Hirakjyoti Deka brings together poetry, observation, and visual expression in “Black And White Man.” Across 65 illustrated poems, the collection explores private emotions and difficult social realities with an honest, questioning voice.
Poetry That Moves Across the Human Experience
“Black And White Man” draws its energy from a broad emotional landscape that includes love, loneliness, innocence, nostalgia, happiness, politics, and existential dread. The poems frequently move from familiar experiences into deeper philosophical questions, encouraging readers to look beyond the surface of an image or situation. Hirakjyoti appears interested in the thoughts people carry quietly, especially those that emerge during solitude, loss, uncertainty, or moments of unexpected compassion.
In “Platonic Moon and Sea,” a friendship is imagined through the relationship between the moon and the ocean. Their connection feels ancient, powerful, and vulnerable to outside forces. The moon governs the waves, while the sea reflects the moon’s dim light, creating a bond shaped by distance and dependence. The poem gives emotional weight to a relationship that has endured for years, even as affection fades and the future becomes uncertain.
Available in hardcover edition on Amazon, the first edition contains 148 pages and presents an image alongside every poem. This combination gives the collection a distinctive visual rhythm, allowing each subject to unfold through both language and illustration. With a suggested reading age of 13 years and above, the book may appeal to younger readers encountering reflective poetry as well as adults who appreciate direct, emotionally charged writing. Its accessible approach leaves room for personal interpretation, and readers who prefer poetry grounded in everyday scenes will find plenty to consider.
Uncomfortable Subjects Met With Directness
Several poems examine experiences that are painful, socially neglected, or difficult to discuss openly. “Abuse” considers the lasting psychological effects of trauma, including confusion, fear, substance dependency, damaged intimacy, and the need for professional support. Its central concern is the persistence of emotional wounds. Even when survivors are advised to forget the past, the poem asks whether an injury can truly forget the person or event that created it.
“The Fool” follows a different emotional path while continuing the collection’s interest in human behavior. It celebrates the person who retains kindness, playfulness, and the courage to laugh at himself. Through this figure, Hirakjyoti questions society’s fascination with status, money, jealousy, impatience, and carefully maintained appearances. The fool becomes a symbol of freedom because he can feel happiness for others and remain emotionally open without worrying about how intelligence or success is usually measured.
Social observation becomes especially vivid in “Ragman.” The poem depicts a young waste collector pulling a rusty cart beneath the intense Sunday sun while inhaling glue. A passing observer initially responds with judgment, then begins to recognize the desperation within the scene. Small physical details, including the loose money, damaged clothing, deserted road, and discarded bottle, make the moment immediate. The poem allows pity, discomfort, and helplessness to exist together without offering an easy resolution.
“A Joyride” introduces a mysterious train that travels from dawn until twilight, passing farms, rivers, thickets, and unfamiliar stations. The passenger must travel alone, carry no baggage, and place complete trust in the journey. Its rules create a dreamlike atmosphere that may suggest life, death, freedom, escape, or personal transformation. The poem’s invitation at the end encourages readers to decide whether they are prepared to enter an unknown experience and release whatever weighs them down.
About the Author
Holding a master’s degree in History, Hirakjyoti is currently working while continuing to pursue his creative interests. He has a deep passion for playing music and reading novels, both of which complement his interest in language, storytelling, and emotional expression. He also values the leisure of solitude, a preference that can be felt in the reflective mood and observant character of his poetry.
A Collection That Encourages Reflection
“Black And White Man” offers a varied journey through affection, suffering, social inequality, innocence, and the search for meaning. Its 65 poems and accompanying illustrations invite readers to pause, reconsider familiar ideas, and discover their own interpretations within Hirakjyoti’s thoughtful collection. That balance of language and imagery makes the book a rewarding choice for readers who enjoy contemplative poetry.