Reflections

About the Book

The poems in this collection have been written over a span of several years, and reflect the poet’s responses to experiences and observations of a deep and personal nature; experiences which are sometimes real, sometimes imaginary. They not only explore the intensity of human emotions triggered by spontaneous moments of realization, they also trace the poet’s journey through different realms of exploration of the Self as her growth continues in different continents. The thoughts evoked give voice to the emotions of many who can relate to similar stirrings of the heart. Several of these poems were aired, in the early years, over the Voice of Kenya. Kitheka Mutui, producer of a program “Books and Bookmen”, talked about the ‘echoing void’ expressed in much of the poetry, which ‘demands of us a concerted re-discovery of ourselves and our purpose in life.’

About the Author

Harshi Syal Gill was born and brought up in Nairobi, Kenya, of parents who migrated from India in the early part of the 20th century. Following her graduate and post-graduate studies in literature, she has had a background in multiple professions including teaching, technical writing, systems analyses and medical administration. After leaving Kenya, she has lived and worked in Canada, England and, for the last thirty years, in the U.S. Her creative efforts have found expression in various genres. She has had poetry published in several anthologies and magazines, most notably in the anthology of “World Poetry”, edited by Dr. Krishna Srinivas; she is the co-writer of a play, “God Minus – The Life of Buddha”; her play “Alka, Alka” was produced and presented in Los Angeles, California. She has contributed to several Indian serial scripts and has written several reviews and articles for publication in Canada, India and the U.S. An article entitled “Kabir – A Literary Perspective” was published in a collection “Thus Says Kabir” edited by Govind B. Bhakta. Harshi is also co-author of a collection of stories, “African Quilt – Stories of the Asian Indian Experience in Kenya”. Harshi now resides in Granada Hills, California.