Review written by Editor Ruth Pal Chaudhuri and Edited by Editor Mrinali Jadhav

A collection of tiny terrors from Bram Stoker Award ® winner Christina Sng. The Gravity of Existence is a weight lifted, a monster freed, a princess with sneakers, a spell for a better world. From one of the leading voices in dark verse, this collection delights in the misunderstood, putting a new spin on werewolves, basilisks, sirens, ghosts, aliens, pandemics, fairy tales and myths. Sng gives new voice to classic heroines and the result is terrifying, magical, and fantastic.

Review

The Gravity of Existence: Poems is a collection of poetry written by Christina Sng, a poet and writer based in Singapore.

The collection comprises 70 poems that explore themes of existence, life, and death. The poems are divided into five sections, each with its own unique focus, and are accompanied by striking black-and-white illustrations by the author.

This book is both haunting and beautiful, exploring the darker side of human nature and existence. The first section of the book, “Memento Mori,” sets the tone for the rest of the collection by examining death and the passage of time.

Sng’s poetry is not afraid to delve into the uncomfortable and painful emotions that come with contemplating the end of life. In “Dusk,” she writes, “The day fades to black / And in the stillness of the night / We all know we’re going to die.

“The second section, “Dark Matters,” is where Sng’s poetry really shines. The poems in this section are dark and twisted, exploring themes of horror and macabre. Sng’s vivid imagery and language paint a picture of a world that is both terrifying and beautiful.

In “Bones,” she writes, “The bones of the earth / Rise up in silent glory / And dance beneath the stars.”The third section, “Dreamscapes,” takes a softer turn and explores the power of imagination and dreams. The poems in this section are ethereal and whimsical, taking the reader on a journey through a world of fantasy and wonder.

In “Ephemeral,” Sng writes, “I am ephemeral / A whisper in the wind / A fleeting memory / That will soon be forgotten.” the fear of being forgotten is very real but Sng cherishes that, and this part resonated the most with me.

The fourth section, “Echoes,” is perhaps the poet’s most personal and emotional voice. The poems in this section are a reflection on the past and the memories that shape us.

This section is poignant and heart-wrenching, exploring themes of loss and grief. In “Echoes,” she writes, “The sound of your voice / Echoes in my mind / A memory of a love / That was once so kind.” The rhyming of this simple part makes it all the more memorable and bittersweet. We all have such loves and memories that placate us and also make our mind be in a chaotic mess. The final section, “Epilogue,” ties the collection together with a sense of finality and closure. The poems in this section are a reflection on the journey that has been taken throughout the book, and they offer a sense of resolution and acceptance. In “The End,” Sng writes, “The end is near / But I am not afraid / For I have lived / And loved and played.” I wish to be this happy and satisfied.

I hope my Epilogue is the same.Throughout The Gravity of Existence: Poems, Sng’s language is vivid and powerful. Her use of metaphor and imagery is particularly effective, painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and terrifying. Sng’s poetry is not afraid to delve into the darker aspects of human existence, but it is also infused with hope and wonder.The illustrations that accompany the poems are also a highlight of the collection.

Sng’s black-and-white drawings are intricate and haunting, adding an additional layer of depth to the poems. The combination of poetry and illustration is particularly effective, creating a cohesive and immersive reading experience.

Overall, The Gravity of Existence: Poems is a stunning collection of poetry that explores the complexities of existence, life, and death. Sng’s poetry is powerful and evocative, and her use of imagery and language is masterful. The illustrations that accompany the poems add an additional layer of depth and beauty to the collection.

The Gravity of Existence: Poems is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry that is both haunting and beautiful.

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