Indian poet and artist Sandeep Kumar Mishra’s poem “When You Buy Their Sorrow” has been selected for inclusion in the prestigious “Evergreen Wishes Christmas Award Anthology 2024” by the League of the Poets (T.L.O.P) International, based in Nigeria. Other shortlisted poets are Timothy Michael DiVito, Leonidas Mertiris, Christian Ward, Neelam Shah, Alex Andy Phuong, Evica Kraljić, Emma Wells, Plamen Vasilev, Steven Kaszab, Wendy Blaxland, Marie McMullin, Chandra Gurung, Dominic Romito, Chad Norman, Michael Brigden, Ajibade Hannah Toluwani, Hegyi Brigitta, Martha Patterson, Sharmila Mehta, D.M Navoda Dissanayake, David Isaac Casson Beckom, John Guzlowski, Alberto Arecchi, David Cattanach and Nkosinathi Tleane.
This accolade adds to Mishra’s impressive list of international recognitions. Recently, he made history by securing both the Wells Story Prize 2024 in the UK and the Westerwood Story Prize 2024 in Scotland, underscoring his exceptional talent and global appeal.
Mishra’s poem “When You Buy Their Sorrow” is a contemplative and heartfelt exploration of the essence of Christmas, transcending its material trappings to emphasize themes of love, unity, and spiritual transformation. Through its vivid imagery and lyrical structure, the poem captures both the festive joy and the deeper moral calling of the season.
The poem opens with the contrast of “icy winds” and the warmth of “chimney smoke,” grounding the reader in a wintery yet cozy Christmas setting. The “colourful lights” and “holy monks” evoke a jubilant atmosphere. Mishra highlights the unifying power of Christmas, urging readers to “hug the foes” and “meet the beloved ones.” The symbolic “rich and poor at the same table” illustrates the breaking down of societal barriers, emphasizing the egalitarian spirit of the holiday. The poet’s appeal to “not let [foes] slip away” is a profound call for forgiveness and reconciliation.
The title and concluding lines, “It’s Merry Christmas when you buy their sorrow,” carry a powerful message. Here, “buying their sorrow” suggests an act of selflessness—taking on the burdens of others to bring them joy and relief. This altruistic call challenges readers to move beyond superficial celebrations.
Mishra’s literary journey is marked by a series of groundbreaking accomplishments. He was inducted into the India Book of Records on October 2, 2024, becoming the first author in the world to be nominated for more than 40 literary and art awards and prizes. It is no mean feat to achieve such extensive international recognition. His debut poetry collection, “One Heart – Many Breaks,” became a bestseller and has been translated into over 20 languages, further amplifying his global reach.
Beyond his literary pursuits, Mishra is also an accomplished artist, with his works exhibited in galleries worldwide, including VisArts in the USA and the Holy Art Gallery in Barcelona. This year, he won the ‘Talent Award’ at the Blue Koi Art Gallery in the USA. His work has also been shortlisted for the ‘Commended Award’ in the National Photographic Society’s photo contest. Additionally, he has received ‘Distinction and Laurel Awards’ at the Gallery4 Percent Art Show in the USA and for the Exhibizone Virtual Art Gallery in Canada. This multidisciplinary prowess highlights his ability to connect with diverse audiences through various forms of expression.
The “Evergreen Wishes Christmas Anthology 2024” celebrates the unity, love, and joy of the Christmas season, bringing together voices from around the world. Mishra’s inclusion in this anthology not only elevates his status as a leading contemporary poet but also shines a spotlight on Indian literature’s growing influence on the global stage.
