‘I never show my eyes of ire,
Devoid of my own spark of divine fire.
For the Tokens of Myself, opened with such profound lines that piqued me to take a deep look into the very eyes that witnessed writing these words. Though I don’t know the author personally I felt an instant connection going through her poetry book. Published by Chrysanthemum Chronicles the book promises to be a sneak peek into the fragments of the authors' divine heart.
Rabia Wali’s debut book on poetry ‘For the Tokens of Myself’ is filled with imagery, solitude, seeking and introspection. Her poems are not only motivational but also self-analysing at the same time. Her poems talk about emotions, nature, mystical aspects … ‘of happy tears’ and ‘of never ending melody.’
Going through her poetry book I could sense a seed sprouting gently into a plant ready to give solace to many with soothing poetry. The spiritual aspects in her poems are heartwarming to see coming to the young poet. EUPHORIA – on the Banks of The Ganges is one of the poems that shows her introspective side. The poet has meticulously used the figures of speech wherever needed that breathe beauty and life into her poems. While ‘Stars and Fire’ has a musical and mystical element wrapped around it, one can imagine dandelions flowing like careless whispers in the empty space.
Rabia’s poems have deep meaning laced with love, reverence and longing for a ‘Hiraeth’ where she feels one with the universe. Mostly her poems are written in freestyle but in some places, they break into couplets. The content of Rabia’s poetry appeals to one and all with its sheer brilliance as she writes spiritedly from one poem to another.
‘The sky too, took a darker hue,
A different shade of a different blue,
The ripples that lapped the shore,
Now turn to waves, tumultuous to my core.’
These lines from the poem ‘Last Dream of My Soul’ are a small example of how her words carry the power to paint the picture of the view she wants her readers to see. Without any doubt, we savour the joy of nature through her words.
Some lines throb with the vigour of the young blood, filled with innocence in heart.
No words come to my grey lips,
as time through my hand slips.
I see no fear, I see no bravery,
I just see myself succumb to life’s banality.
Besides the use of captivating words and imagery, the book has beautiful graphics which makes the read even more delightful. The vocabulary is rich yet strikes the reader's heart without much effort. Each piece of poetry written by Rabia expresses fulfillment and serenades into mellifluous notes.
Those who will pick the book will definitely benefit from reading her heartwarming poetries. It is a rewarding experience to go through ‘For the Tokens of Myself.’
I wish Rabia Wali a successful literary journey. In her own words ‘an endless upward hill’ as she marches ‘succumbing to divine interventions’ as she enters the literary world swirling, whirling and unfurling herself.
Review by
Shristee Singh
Poet/ Author
Associate Editor
(Chrysanthemum Chronicles)
Rabia Wali is a 16-year-old poetess from Delhi and a student in 12th grade at Delhi Public School, RK Puram. She is an avid reader, a graduate in the classical dance form of Kathak. She is also fond of public speaking and is an active participant in theatre and acting. Rabia is mainly interested in poetry writing, and is of the view that poetry is the best way of expression for the wide range of emotions we possess, it is the purest and clearest way to express oneself according to her. Rabia has won 2nd place in the Katha Utsav (2018) which is a national level competition open to children between the ages of 12-17. She placed 37th out of almost 5,00,000 people of all age groups countrywide in a competition hosted by words to glory in 2021.
Her book is available on Flipkart and our Online Bookstore.
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