Kaliyuga On My Curls by Sk Muskan Tabasum is a bold, arresting poetry collection that confronts the reader with uncomfortable truths about society, power, relationships, and the human tendency to shift blame onto time rather than introspection. Rooted in social and political satire, the book challenges the conventional understanding of Kaliyuga as merely a dark age, instead questioning whether the darkness lies in the era itself or in the choices, hypocrisies, and moral compromises of humanity. Through sharp observations and emotionally charged verses, Tabasum creates a collection that is both unsettling and deeply thought-provoking.
One of the most striking aspects of this poetry collection is its fearless engagement with contemporary realities. Tabasum does not romanticize the present, nor does she escape into abstract idealism. Instead, she uses poetry as a lens to dissect war, social injustice, political absurdities, and the contradictions embedded within modern relationships. Her satire cuts deep, often laced with irony that exposes how easily people normalize cruelty, injustice, and emotional dishonesty while conveniently blaming Kaliyuga for moral decay. The poems compel readers to ask difficult questions about accountability, complicity, and the ways in which society collectively participates in its own downfall.
The poet’s exploration of modern-day relationships is particularly compelling. Rather than portraying love as a refuge from chaos, Tabasum often frames relationships as mirrors reflecting insecurity, power imbalance, and emotional disconnect. The ironies within these relationships are portrayed with brutal honesty, revealing how intimacy can coexist with exploitation, and how emotional negligence is often disguised as normalcy. Her language is sharp yet evocative, making each poem feel like a quiet confrontation rather than a loud accusation.
A powerful section of the collection centers on feminism, especially the segment titled ‘women,’ which stands out for its bold sensuality and unapologetic imagery. Tabasum’s portrayal of women is not confined to victimhood or rebellion alone; instead, it is layered with desire, strength, vulnerability, and defiance. Her feminism does not position itself against men, but against the deeply ingrained prejudices that suffocate women within households and society at large. By redefining empowerment through sensual and assertive imagery, she reclaims the female body and voice from moral policing and social anxiety. This approach adds depth to the collection, making it both intimate and political.
What makes Kaliyuga On My Curls particularly impactful is its emotional intensity. The poems do not merely aim to be read; they demand to be felt. There is a rawness in the way emotions are handled, often clenching the reader’s heart and leaving a lingering sting, much like the scorpion bite the book itself is compared to. Tabasum’s words have an edge that refuses comfort, forcing readers to sit with discomfort and reflection. Yet, within this intensity lies an undeniable honesty that makes the collection resonate long after the last page.
The inclusion of illustrations by Pritha Ghosh adds another dimension to the book. The visual elements complement the poetry, enhancing its emotional and thematic impact without overshadowing the words. The illustrations act as pauses for reflection, encouraging readers to revisit poems and engage with them repeatedly. This interplay between text and art transforms the collection into a multi-sensory experience, reinforcing its status as a page-turner despite being a poetry book.
Tabasum’s voice as a poet is confident, unflinching, and deeply aware of the socio-political climate she writes from. Her academic literary background is evident in the structural depth of her poems, but she never allows intellectualism to overpower emotional accessibility. Instead, she strikes a balance between critique and connection, ensuring that her poetry speaks not only to scholars of literature but also to everyday readers grappling with similar anxieties and frustrations.
As an emerging writer from West Bengal, Sk Muskan Tabasum brings a perspective that is both rooted and expansive. Her journey from anthologies to professional writing, and now to a deeply ambitious poetry collection, reflects her commitment to using literature as a tool for questioning, healing, and change. Much like her earlier work, Breaking Out: Life from Auto Pilot Mode, this collection continues her exploration of the human mind, societal conditioning, and the struggle to reclaim agency in a world driven by judgment and conformity.
Ultimately, Kaliyuga On My Curls is not a comforting read, nor does it intend to be. It is a collection that disrupts, provokes, and challenges the reader to rethink accepted narratives about morality, feminism, politics, and time itself. By standing in favor of Kaliyuga rather than condemning it outright, Tabasum flips the narrative and holds up a mirror to humanity’s own contradictions. This book is a powerful testament to poetry’s ability to question systems, voice silenced emotions, and carve space for uncomfortable but necessary conversations. For readers who seek poetry that dares to sting, unsettle, and awaken, Kaliyuga On My Curls is a compelling and memorable r
