Explore “The Smiles I Ever Missed” by Dr. Saroj Kumar Misra. A soulful poetic journey through memory, childhood, medical ethics, and the resilience of the human heart
Dr. Priyanka Das
There are books that narrate emotions, and then there are books that quietly inhabit them. The Smiles I Ever Missed by Dr. Saroj Kumar Misra belongs to the latter category — a tender, introspective collection that lingers long after the final page is turned. Published by bookleafpub.com, the book unfolds as a gentle conversation with memory, longing, silence, and the unseen fractures of the human heart.
Providing a poem wise breakup of this luminary literary work – “SILENT STRENGTH” speaks about the power, profundity, tenacity and the unfathomable depths of resilience that silence navigates. “SQUEEZING THE LIFELINE” and “THE CHANGING RAIN” is a reflection of the poet’s concern for global warming, environmental destruction by man-made concrete jungles for vested interests, selfish designs especially the grave impact on the lifelines of civilization, our resplendent and refurbishing rivers.
“THE SMILES I EVER MISSED” and “THROUGH INNOCENT EYES” is a recreation of the magic of childhood innocence of his children wherein he regrets with a deep sense of remorse for having missed their most significant milestones of their growing up journey until he is blessed with a precious grandchild – the realisation of a beautiful dawn with life repeating its cycle with a coveted second chance.
“THREE DEATHS” is a courageous and honest take on the three most important events in a human being’s life, a stark reminder of the inevitable truths.” LOVE BEYOND BOUNDARIES” echoes the true spirit of love that transcends the boundaries and confines of age, time, race, religion, colour, creed and caste. “THE HEART OF A HEALER” empathizes with the heart of a healer, a doctor for whom the patients well-being is paramount and of utmost priority. The gentle smiles of wellness on the patients countenance is the greatest accolade a doctor aspires for.
“LOST IN SPACE, FOUND IN FAITH” is Sunita William’s story of grit and determination, of how in the midst of chaos, confusion and nothingness, she sought solace and took refuge in the serene and succinct teachings of the “Shrimad Bhagwad Gita” to guide her to forge ahead in one of mankind’s most valiant and victorious voyage in space.
“THE TRIUMPH OF JUSTICE” is a poignant reminder of the venomous acts of terror in the recent Pahalgam tragedy and KARMA unleashing its wrath on the perpetrators as “Operation Sindoor” – the vermilion’s revenge, strategically planned by our brave heart soldiers to avenge the deaths of innocents. “RISE TO MIGHT” is an unafraid expression of the sickening trends of freebies and the maddening spree in the lust for power and might, all the whilst ignoring and sidelining our rich cultural heritage, traditions, handicrafts and not the least the enormous natural and human resources.
“LOST LAUGHTER REDISCOVERED” and “LOVE TODAY, LIVE TODAY” – the poet shares his profound joys of being a grandparent, about how his grandson imbibes in him a sense of love, care and responsibility. The naive, innocent child inspires him to live in the present, cherish the precious moments in the present, about what we have and that we are blessed with – a loving family, friends, parents and children. A motivation to make up for the lost moments in the past as a father for his children in the line of duty as a workaholic, dedicated and passionate doctor.
“RESPECT THE WHITE COAT” and “THE STAINED WHITE COAT” is about preserving the sanctity of the privileged identity by not indulging in vicious acts and at the same time expresses the sorry state, the lost reverence and respect towards doctors in an increasingly materialistic, arrogant and egoistic society.
“POVERTY IN THE LAND OF PROSPERITY” brings forward the plight of tribals living in sheer poverty, deprived of basics, despite being the original keepers and real owners of the lush natural resources, deceitfully utilized for greed and self-centred interests under the garb of development and industrialization. In “THE POISONED GOBLET” the poet rightfully speaks about the awful and ugly consequences and hazards of alcoholism.
“THE LOST ART OF LETTERS” is pure warmth of written words wrapped in the fragrance of personal touches, affection and love but alas the art of letter writing is an endangered skill in a fast paced, mechanised and digitalised world. Finally in ” WHISPERS FROM WITHIN ” ” ECHOES OF ETERNITY” and ” LIVES ON PARALLEL LINES” the poet speaks eloquently on the perils of an unhealthy, competitive world, ignoring our inner voice the conscience and not prioritising health and peace over a false sense of affluence, achievement and success.
What makes this work particularly compelling is its emotional honesty. Dr. Misra does not attempt to overwhelm the reader with ornamentation; instead, he chooses simplicity as strength. The poems and reflections move with an unhurried rhythm, carrying traces of nostalgia, solitude, gratitude, and emotional endurance. There is a quiet dignity in his writing — one that mirrors the lives of ordinary people who continue to love, lose, heal, and hope despite life’s inevitable incompleteness.
The title itself, The Smiles I Ever Missed, is profoundly evocative. It suggests not merely absence, but remembrance — the ache of moments that escaped us while life hurried forward. Throughout the book, the author captures these “missed smiles” as metaphors for lost time, unspoken emotions, forgotten tenderness, and the subtle beauty hidden within human relationships.
As someone whom the author has graciously mentioned in the preface as an inspiration, reading this book became an experience layered with both affection and admiration. It is deeply humbling to witness how personal connections and shared human experiences can find expression through literature. Yet beyond that personal association, I genuinely believe this book stands on its own merit as a heartfelt literary offering.
Dr. Misra writes with the sensitivity of a healer and the soul of an observer. His words often feel less like crafted verses and more like emotional echoes — intimate, reflective, and sincere. In an age where literature is frequently hurried toward spectacle, this collection chooses softness, and therein lies its uniqueness.
The book may especially resonate with readers who appreciate reflective poetry, emotional minimalism, and writings born from lived experience rather than literary pretension. It does not shout for attention; it quietly reaches the heart.
At merely 58 pages, the work is concise, yet emotionally expansive. Each page carries the warmth of introspection and the vulnerability of someone unafraid to confront memory. The reader finishes the book not with dramatic closure, but with a lingering stillness — the kind that accompanies meaningful art.
In essence, The Smiles I Ever Missed is not just a collection of writings; it is a repository of emotions preserved with grace. Dr. Saroj Kumar Misra deserves appreciation for crafting a work that reminds us that even forgotten smiles continue to illuminate the inner corridors of our lives.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him for this soulful literary creation and wish the book the wide readership it truly deserves.
(The author is a poet by passion and a medico by profession, currently serving as an Associate Professor of Respiratory Medicine at MKCG Medical College, Berhampur. Views expressed are personal.)