Amandeep Singh Gill’s first book of verse – You are never too far – was released by Minister of State for External Affairs Shri M J Akbar on 12 September at the India Habitat Centre. The launch was followed by a discussion on “poetry and prose, heart and mind”. Kambiz Naficy, a Persian poet and mystic, was also present for the discussion.
‘You are never too far’ is not a typical collection of verse. It might better be called ‘prosotry’. The prose juxtaposed with the poems serves a sharp contrast to the individualistic and spontaneous nature of verse. The illustrations then reinforce the reflection demanded of the reader.
The book comprises of Sixty poems, some lines of prose and a dozen illustrations. Geographical signposts from a diplomatic life such as Washington Park, Mount Saleve, Bahrain, a road trip in Sri Lanka and a volcanic lake in France come alive in the verses. The book starts with the opening poem ‘Can you paint a bamboo?’ about the metier of a poet, and includes other interesting titles like,‘A Hole in my sock’and ‘Dogs have a leg up’.
Many poems in the collection capture seasons, desire, memory and joy; some appear to be a Blake-like logbook of an inner journey toward meaning and fulfillment.