Book Review : Nothing Matters by Biswajit Mishra

Nothing Matters

Nothing Matters is a collection of profound, introspective yet witty haiku and micro poems.

Through its experimental, philosophical approach and slice-of-life haiku, the book opens the door to layers of the mind where you find yourself observing thoughts as they arise and pass with each page turn, with each poem.

Throughout it’s entirety, Biswajit uses striking, vivid imagery and subtle play of words to paint the human experiences with such nuance that as a reader you find yourself in alignment with your own emotions.

Literature has always been a great escape, but more often than not it has drawn me closer to human reality. So, I find work that echoes and heightens this connection, truly paves a way towards the sub conscious contemplation.

Reading Nothing Matters is one such experience.

The spaciousness allows a room for the reader to venture in and reflect back.

The vulnerability is palpable.

Watching waves and being near a body of water has a profound effect on the human soul, as if one comes face to face with oneself. With each recurring “tide,” emotions of love, grief, memory, and time resurface.

The meditative tone works here powerfully with the minimalist structure. “Shore sand,” as the transient element, briefly holds its shape before being reshaped again and again. Just as the tide returns, the earth spins, days change, and so does life.

It is not only the tide that erases footprints, but also the surge of emotions that spills over, sometimes overwhelming, sometimes simply filling one with the quiet gratitude of simply existing.

long night

This micro poem cleverly captures the gnawing anxiety that arises when night falls silent and everyone around you is in deep sleep. Yet here you are, tossing and turning, each tick of the clock echoing with the burning weight of existential thoughts, emotions once overlooked or suppressed now resurfacing with relentless intensity.

What began as a seemingly harmless moment escalates into a profound, almost devastating dread that is simply beyond your comprehension.

You try to fight with all your might but only you and the night bear witness to your muffled voice. Meanwhile, the loud ticks continue to claw away at your “piece of rest,” stealing the peace you once held sacred, such a simple moment now just beyond your reach.

Though this poem beautifully captures the constant struggle to keep up with the world, it reminds us that some are inevitably left behind, while others move so far ahead that catching up seems almost impossible. It works both ways: either you are the one far ahead, or you are the one struggling to keep pace.

I also sense a subtle humor in it, the way we look around and realize just how ‘out of shape’ we are, barely capable of running with the world around us. And yet, in our frantic effort to run (or outrun), exhausting ourselves both mentally and physically, we are left to wonder: what exactly are we running for? What is it that we are all chasing?

The visual pieces, experimental poems, and haiku are stunning, striking, and deeply introspective. The philosophical, inward-looking tone makes this book a beautifully meditative read. While reading, I found myself smiling at moments, and at times, completely lost in thought.

Before concluding, it is impossible not to highlight a few pieces.

These poems reveal the exquisite craftsmanship of the author, evokes an entire landscape of emotions and deep thoughts through its brevity and simplicity.

the son I was my son

hiking
the mountain and I
hold our ground

just letting me know I am here clock ticks

Nothing Matters is a book that makes you reflect on how life is an accumulation of experiences, shared at the conscious level, unfolding in a tender, vulnerable, yet subtle way. I enjoyed the humor, the pause, the reflection, philosophical and existential undertones and the simple nature of writing.

A wonderful addition to the Haiku world.

Read and share your thoughts with the author by leaving your comments and views on amazon, goodreads and the other platforms.

Happy reading 🙂