Dr. Shailja’s exclusive review for Different Truths describes ‘Beneath the Dead Skin’ by Neelam Saxena Chandra as a collection of poems that inspires optimism, empathy and a call to preserve nature.

Neelam Saxena Chandra, the recipient of many awards and recognitions in the field of literature, gave another gift to her readers by writing a collection of poems, “Beneath the Dead Skin.” Throughout her collection, Chandra’s verses unwaveringly stay true to all human experience; yet, what is truly noteworthy is the streak of optimism, as in, dreams, sunshine, and hope, infused extravagantly and deeply, in her words.

The sincere portrayal of positivity in the poet’s verses amidst challenges and hardships, is what earns the utmost respect of her readers. Borrowing the poet’s phrase from one of her verses, the reader feels the “golden energy” flowing through these poems. Chandra’s piece “Crumbled Me” alongside her poem “Dreams,” successfully juxtaposes this statement. Further, in her collection, Chandra challenges the spirit to leave the shackles of the past, and visit new venues and vistas, depicted in her poem “Imprisoned,” thereby suggesting ideas for a forward, productive movement from darkness to light.

The crumbled me:
“My bits and pieces are being joined by some healer
With some golden powder!
And lo! I have a glow too!”
 
Dreams:
“I have filled up my eyes
With infinite number of dreams,
So that if one drops,
I pick up the other...
 

Imprisoned:
“You’ve been joyfully clinging
To those iron walls of the past
Since you feel safe...”
“…Little do you realize,

That you’ve imprisoned yourself
In narrow confines;
Happiness rests in
Exploring the unknown,
Hearing the unheard
And touching new horizons every day!”

As you flip through the pages of the book, the beauty of poetry comes alive, with many pits and curves, paralleling the journey of life itself. From the symbolic-ruthless winter, human fears and limitations, hopelessness, and death on one side, and then, dreams, aspirations, and divine music on the other side — the poet’s thought process is worth tasting. It is almost soul stirring, when a page pops up with a poem, “Derailment,” and the captivating irony with which it presents.

“Broken things,
Often have a golden glow
When they find themselves all over again!”

The poet surely does not let the broken things make an excuse and lose their “golden glow.”

It is believed that poets carry a lot of wisdom in the depths of their tender hearts. Chandra is no exception. As effortlessly and seamlessly as plausible, Chandra shares gems of wisdom that are conveyed simply, but with much depth. Chandra’s poetry pieces reflect genuine respect for Nature and her powers. She awakens her readers to the role and responsibility of mankind in preserving nature. Here, the poet pours her motherly passion with a smooth gush of words – the passion to protect and care for Nature. Moreso, the poet gives a message to humanity to work in harmony and collaboration. Chandra’s verses show empathy, love, and a parental type of anger at ignoring the rhythms and voices of Nature, only to culminate in consequential chaos and misery, such as evidenced in the suffering caused by the recent pandemic.

The flawless nature
“Is the nature reacting and showing its anger
By passing on diseases like Covid
For the massive massacre that
We humans have done to its elements?”

“Beneath the dead skin” reflects numerous such gems of wisdom intertwined in Chandra’s verses. The book is truly a bridge between the essence of life and life, itself. An excerpt from her poem, “Bridges” emphasises this thought.

“Sometimes,
Rather than building bridges,
It may be actually better
To learn the nitty-gritty
Of swimming!”

As always, Chandra is true to the positive spirit – she does and will come back promisingly to her armor of hope. Note that “he” is used symbolically to convey that a strong pillar or anchor will always be there, no matter how the paths unfold. Isn’t that truly the essence of all life?

“He is always there
At the end of the journey
To hold your hands and smile with you
In your moment of triumph!”

Cover image sourced from internet

Dr. Shailja Sharma

Dr Shailja Sharma, a US mental health provider and multilingual author, has published widely in various literary journals and anthologies, in many literary journals/forums of repute across USA, Canada, UK, and Asia. Her book, "Dear Mama: An Immigrant's Secret Cry," by Setu, Pittsburgh, has been critically acclaimed and she was awarded a special literary honor for her contributions in international languages. Sharma's work has been published nationally and internationally.

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