Exploring Attentiveness in Arvind Krishna Mehrotra’s New Poems: Of Least Concern

Arvind Krishna Mehrotra is a renowned name in the world of Indian poetry. His newly released book of poems, “Of Least Concern,” is not just a collection of verses; it’s a profound lesson in how to see the world around us. In this fast-paced life, where we often rush past moments, Mehrotra’s poetry encourages us to pause and observe the beauty that lies in the ordinary.

I can relate to being that latecomer, always slightly out of sync with the rhythm of the literary world. My journey into poetry didn’t begin with formal education or high-brow critiques. Instead, it was an honest love for words, colors, and emotions that drew me in. And what a journey it has been! I remember first coming across Mehrotra’s writing in “Civil Lines,” a collection that opened my eyes to the depth and richness of Indian literature. His sharp prose captivated me long before I ventured into his poetry.

Initially, I found his verses intriguing, yet they didn’t completely resonate with me. It felt like the wrong season for that connection. But everything changed in early 2025. While immersed in Eunice De Souza’s “Volcano,” a dear friend who is both a poet and editor directed me towards Mehrotra’s poem “Hoopoe.” This little nudge led me to explore more of his works, culminating in the reading of “Selected Poems,” edited by Amit Chaudhuri and Vidyan Ravinthiran.

The beauty of Mehrotra’s poetry lies in its ability to relate to everyday realities. He writes about elements we often overlook but are essential to our existence. The poems in “Of Least Concern” open with reflections from the lockdown period. The pandemic shaped our lives in ways we never anticipated, and these verses capture that experience perfectly.

One stirring line reads:

“Close to each other
socially undistanced
the mulberry leaves
uniformly green
shall turn brown together.
It’s like a herd dying.”

Here, Mehrotra’s restrained style allows readers to grasp the gravity of the moments he’s describing without overwhelming us with heavy emotions. It’s about attentiveness, recognition of the shared experiences during the lockdown that affected us all deeply.

Another significant aspect of Mehrotra’s writing is his unique ability to paint vivid imagery. For example, in a poem about the Himalayan flameback, he takes us on a journey where we can vividly picture the bird in its natural habitat:

“It was there for a fluttering moment,
knocking on the plate of glass window
of the liveried hotel built with local limestone,
the Himalayan flameback
with a red crest, a black and white checkered pattern on breast…”

These words breathe life into the scene, making us feel as if we too are glimpsing this beautiful creature, evoking feelings of wonder and reflection.

Throughout his career, Mehrotra has shared his thoughts on what defines good and bad poetry. He has engaged with the works of others, highlighting the importance of understanding the lineage of poetry. He sees reading classic poets like Ezra Pound and Yeats as entering a dialogue with them, learning and crafting one’s own literary identity.

Yet, while appreciating Mehrotra’s insights, I sometimes disagree with his critiques of poets like Jayanta Mahapatra and Sarojini Naidu. It’s essential in any artistic community to engage in discussions about taste and preference. After all, literature thrives on diversity of opinion. Mehrotra himself has stated that anthologies reflect the taste and relationships of the compiler.

What I deeply cherish about “Of Least Concern” is that it teaches us to be observant. In a society where creativity is flourishing, and poetry is written more than ever, Mehrotra’s work reminds us that the essence of poetry lies in careful observation. It’s not just about writing verses; it’s about cherishing the little moments that often go unnoticed.

“Above me, a leaf shook.
It was a raindrop.
A raindrop isn’t nothing.”

These few lines encapsulate the beauty of Mehrotra’s attentiveness to nature. It’s a reminder to embrace each moment, each sound, and sight around us.

In conclusion, “Of Least Concern” is more than a poetry book; it’s a mentor in the art of observation, attention, and thoughtful distillation of experience into words. It invites us to sharpen our own literary crafts and encourages explorations of our surroundings and emotions. Highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation for poetry and the world it reflects.

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