reflection on the ideal human spirit.
“The Beautiful” touches on acceptance, both of oneself and the world. Sharma’s gentle, lyrical tone invites the reader to embrace the beauty of life, even in its imperfections.
Lastly, “Across the Table” is a tender meditation on love, where the poet speaks of finding beauty in the unknown. It suggests that love can blossom purely from the aesthetic or emotional allure of a person, without fully understanding their nature or past. The poem underscores the power of unspoken connection and the simplicity of seeing beauty where others might see only complexity.
Style and Language
Sharma’s poetic style is deeply lyrical, with an emphasis on nature imagery and introspective philosophy. The simplicity of his language belies the depth of his themes. He uses natural elements like ice, glass, and fire to explore internal landscapes, giving his poetry a timeless, almost universal appeal. The subtle blend of beauty and wisdom in his verses encourages readers to pause and reflect, prompting them to connect emotionally with the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.
The imagery in Sharma’s poems is vivid yet serene, creating a contemplative space for readers to meditate on the deeper meanings of life. His writing is accessible yet profound, ideal for those who appreciate poetry that invites introspection and emotional engagement.
Sharma’s Icicles of Time also stands out for its rich engagement with the idea of memory and the personal reflections that shape our identities. Throughout the collection, the poet weaves a tapestry of experiences, from the quiet melancholy of “Ah, to be” to the evocative reverence found in “Rama.” These poems are not just reflections on external life but deep meditations on how the past shapes the present. The transient nature of human emotions and experiences, much like the melting of icicles, invites readers to consider what is truly preserved within themselves as time passes. This exploration of memory serves as a subtle but powerful commentary on how we hold on to fragments of our lives even as they fade or transform over time.
In addition to its thematic richness, Sharma’s connection to nature and spirituality adds a timeless quality to Icicles of Time. The collection is deeply infused with the landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, where Sharma resides. His intimate knowledge of the natural world shapes the imagery in his poems, making the mountains, rivers, and sky more than just a backdrop—they are active participants in the poet’s philosophical inquiries. The spiritual resonance in poems like “Rama” and “Alchemy” suggests a quest for inner truth and harmony, elevating the collection beyond personal reflection to universal significance. In this way, Sharma invites readers to reflect not only on the passage of time but on their own search for meaning within it.
Icicles of Time is a collection that appeals to readers who seek poetry that probes the complexities of human experience while remaining grounded in the natural world. Lalit Mohan Sharma’s ability to blend lyrical beauty with philosophical musings makes this book a significant addition to contemporary Indian poetry. Through themes of love, time, and introspection, Sharma offers readers a way to appreciate the delicate interplay between life’s fleeting moments and its lasting emotional resonance.
For those interested in introspective poetry with universal themes, Icicles of Time will be a rewarding journey. Sharma’s reflective, eloquent verses remind us that while time may pass and moments may melt away, the essence of what we feel and experience lingers long after.
Title: Icicles of Time (Poems)
Author: Lalit Mohan Sharma
Publisher: Authorspress
Pages: 84
Buy Book: Amazon
