Poetry is one of the most enduring forms of artistic expression. It also happens to be a particularly difficult medium to define. Unlike writing a novel, there are few barriers of entry into the world of poetry, save for the desire to combine expression with words. For that reason, it can be challenging to write something that truly stands apart from the fray. But Farena Bajwa has done just that. Her debut release, FLOWERS GROW ON BROKEN WALLS, is a stunning collection of arresting prose that begs for revisiting.

Divided into seven sections, Bajwa starts her journey with the fittingly titled ‘The End,’ forty pages of visceral, imagery-laden stanzas that contain some of this collection’s most powerful passages. Case in point: “‘I don‘t know how to dance,’ ‘Don‘t worry my dear. Trust me and let me lead.’ The devil has not let go of my hand ever since.” From there, Bajwa offers stark commentaries on modern living (“To quit social media or to not quit social media”), tomes of timeless wisdom (“Marathons are not about competing against each other, but about competing against yourself”), and brutally honest declarations (“Oh, how I wish I could get my innocence back”). At first glance, some passages may feel trite, or even a bit obvious, but the more one reads, the more one realizes that FLOWERS GROW ON BROKEN WALLS is a classic example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. To that end, there’s a strong, thematic element at the center of this collection, one that is sure to evoke a variety of emotions in readers from all walks of life.

While Bajwa’s writing is both intriguing and accomplished, the key selling point to this collection is the layout. Hand-drawn illustrations adorn each and every page, and the collection’s seven passages are marked with stark, negative ink drawings. Additionally, Bajwa continuously toys with the placement of her prose, juxtaposing traditional couplets with seemingly random stanzas, floating like an island on the page. Not unlike a tattered journal, every corner of FLOWERS GROW ON BROKEN WALLS displays a personal touch, a point further underscored with Bajwa’s choice of topic. Taking aim at everything one might associate with a disintegrating relationship or major life change, Bajwa wisely opts to balance her intimate confessions with ambiguous rumination. The decision pays immediate dividends, as FLOWERS GROW ON BROKEN WALLS is as much a personal catharsis as it is an ode to universal themes like love, loss, and self-discovery.

With a bio that includes acting, film-making, and voice-over work, Farena Bajwa has clearly devoted her life to the arts. Some may be tempted to dismiss this work as sophomoric, but there’s an undeniable power here, conveyed with a cutting directness that deserves recognition. Many writers seek the safety of obfuscation, burying their truth beneath a pile of adjectives and metaphors. Bajwa, on the other hand, has opted for a raw, unfiltered approach, and in the process, has crafted a powerful, moving collection of poetry.

From the evocative title to the meticulously crafted presentation, FLOWERS GROW ON BROKEN WALLS bears all the hallmarks of a labor of love that will likely resonate with anyone who’s experienced the dull ache of heartbreak.

~James Weiskittel for IndieReader