The times we are living in is perhaps one of the most difficult eras in this century and hence asks for a little more to keep the life going. And what can that ‘little more’ be better than poetry and art.

Meraj Hasan’s ‘meem’s book of poetry ‘Khayalonki Tapri’ is like a bower of trees in these times. The world has nothing new to offer but through our understanding of it. And that unique perspective that we bring to it makes for the colours of life. A ‘tapri’ as used in the title is one of those little roadside stalls where India sips her tea, swaps stories and shares moments stolen from the hustle and bustle of life.

True to its title, this collection of poetry is a concoction of random thoughts with a unique personal flavour which offers you some respite from the rut of your busy life and brightens your solitary space. More specifically it is an ideal read for a Mumbaikar because the poems carry an imprint of the daily life of a common man living in Mumbai. There is loneliness, there is melancholy, and there is comfort of escaping on the wings of poesy and at the same time the necessity to keep going through the daily chores of life. 

The language is simple Hindustani, that rich brew of Hindi, Urdu and even English stirred with longing, served in blank verse, occasionally in rhyme. The poems are short, as short as the attention span our modern lifestyle permits us to have and therefore these poems are ideal for anyone who wants to read poetry amidst his/her busy schedule. And for those who mostly admire poetry from afar, this can be your beginning.

The poet finds his way into your heart with his detached yet informal spirit, simplicity of style, the vividness of imagery and contemporary symbols of modern life. Some of the notable poems are ‘Worli Seafacekiek Sham’, ‘Kahaan’, ‘Sham Ka Ek Jaam’, ‘Aajkal’ and ‘Wo Saari Movies’. There is a poem with absolute personal emotions written for his nephew ‘Ashu Miya Hamare’.

All in all, Meraj Hasan Meem’s poems are an eclectic mix echoing everything from Mumbai to the monsoons to the mundane. They are about you and me and the ordinary. And so, if you like observing and absorbing the small nuances of life, you will find these poems speaking to you.

Reviewed by Hena Kausar

Hena Kausar teaches English and though she teaches English, her keen interest in Urdu has exposed her to various achievements in the creative field of the language. She runs a poetry reading group with a few friends by the name of 'Kavita Kaarwan Nishast Dilli' that holds poetry reading sessions every month on renowned Urdu/Hindi poets. She has also performed 'Daastan e Marsiya', a tale of Marsiya from Karbala to Kaashi for Jashn e Bahaar and has been part of various literature festivals for poetry reading and, as a moderator.