Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
There are voices we hear in crowded streets, and there are voices that echo only in the silence of our hearts. Some words are written with ink, and some are bled onto paper by the soul itself. It is these unspoken words, these unheard whispers, that find a home in Imbisat Tareen’s heartfelt collection — The Inner Voice.
In the realm of contemporary literature, where verbosity often overshadows sincerity, The Inner Voice emerges as a work of rare tenderness and emotional honesty. Penned by a young poet hailing from the picturesque valleys of Jammu and Kashmir, this book does not shout for attention. It softly sings, it weeps, it questions, and it quietly embraces its readers.
But for me, this book holds a meaning far deeper than its poetic grace — for Imbisat Tareen was once a blooming bud in my classroom. To watch him now blossom into a published poet is a joy known only to those privileged enough to witness a student’s flight into his destined sky.
A tapestry of tender emotions
The Inner Voice is a poetic memoir of the soul. Through a series of heartfelt poems and reflections, Imbisat journeys through the alleyways of love, longing, loss, hope, and resilience. Poems like Parents, In a Cage, Tears and Love, Snowfall in Summer, and The Diamond in the Dark Night paint vivid portraits of human emotions — the kind that dwell within all of us, yet rarely find words.
What makes this book unique is its unpolished sincerity. Imbisat neither seeks to impress with grandiloquent phrases nor hides behind complex metaphors. His verses are raw, simple, and drenched in emotion. It is poetry written not to decorate the page, but to soothe the heart.
Kashmir: The unspoken metaphor
Through much of the book, nature becomes both a companion and a metaphor. Rivers, snow, flowers, and cages make frequent appearances _ subtly hinting at the quiet unrest of Kashmir without politicising it. The reader is left to sense the silence between words, to decipher the cry behind the beauty.
The poet’s homeland breathes through his verses. The snow-laden meadows, the distant mountains, the scent of lost springs — each image delicately mirrors not only Imbisat’s personal memories but also a collective longing for peace and belonging.
A fortunate bond: From student to poet
As a teacher, there is no greater reward than seeing one’s student thrive. And when that student pens words capable of touching souls, the joy multiplies. Imbisat Tareen’s evolution from a humble learner to a published poet is a chapter I hold dear. I recall the spark in his eyes, his quiet observations, and now, to see them immortalized in print, is a blessing.
I have always believed that poetry is the art of bleeding gracefully. And The Inner Voice stands testament to that belief. It is a book that demands no applause but deserves to be read in silence — under the shade of an old tree, on a cold winter night, or in a moment of solitude.
Why this book matters
In a time where much of modern writing tends to chase trends and formulas, The Inner Voice offers readers something precious — authenticity. It reminds us of the strength in vulnerability, the beauty in simple words, and the timelessness of heartfelt poetry.
It is not just a book but a companion for those lost in the labyrinth of their own inner voices. And for me, it is a reminder that sometimes, the quietest students become the most profound writers.
Bottomline
I heartily recommend The Inner Voice to all lovers of poetry, seekers of emotional depth, and those who value sincerity in literature. May Imbisat Tareen continue to bloom, and may his words travel beyond valleys, beyond borders, straight into the hearts they are meant for.
(The author is a distinguished columnist, motivational speaker and can be reached at [email protected])
