Lavanya Nukavarapu’s Sea in My Throat is a hauntingly intimate anthology that plunges readers into the turbulent waters of human emotion. Divided into three evocative sections—love, womanhood, and the darkness within—the collection is a testament to the raw, unfiltered power of poetry to articulate the unspoken. This book is not merely a collection of verses; it is an emotional odyssey that brims with vulnerability, strength, and an unrelenting desire to explore the depths of the human experience.
Nukavarapu’s exploration of love is strikingly honest, exposing the duality of the emotion as both a source of joy and anguish. Her poems paint a vivid picture of modern relationships, where betrayal and longing coexist with passion and devotion. Through searing metaphors like “holding love like a poison” and “words turning to sweet acid,” the poet captures the ineffable pain of loving too much and for too long. This section resonates deeply with anyone who has ever navigated the treacherous waters of love, leaving readers reflective and, perhaps, comforted by the shared universality of heartbreak.
Women And Dragons
Dragon-Woman,
you are born of fire and wind
and of wild spirit,
you don’t take a rider,
you are untamed.
But you will always be hunted
for your fire and wildness
Between Wings and Wars,
Blood and Bone,
your fire is eternal.
The poem ‘Women And Dragons’ celebrates the untamed and powerful spirit of women, likening them to dragons born of fire and wind. It acknowledges their fierce independence and resilience while highlighting the struggles they face, being hunted for their strength. Despite challenges, their fiery essence remains eternal.
The section on womanhood stands as a bold declaration of feminine resilience. Nukavarapu celebrates the indomitable spirit of women, addressing societal expectations and the silenced voices that yearn to be heard. Her verses serve as a rallying cry for empowerment, urging readers to embrace their authentic selves. Her use of vivid imagery and unapologetic honesty transforms this section into a beacon for readers seeking strength and connection. It is a celebration of womanhood in all its complexity—a juxtaposition of fragility and power, vulnerability and defiance.
Perhaps the most poignant and harrowing part of the anthology is the final section, Poetry Comes from a Dark Place. Here, Nukavarapu delves into themes of depression, healing, and the therapeutic power of words. The poems in this section are not merely written but bled onto the page, offering a raw glimpse into the struggle of navigating inner darkness. The recurring symbol of the sea becomes a metaphor for the ebb and flow of emotional turmoil, a force that simultaneously threatens to drown and cleanse. These poems are a lifeline for readers grappling with their own shadows, reminding them that even in the depths of despair, there is solace to be found in expression.
Nukavarapu’s use of the sea as a recurring motif throughout the anthology is a masterstroke. The sea becomes a character in its own right—at times turbulent and unforgiving, at others serene and reflective. It mirrors the internal struggle between love and pain, hope and despair, serving as a unifying thread that binds the three sections together. As I read, I couldn’t help but admire the poet’s ability to weave such vivid imagery into her verses. It drew me into a world that feels both intensely personal and universally relatable.
Language
My tongue speaks
several languages
but it did not learn
the language you speak.
The poem ‘Language’ reflects the speaker’s ability to communicate in many languages but acknowledges their inability to understand or connect with someone else’s unique way of expression. It highlights a gap in understanding despite linguistic versatility.
Beyond the emotional depth of the poetry, Sea in My Throat also stands out for its lyrical craftsmanship. Nukavarapu’s command of language is evident in every line, her words flowing with a natural rhythm that lulls readers into a meditative state. The simplicity of her diction belies the profound complexity of her themes, making her work accessible yet deeply impactful. Each poem feels like a conversation with the poet, an invitation to step into her world and share in her experiences.
For readers who have ever felt the sting of love, the weight of societal expectations, or the suffocating grip of darkness, this collection offers a sense of camaraderie and catharsis. Nukavarapu’s verses do not shy away from the uncomfortable or the painful; instead, they confront these emotions head-on, transforming them into something beautiful and transformative. Her poetry is not just a reflection of her own experiences but a mirror in which readers can see their own struggles and triumphs. It is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is beauty to be found, and even in our most profound pain, there is strength to be discovered.
Parts of my body [first two stanzas].
In my refrigerator,
you will find
sour curd,
spoilt milk,
rotting piece of meat,
withered flowers
and my black heart.
I hide my soul
in a pair of socks
and occasionally wear them
for a walk to know
how it feels to crush my soul
under my legs.
The poem ‘Parts of my body’ portrays a dark and introspective metaphor of decay and self-destruction. The speaker likens their emotions to spoiled items in a refrigerator and reveals a detached, almost cruel relationship with their own soul, symbolically hiding and trampling it underfoot.
Sea in My Throat is more than a book; it is a journey—a deep dive into the human condition that leaves readers profoundly moved. Lavanya Nukavarapu’s ability to articulate the complexities of love, identity, and mental health is unparalleled, making this anthology a must-read for anyone seeking connection and solace in the written word. In a literary world saturated with voices, Nukavarapu’s stands out for its authenticity and courage, cementing her place as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary poetry.
