The Swan: Five Poems by Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer

Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer stands as a towering figure in the landscape of contemporary literature, acclaimed internationally for his remarkable versatility as a poet, critic, reviewer, editor, and literary scholar. Originating from Fatehpur, India, his name has become synonymous with intellectual depth, linguistic mastery, and aesthetic sensitivity. With an exceptional command over language and poetic form, Dr. Veer has carved a distinctive space that unites classical sensibility with modern thought. His celebrated collection Kab Tootengi Chuppiyan epitomizes his creative genius, exploring themes of societal decay, moral erosion, human endurance, environmental awareness, gender sensitivity, spiritual introspection, and the eloquence of silence. His verses carry a quiet intensity that transcends boundaries, speaking to the shared conscience of humanity and reflecting an unwavering belief in the transformative power of literature.

In his role as an editor and curator of literary culture, Dr. Veer has played a pivotal role in shaping the ethos of 21st-century Indian letters. Having edited nearly two dozen literary books and numerous national and international magazines, he continues to redefine the art of publication and critical inquiry. As the distinguished editor of Micropoetry Cosmos and The Fatehpur Resolution, he has created inclusive global platforms dedicated to literary innovation, brevity, and aesthetic experimentation. His editorial leadership extends to acclaimed anthologies such as Samkaleen Kshanikakaar and Sonchiraiya Maun Hai, which spotlight contemporary poetic voices and creative movements. A keen literary critic and essayist, he blends rigorous scholarship with empathy, guiding countless emerging poets and writers toward refinement and originality. Through his mentorship, he has cultivated an entire generation of literary thinkers who continue to draw inspiration from his discipline and creative generosity.

Dr. Veer’s poetic and editorial legacy resonates across continents, with his works translated into numerous Asian and European languages. His growing international acclaim is marked by recognitions such as the prestigious Literary Icon Award 2018 from Nigeria’s You and Literature Today, the Awadhi Gaurav Samman in Nepal, and a notable literary honor from Argentina—affirming his status as a global ambassador of Indian literature. Beyond poetry, he contributes meaningfully to the public sphere as a member of the Advisory Board of Jan Swasthya Dharana, a journal under India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, exemplifying his belief in the social and ethical duty of literature. Whether through his lyrical creations, his incisive criticism, or his visionary editorial work, Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer continues to illuminate the world of letters with rare brilliance, profound humanism, and an enduring commitment to truth and beauty.

Every Spring

Rapid stream of the river

causing upheaval in the mind

Heartbeats accelerating

Emotions floating

Pink dreams shining

Feelings becoming increasingly dense

Birds singing

Bees buzzing

New crops being sown

The magical season of spring has made me crazy

I am falling in love with her

How do I get her

I have a red rose of expectations

But I can hardly give it to her

I also have a ring of emotions

But I can hardly put it on her index

Knowing that I can't get her

How be it I dream about her

In view of the fact that

My dreams are my own

This is enough to make me blissful

If I get her, yet

The river is sure to go ahead

The birds and bees will fly

The crops will ripen and cut

But my love will never be less

I will wait for her every spring.

Centuries Later

When I was reading a deep love for myself in her eyes,

She had completely dissolved in my breath.

When I was admiring her pink cheeks,

She had written her name in my heart.

When I gave her a red rose,

She gestured me to put that rose in her hair-

and as soon as I put that red rose in her hair,

So shy she was and lowerd her head

Both we were immersed in immense love.

The sky wanted to take earth in his arms,

and the earth wanted to be lost in the arms of the sky!

Centuries later, the two souls were eager to merge with each other.

Are You Listening?

You're sorrowful

Sorrowful