What Lies Beyond
By Sara Sabharwal
May, 2021, 131 pages
$6.99 Paperback
ISBN -13: 979 -8726790695
Book reviewed by Kavita Khajuria
TW: suicidality, domestic abuse, murder
“I dream in poetry and bleed in ink”
This chapbook of poetry starts with riveting descriptions of suffocating imprisonment. A craving for catharsis can be heard amidst a falling into the abyss, followed by romantic fantasy, fusion and fatality – while noting the harmful effects of narcissism. Veneers of perfection as a concealment of “rot and decay” convey palpable anger at hypocrisy. Emotional pain, loneliness and hopelessness entwine with poetic expressions of suicidal thoughts – including falling and drowning with weights of depression, depreciation and exhausting ruminations. Yearning for light and warmth are countered by conflict, ambivalence and a refusal to surrender “Daring myself to fall – Willing myself to stay.” Recognizing the self as a container of past experience, unrelinquished pain gives way to anger and rage – with a craving for freedom emboldened by fortitude and determination. Some stages of grieving percolate at different parts of the book, along with “ghost(s) of past selves” and momentary trepidations. Despite the challenges, recognition and encouragement of self-love prevail – conveyed with empathy and compassion. Sabharwal insightfully questions others acceptance of her true self as she conveys loving tributes of harmony, intimacy and support. Other insights include the need to shed experiences that don’t serve one well and the emphasis on narratives for healing. This is a compelling read – with powerful imageries of suffering and survival.
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