Dear Mama: An Immigrant’s Secret Cry by Shailja Sharma – Preface by Gabriela Marie Milton

bestselling author, Gabriela Marie Milton, poetry, poetry collection 3 Minutes

“Dear Mama: An Immigrant’s Secret Cry” author Shailja Sharma, published by Pittsburgh-based Setu Publications, a merit-based, peer-reviewed publisher with a preface by Gabriela Marie Milton.

When Shailja sent me the manuscript of her book and asked me to write a preface I was sure I was not going to do it. I had too much work to do: too much research, too many responsibilities, too many hours helping various communities, including the poetry community. I definitely was not going to do it. That was valid before I opened the manuscript. The moment I opened it I could not put it down.

First, here is Shailja talking about her book:

“Dear Mama: An Immigrant’s Secret Cry” is a secret tear flowing from an immigrant’s heart. It’s the tear that is hidden from mama for many years while settling in a land away from home. It feels better when it finally flows. These poems depict lacks and memories, struggles and hardships, as well as hopes, promises, potential, and empowerment. Some of these pieces were recently published world-wide. Due to an excellent readership, the author was compelled to extend and compile this book.”

Below is my preface and the Amazon link where you can find the book.

In 2017, Jessica Traynor, wrote an opinion piece in The Irish Times entitled “James Joyce, the emigrant who left Dublin in body but not in mind.” The theme of immigration has been a constant presence in world literature. Most recently, contemporary novels such as Julie Otsuka’s The Buddha in the Attic, and Cristina Henriquez’s The Book of Unknown Americans excellently depict the challenges and struggles of immigrants.

Shailja Sharma (Ph.D.), a psychologist practicing in the USA, steps on the same roads with her beautiful poetry volume entitled Dear Mama: An Immigrant’s Secret Cry. The book reflects the trauma immigrants endure when settling in new lands. The opening poem screams alienation: “I missed telling you how much I missed you.”

In order for the new life to keep as least a semblance of past – a past where the familiar lies – the author tries to reproduce in her place of settlement Indian customs. Lines like: Hold your Deepak/Flaunt the sari, are representative. Shailja decries the lack of free-play, discrimination, prejudice, and longs for the smoothness and protection that once she felt at home.

Dear Mama: An Immigrant’s Secret Cry, stands apart not only because of the theme the author addresses – immigration being a major subject in multiple societies these days – but also by the power of its astonishing verse, the talent of its author, and the empowerment the author offers. In the pages of this book the reader will find poetry at its best. Shailja Sharma’s verses are the mirror in which immigrants can find themselves and, equally, the highest expression of poetic endeavor.

Here is a snippet from the book

There used to be a wall
with a hook that anchored
my belongings. Some wet memories
have pickled over the years.
It’s raining and my feet are
running to the backyard to
save grandmother’s pickle jars.
I know it’s too late, but I continue to
stand in prickly rain drops. My
wounds are wet and I am shivering.
I am crying for the concrete floor, on which,
sat a folded towel holding her
steaming pressure-cooker.
I have lost that floor…

You can find the book on Amazon HERE:

A Gentle Reminder – Please do not forget to submit to the anthology Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women.

You can find the call for submissions HERE. Please follow the guidelines for submissions. Poetry that does not follow the guidelines will not be taken in consideration.

Thank you.
Have a great weekend everyone.

Gabriela Marie Milton
#1 Amazon Bestseller Author
Books:
Woman: Splendor and Sorrow :I Love Poems and Poetic Prose
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings

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Published by Gabriela Marie Milton

Gabriela Marie Milton #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author, 2019 Author of the Year at Spillwords Press NYC; internationally published poet; poetry collections Woman: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis Pres, July 27, 2021); Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis Press, April, 2020)

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47 thoughts on “Dear Mama: An Immigrant’s Secret Cry by Shailja Sharma – Preface by Gabriela Marie Milton”

  2. It sounds like an amazing book and I can see why you accepted to do the preface, Gabriela. She brings the plight of the immigrant, home translating, what is often just numbers, e.g 1 million Ukrainians, 3 million Syrians, etc into the pain and reality of the human, of the daily, of experiences we can learn from and form true empathy from them.

    Reply

    1. Hi my fabulous Karima. Thank you from being here. Yes. it is a timely collection. Sending you lots of love.
      xoxo

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much Bo. I hope you are doing as well as possible under the circumstances. Love you hon.

      Reply

      2. I do know. Sending love to everyone. Take care of you ❤️

  6. Migrating to another country is never easy. One carries one’s home within the heart, while trying to put roots in an alien land.
    The excerpt you shared is touching.

    Reply

    1. Hi Punam. She really expressed that and her book is wonderful.

      Hon, I am glad that your family is safe. I am sending everyone my love.
      xoxo

      Reply

  8. This hit straight to the heart Gabriela and I can see why you couldn’t refuse from just that one poem… so passionate with such poetic lines capturing our heart and soul. Your words capture the essence in a way only you can do to bring depth and intrigue to a story worthy of our time. I know how busy you are and what a huge honor and gift you provided for all of us! xoxoxoox

    Reply

    1. Hi Cindy, dear, thank you for your fabulous comment. You are such a fabulous friend. May your Sunday be bright. Lots of love and hugs to you.
      xoxo

      Reply

    1. Thank you for your comment hon. The book is a splendid read. I hope you are well.

      Reply

    1. It is Mark. Thank you so much for reading. I hope your Sunday is going well.

      Reply

  13. Gabriela, I think that many immigrants to do not receive the empathy they need and deserve. Bringing new cultural influences with them, they enrich their new country. Their contributions deserve to be recognized and appreciated. I enjoyed reading your preface to this book and the lovely excerpt. <3

    Reply

    1. Cheryl, thank you so much for sharing your lovely thoughts. True indeed.
      I am glad you enjoyed the preface and the excerpt. Have a lovely Sunday ❤️🌺🌸

      Reply

  15. Wonder, if ever, if everyone could realize, we all immigrated from the spiritual “green room”.

    Wishing or hesitating, nervous or excited to make our appearance on this spherical stage.

    Before returning to the next green room for another appearance.

    Reply

  17. A beautifully crafted preface, for what reads as a brilliant and soul-stirring book. How could I not buy it? I will not get to reading it until later this year, yet will be honored to read it when I do. Thank you for sharing Shailja’s work with us, Gabriela.🌺🌹🌻❤️

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for your beautiful comment and for your support Jeff. It was my pleasure to introduce her work.
      Have a beautiful week my dear friend.
      xoxo

      Reply
  19. Pingback: Dear Mama: An Immigrant’s Secret Cry by Shailja Sharma – Preface by Gabriela Marie Milton | THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON...

  20. This is a beautifully written preface and the snippet you included was incredibly beautiful. Thank you for sharing this and what a kind thing to do as busy as you are to write a preface. I have known many immigrants when I lived in Seattle and their sorrows can run deep. Thank you for sharing and congratulations to you both. Hugs and love Joni

    Reply

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