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Published by Central Avenue Poetry
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
A powerful exploration of the diverse manifestations of “home”, extending beyond its mere physicality, through topics such as womanhood, spirituality, and immigration.
Explore the multifaceted concept of "home" through Kaur's evocative poetry. Journey beyond its physical confines to discover its emotional and psychological depths, touching on themes like immigration, womanhood, and spirituality.
Encounter narratives of loss, rediscovery, and healing that resonate with the human experience. With rich language and imagery, this collection offers fresh perspectives, inviting readers to reconsider their understanding of what it means to feel at home.
Explore the multifaceted concept of "home" through Kaur's evocative poetry. Journey beyond its physical confines to discover its emotional and psychological depths, touching on themes like immigration, womanhood, and spirituality.
Encounter narratives of loss, rediscovery, and healing that resonate with the human experience. With rich language and imagery, this collection offers fresh perspectives, inviting readers to reconsider their understanding of what it means to feel at home.
Excerpt
Intergenerational Pain
I learned silence from my father;
this is the only way he was ever allowed to grieve
I inherited my mother’s rage;
this is the only way she was ever heard
Numb
There is no doubt about it:
It is easier to think of anything but the grief,
to drift in a constant state of numbness.
The cuts keep coming, but I no longer feel them.
I wear my scars like badges, battle-worn,
yet, truth be told,
I do not remember when they formed—or how.
The anesthesia will fade, eventually,
but healing means confronting the pain.
And who wants to walk down the street,
only to come face to face with their mistakes?
The eclipse
If I told you
about the darkness
inside me,
would you still look at me
like I am the Sun?
Chekhov’s Gun
In another lifetime,
I learn not to carry the hurt
like a loaded gun.
In another lifetime,
you are bulletproof.
I learned silence from my father;
this is the only way he was ever allowed to grieve
I inherited my mother’s rage;
this is the only way she was ever heard
Numb
There is no doubt about it:
It is easier to think of anything but the grief,
to drift in a constant state of numbness.
The cuts keep coming, but I no longer feel them.
I wear my scars like badges, battle-worn,
yet, truth be told,
I do not remember when they formed—or how.
The anesthesia will fade, eventually,
but healing means confronting the pain.
And who wants to walk down the street,
only to come face to face with their mistakes?
The eclipse
If I told you
about the darkness
inside me,
would you still look at me
like I am the Sun?
Chekhov’s Gun
In another lifetime,
I learn not to carry the hurt
like a loaded gun.
In another lifetime,
you are bulletproof.
About The Author
Harman Kaur, a Panjabi Sikh poet and writer born and raised in British Columbia, Canada, now calls the Bay Area, California, home. Through powerful words, she fearlessly explores the intricate layers of her identity, exemplified in her collections, Phulkari and Call Me Home.
Product Details
- Publisher: Central Avenue Poetry (February 18, 2025)
- Length: 128 pages
- ISBN13: 9781771684002
Raves and Reviews
“Call Me Home is both familiar and inviting, yet also unsettling and thought-provoking, striking all the right chords. I found reflections of my own life as a Sikh within many of the poems, while also being reminded that they offer a glimpse into others’ experiences, enriching my understanding of the unknown. Each poem is powerful on its own, and together they create a cohesive journey that deepens our awareness of our interconnectedness." — Simran Jeet Singh, national bestselling author of The Light We Give
"Call Me Home skillfully navigates the complexities of womanhood, illustrates the tumultuous nuance of grief, and explores the importance of facing the pain that awaits you. Those looking for a collection that carefully addresses how to be gentle with your inner child and how to move bravely through during difficult life transitions will find comfort and validation in Kaur’s words — you might even gain some direction on where to look to find yourself." — ari b. cofer, author of paper girl and the knives that made her and unfold
"Call Me Home was a testament to the immigrant experience. It felt like a hand reaching out for you across a void you never thought you’d be able to cross. This is the book of poetry I wish I had growing up, something to remind me I’m not alone and that my experience isn’t singular. As a Pakistani-American, Harman’s words gave voice to feelings I’ve been trying to understand my whole life." – Hinnah Mian, author of Pangaea
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Call Me Home eBook 9781771684002
- Author Photo (jpg): Harman Kaur (0.1 MB)
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