Lucknow: A celebration of poetry, reflection and meaningful conversations unfolded at Universal Booksellers, Hazratganj, on Saturday as the Universal Readers Circle hosted An Evening with Meera, centred on The Dust on My Heart, a collection of 70 contemporary poems by writer Meera.
Held from 5 pm to 6 pm, the gathering brought together poetry enthusiasts, readers and lovers of literature for an engaging conversation on contemporary poetry, the creative process and the power of words to connect people through shared emotions and experiences. Dr. Shruti Mishra, poet and academician, and Nidhi Prakash guided the discussion, encouraging participants to explore the ideas behind the collection and the relationship between a poet and her readers.
During the conversation, Dr. Shruti Mishra spoke with Meera about the themes of her poems and the purpose behind her writing. Meera explained that most poems in The Dust on My Heart are written in the first person, using the voice of “I”, to help readers connect with the work on a deeply personal level.
She wants readers to feel that they are encountering their own thoughts and emotions expressed in words. Rather than viewing a poem merely as someone else’s expression, readers should experience it as a conversation with themselves. Enabling people to engage with their inner selves through poetry, she said, is an important part of her writing process. The idea, in essence, is that poetry should find a voice within the reader and help them recognise their own feelings and experiences.
Meera also emphasised the importance of self-motivation and emotional well-being. She said people should take care of their own happiness while making an effort to bring happiness to those around them. Drawing an analogy with emergency oxygen masks on an aircraft, she noted that people must first look after themselves before they can effectively help others.
The event offered an opportunity for attendees to share their favourite verses, discover new poetic voices and collections, and engage in conversations about the written word. The warm setting of the bookstore, complemented by coffee, readings and lively exchanges, created an atmosphere in which literature became a shared experience rather than a solitary pursuit.
The gathering reflected the Universal Readers Circle’s emphasis on bringing readers and writers together through accessible literary encounters. By encouraging dialogue around The Dust on My Heart, the programme explored how poetry can move beyond the page to become a medium for introspection, emotional understanding and personal connection.
With its blend of poetry, coffee and conversation, An Evening with Meera offered a reminder that the purpose of writing is not merely to express the writer’s thoughts, but also to give readers the words through which they can understand and articulate their own.
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