By Onkar Sharma

Neha Bansal’s “Six of Cups” is a poignant journey through memory, a collection that vividly recreates the landscapes of childhood and youth. Bansal’s strength lies in her evocative imagery, transforming ordinary moments into sensory experiences for the reader. The poems resonate with a universal longing for simpler times, creating a deeply relatable and emotionally resonant collection.

“My Grandpa” opens with a child’s inconsolable grief over a stained frock. The “swirly lacy sky-blue frock” immediately conjures a specific image of childhood innocence. Her grandfather, the “fragile-looking Babu,” becomes a symbol of comfort, promising a replacement “in the colors of limitless open sky.” The sky here represents boundless dreams, highlighting his love and support. The poem’s emotional core is the contrast between the fleeting material object and the enduring emotional bond.

“Nani House in Delhi-6” immerses the reader in the bustling atmosphere of Chandni Chowk. Bansal’s descriptions of “wafts from the succulent jalebi” and “bazaars full of trimmings and tinsels” are so vivid you can almost taste the food and feel the market’s energy as you absorb the words. The “tottering haveli” symbolizes a bygone era, contrasting with the “privacy loving and ‘Me time’ demanding current generation.” This poem explores the tension between tradition and modernity, highlighting the richness of community often lost today. The interconnected rooms and numerous inhabitants emphasize a large, close-knit family.

The second part of “Nani House in Delhi-6” moves to the “Sanjhi terrace,” where adolescence unfolds. The “dusky and fair didis” drying papad become objects of fascination, their interactions with the “kite-flying tall handsome but gawky bhaiyas” creating “flutters of butterflies.” The scene is rich in sensory details, from the “thirst-quenching aroma of the water drenched bricks” to the “spooky stories” under the “midnight blue sky.” The terrace is a stage for childhood games, innocent crushes, and family rituals. The mention of Chitrahar, Rasna, and Naagori puri and halwa grounds the poem in a specific time and place. The constellations traced with “little fingers” symbolize a yearning for connection.

“Ramlila of My Childhood” captures the magic of traditional theatre. Bansal’s descriptions of the “makeshift stage,” the “motley group of actors” with “loud eyeshadow and ersatz jewelry,” and the “ten-headed Ravana” are both humorous and evocative. The poem highlights storytelling’s power, how even “overacted” performances can “stir our very souls.” The Ramlila becomes a metaphor for good versus evil. The “plastic maces and golden foiled bows” become cherished souvenirs.

“Rock Garden, Chandigarh” explores time’s passage. Returning after thirteen years, the narrator finds the physical landscape unchanged – “the same dolls, made up of broken bangles,” “the same waterfalls” – but her perspective has shifted. The “laboured breathing” as she tries to keep up with her son underscores aging. The Rock Garden, with its recycled materials, becomes a symbol of human ingenuity.

“Six of Cups” delves into tarot and intuition. Bansal contrasts the “rational me” with the “more intuitive one,” exploring the tension between logic and belief. The “six of cups” card, symbolizing “hiraeth for a lost good time,” is a fitting metaphor. The poem reflects on memory and the yearning for “joys of childhood and youth.” The tarot deck, passed down from a “bestie,” becomes a tool for connection. The “elusive truth” Bansal seeks is about understanding the past and finding meaning in the present.

Bansal’s language is precise and evocative, using metaphors and similes effectively all through the collection. In most of the poems, the fluidity of language and the easy connection that everyone can feel makes this collection even more noteworthy. ‘The Festival of Lights’, ‘Supernatural’, ‘Picnic’, ‘Holika Dahan’, ‘Mind Chutney’ and others, all of them are warm and intimate, as if sharing cherished memories and going deep layer by layer. While personal, these poems tap into universal themes of family, community, and time’s passage. “Six of Cups” is a testament to memory’s power and childhood’s magic. It resonates with readers, reminding them to cherish the past and find joy in the present. Bansal’s work captures the nuances of human experience with sensitivity and grace.