The Crossover – open heart versus by Sunil Sandeep – A Book Review

          This is the first attempt at poetry, writing in verse by the poet. As justly mentioned in the introduction, the poet’s life took a turn for the worse and the verses reflect it very strongly.

          Through different sections starting with 'Why' and then followed by 'Dreams, 'Reality' and finally 'The Path', the poet lucidly mulls over the emptiness of this stressful life, over the never ending run towards emptiness, the path of redemption and deliverance. The poems stress on neglect of nature, the harshness of contemporary thoughts, injustice, grief, lack of simplicity and happiness among others. The verses encourage one to break free from the shackles of the rat race and live in purity. And like all holy precepts, prods one to probe deep within oneself since all the answers you seek lay within, God dwells within.

          The undertaking is undoubtedly earnest and commendable, though I found some of the poems to be truly amateurish and exhibiting a flamboyant desperation to rhyme words. And did I mention that as you read one poem after another, you experience a looming repetitiveness. Some of the verses are really striking and honest and induce thoughtfulness like the one below. Overall a thought provoking read.

I invite you to jump out of the race

And look at what lies on the other side

There will always be someone above and below

Where’s the need to be jealous or have pride

– Sunil Sandeep