In Four Billion Years by Harsha Agrawal Ordinarily Entices for All Things Love through Poems

Dipped in the hue of the contemporary and technologically advanced time that we live in - right from the cover to the poems - In Four Billion Years (Story Mirror) by Harsha Agrawal is a collection of her 50 poems that this spoken word poet and storyteller from Mumbai took years to give it a shape that could free flow in the pages of her first book. While the poems capture various forms of love; from romantic to sensual, to self-love, and carry the potential to appeal well to similar youngsters, Agrawal presents a contrast by fondly remembering how similar poems once also appealed to "middle-aged women" in one of her readings. It only seems possible with the poems of this modern Indian English poet who does not let go of the old-school romance. 

Truly a form of incredibly subjective literature, the poems in In Four Billion Years, center around lovers and the vast range of emotions they face. Weaved in free verse form and even prose poetry, the poems talk about lovers that go beyond the conventional understanding of right and wrong. The opening poem draws you into a world that blurs the lines between worshipping divine powers and pursuing sensuality with the beloved. Some poems, unapologetically, combine food and love-making, and some portray the helplessness of an abandoned lover.

Agrawal takes a bold step in her poems to become revolutionary, like in 'A Dervish in Love', where she questions Lord Ram. She writes, "You decide to be/ What the mighty Ram Couldn't be/ Man over king - when faced with a choice." The poet also touches on various sore spots by talking about the not-so-talked dilemmas of a feminist lover. In her poem, she writes, "What must be his feminism/ So bereft of love?/ So unacquainted with tenderness?"

Shuffling between narrative and lyric poetry with various sub-genres - predominantly romance - throughout the book, a few of Harsha's poems also depict the lives of women and also give some space to the elegies. Agrawal has also dedicated a few poems to her inspirations like 'The World Is A Bitter Cross-Eyed Assistant' is a dedication to Elif Shafak and her work 'The Forty Rules of Love'. A few of the poems are also inspired by a few Drama Series that she fondly talks about in the footnote of the poems. "More than my personal experiences, what finds mention in the poems are all inspirations and observations," the 35-year-old poet says.

One of the most engaging elements of the book is the footnotes, especially appealing to young readers who value relatability and personal connections in content. Through these notes, Agrawal shares thoughts, insights, and recommendations. The poems, written in simple language, often use onomatopoeia, which keeps readers engaged. The collection also follows contemporary writing styles, including the use of metaphors and enjambment in most poems. The occasional use of virgules adds a unique touch, though their impact on readers may vary.

One of the most important and noticeable attributes of this book is its attempt—directly or indirectly—to appeal to a wide audience by keeping everything relatable. The cover reflects the prominent and ever-increasing influence of technology on our moods and emotions, while the poems contain references to pop culture. Agrawal not only mentions figures like Gulzar, Faraz, Khayyam, and Van Gogh but also includes modern references like 'Paparazzi' and 'Oppenheimer.' These elements are likely to attract seasoned readers, though it's hard to claim that they are mere gimmicks for sales. Some of these poems or their intentions resonate with readers, offering moments of light in the midst of the darkness in their own lives.

Having said that, the book doesn't excel in literary writing, which is understandable for a debut collection by a poet primarily known for her spoken word performances. While some poems may feel repetitive in their subjects and forms, others tackle the challenge of unexplored poetic structures. The use of lyric poetry in some pieces can sometimes reduce the impact, making them feel more like personal diary entries, which may not always resonate with all readers.

Amidst the ordinary, 'In Four Billion Years' still manages to engage readers with its simplicity, especially in describing what is often considered the most complex of all emotions—love. The poet, if nothing else, succeeds in creating vivid images and evoking responses from the audience.