“Ever since “Leaves of Grass” first appeared in 1855, we find Walt Whitman simultaneously falsely imitated and truly manifesting in America. Who would have thought that his latest local incarnation would be in the body and the soul of an exceptional woman born in Gaya, Bihar, India, where the Buddha experienced Enlightenment? Yet here he is. Kalpna Singh-Chitnis’s Bare Soul is a rapturous ‘Song of Herself’ erupting in a time and space…” ~ Jack Foley, Poet and Author of Grief Songs & The Tiger & Other Tales.
O “Dear Kalpna, I’m thankful for your outlook towards life and love. This world needs beautiful souls like yours.” ~ Amrita Pritam – Vaptsarov Award, and Ordre des Arts et des Lettres recipient Punjabi poet (India)
O“What I like most about Kalpna and her poetry is her ability to understand sufferings. Her language is simple, but her emotions run deep.” ~ Gulzar – Poet, Author, Oscar and Grammy Award winner Lyricist and Filmmaker (India)
O “Kalpna, in her poems, searches for a destination not made of concrete and dust, instead, what is manifested in the layers of our existence and shines through it, yet unseen and unknown.” ~ Dr. Wazir Agha – Nobel Prize in Literature Nominee Urdu Poet, Author, and Critique (Pakistan)
O “Her verse may remind the reader of Rumi, the Sufis, and mystics – but Rumi, the Sufis, and mystics in fine English, with an ear for its native rhythms. Her lines bear only a vague reminiscence, “echoing” these masters as one might repeat the details of a dream upon awakening. For Kalpna’s voice is as original and cross-cultural as it is universal and classic.” ~ Jennifer Reeser – Poet and Author of “Indigenous,” “An Alabaster Flask,” “Sonnets from the Dark Lady,” and “The Lalaurie Horror” (USA)
O “Kalpna Singh-Chitnis’ poetry is ladened with original thoughts, the spontaneity of expression, and sublimity. Her poetic myth and philosophy are self-created and universal to the core. She writes with the truthfulness of emotions influenced by an intuitive whiz, creative piquancy, and true pre-requisites of poetry from her inner self.
~ Naseer Ahmed Nasir – Poet and Author of “A Man Outside History” (Pakistan)
O “Kalpna’s poetry has a personal touch disappearing from modern contemporary poetry. There is a restlessness in her that is a key to the growth of a young poet.”
~ Kedarnath Singh, 1992 , – Poet, Author, Professor and Critique (India)
O “While listening to your voice, I look into your eyes. Kalpna, you are an ocean – I can never touch the bottom – taste the fullness of your water. Endless is your variety – in expressions – in the paradox – which can be understood only with the soul.” ~ Ingrid Henzler – Poet, Author and Artist (Italy)
O “Just when my mind thinks that the penultimate peak of poetry has been reached by magical, mystical Kalpna, it outpours another gem to quash the last summit and rise to an even braver new height. I am in awe of her soul that sings these divine songs.” ~ Amata Natasha Goldie – Poet and Author of the “The Golden Thread Book” (Australia)
O “Only a poet of Kalpna’s caliber could make words sing and dance or weep and mourn all at the same time. ~ John Harricharan – Award-winning author of “When You Can Walk on Water, Take the Boat” and Power Pause (USA)
O “Kalpna reminds us of Rumi — in a most wonderful, Kalpna sort of way!” ~ Heather O’Hara – Author, Poet, and Publisher (USA)
