Where I Begin

Though Where I Begin is an anthology of twenty-five standalone poems, it is, in a way, a composite volume. Every poem has, admittedly, a life of its own with a unique frequency and luminosity. These poems, with their honesty of emotions and lucidity of expression, share their heartbeats with the reader with a rare intimacy. In the first reading, we come across the persona of the poet as someone who externally conforms to the social norms even as she continuously struggles internally. This subdued yet unmistakable conflict of appearance versus reality is the fuel that enlivens the flame of poetry.


“Sreebala Pottakkat has the grit and conviction to distil her emotional and spiritual journey into good poetry. When post-modern poetry seems to be going after trifles, Sreebala has boldly chosen the themes as solemn as the search for truth.”


–       K Jayakumar, IAS officer retired as Chief Secretary, Poet, Former Vice-Chancellor – Malayalam University