Title: Across The Troubled Seas
Author: Dev Keshav
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.in/Across-Troubled-Seas-Dev-Keshav/dp/9373352296
About The Book
Across the troubled seas” is the story of my life. Written on scraps of paper to share the loneliness of a sensitive child with myself. Writing was my comfort and refuge from a world I perceived was not my world. I wrote of feelings, experiences and some abstract perceptions. There were many ‘footsteps in the sand’ parts of my life which were ‘written’ in my mind so that no one may ever see them.
I would like to share this journey with you at the behest of someone close to me. There is a loose timeline which one can easily perceive as I walked along my path in search of the divine. From sadness came brushes with understanding, joy and revelations. My wife, friend and soulmate Hemlata was privy to the depths of my mind. The birth of our son Dhruv, whose life we believe was touched by the Grace of God rekindled my desire to pursue the spiritual path.
Feel free to read between the lines, have empathy or see a connection with your life. May you also recognise your own ‘footsteps in the sand’ and find comfort as I did. I trust this story of poems will touch your heart, or at the least leave some impression.
About The Author
Dev Keshav was born in a pious Gujarati family in Gwelo, Rhodesia in 1953. His exposure to Gurus from India who visited them nurtured his desire to follow a spiritual path as a child.
He left school early, spent time in Malawi and travelled around Mozambique. A scholarship from the Indian government took him to Bombay travelling by ship along the coast of Africa.
On his return to Zimbabwe, he was conscripted into the Rhodesian army. He left the country when his childhood friend died in an ambush. He returned at the height of the war, got married and served until independence.
His life was filled with tribulations, but he later realised that those were his “footsteps in the sand” moments when the Divine carried him over all the obstacles.
It was his childhood desire which made him stop the world at the age of 40 and get off. He sold what he could, packed his bags and took his wife and 5-year-old son on a spiritual quest of a lifetime. It took them to the holy land of Vrindavan. They lived there for seven years in the association of saints and were initiated by Shri Radha Sarveshvar Sharandev Acharya of Nimbarka Sampradaya. Dedicated to the spiritual path they spent the ensuing years between India and Zimbabwe.
They were living in India until just before the covid pandemic when he was diagnosed with a rare Incurable autoimmune illness Myasthenia Gravis.
They moved back to Zimbabwe and eventually at the age of 70 returned to his place of birth, Gwelo where he now spends his time in prayer and writing.
Zinia Laha: When did you first realize poetry would become an important part of your life?
Dev Keshav: I was 13 years old when I started writing poetry. As I said before, they were written on scraps of paper. Over the years I lost some and the writing faded on others. I knew it was an important part of my life when my writing became a place for me to seek solace. There was a subtle change when I realized that I needed both my writing and to search for something missing simultaneously. That’s when my path led to the Divine.
Zinia Laha: The title Across The Troubled Seas is evocative. What inspired it?
Dev Keshav: When I read my poems, they bring back memories of the trials and tribulations of my life. The theme was a struggle; a struggle to live as a child and not be allowed to dedicate my life to God; a struggle to live in a world I did not feel part of; a rebellion against society and drift off the track; what I envisioned my life to be was the title of this book. Yes, it was my journey “Across the Troubled Seas” and it was The Grace of God that carried us.
Zinia Laha: Which life experience has influenced your writing the most?
Dev Keshav: I have written it all. Maybe a reader can judge which experiences stand out.
Zinia Laha: Your poems often explore loneliness and belonging. Are these recurring themes in your life?
Dev Keshav: They were. In reality we are all alone. You can be lonely even in a crowd. I think that until we find our way back, we will always have these feelings simmering in the depths of our soul.
Zinia Laha: How do travel and place influence your creativity?
Dev Keshav: I wasn’t being creative; I was only comforting myself by putting emotions on paper.
Zinia Laha: Is there a poem in the book that you feel represents you the most?
Dev Keshav: I’m not sure. I think maybe I’m still that sad little child inside. At the same time, I see each poem changing me. At the end, every poem added to who I am. The whole book represents the complex me.
Zinia Laha: What role does faith play in your writing process?
Dev Keshav: I am a strong believer in the philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita. Not even a blade of grass moves without the sanction of the Lord. I believe that whatever I wrote was inspired by my faith.
Zinia Laha: Were there any poets or writers who inspired your literary journey?
Dev Keshav: I loved the old English poetry. They offered me respite from the tribulations of life at times. Inspiration is not always recognised. We just emulate unknowingly.
Zinia Laha: How has age changed your perspective as a writer?
Dev Keshav: It is said that with age comes wisdom. But I always saw myself as an old soul. One has to change, evolve, learn, adapt. There is no progression in stagnation. I hope my perspectives have changed with revelations, and I haven’t allowed ego to make me attached to beliefs without allowing truths to emerge freely.
Zinia Laha: What message would you like to give to young poets and readers?
Dev Keshav: Don’t write anything as an exercise. Let your mind recognise your heart beats.
