In the realm of modern poetry, where raw emotion often takes a backseat to intellectual gymnastics, Deven Ahire’s “Pheromones” emerges as a refreshing and unapologetic exploration of human desire. This collection of erotic verses is not just a book; it’s an experience, a journey through the landscape of passion that leaves readers breathless and introspective.
The Power of Vulnerability
From the very first page, Ahire sets the tone with a prologue that reads like a nocturnal confession.
“Nocturnal affairs;
Dead lights and empty chairs.
Warm beds and cold sides;
Heavy heads and lost minds.”
These lines invite us into a world where vulnerability is not just accepted but celebrated. The poet strips away societal pretenses, urging us to embrace our most authentic selves, even in our moments of weakness or longing.
A Tapestry of Sensory Delights
As we delve deeper into the collection, it becomes clear that Ahire is a master of sensory detail. In “Natural Aphrodisiac,” he paints a vivid picture of lovers entwined in nature:
“There’s grass on her naked back,
And some trampled under my knees;
Twigs in her hair,
And mud on my feet.”
The tactile imagery is so strong that readers can almost feel the textures described, from the softness of grass to the grit of mud.
But it’s not just touch that Ahire explores. In “Pour Me One More,” he invokes taste and smell:
“Of scented necks, some moonlit wrecks,
Of her sweet – sour taste in the dawn.”
The olfactory and gustatory references add layers to the sensual experience, making each poem a feast for all the senses.
The Dance of Desire
Throughout “Pheromones,” Deven Ahire expertly navigates the ebb and flow of desire. In “Contours,” he writes,
“The melting afternoons took form of her;
Each ray of gleam, gliding around her contours.”
This poem, like many others in the collection, captures the slow burn of attraction, the way desire can simmer beneath the surface before erupting into passion.
But Ahire doesn’t shy away from more intense expressions of lust either. In “War Paint in Summer,” he declares,
“Here we are;
Dipped in the crimson light,
More insatiable despite;
Setting in the day; Rising through the night.”
The urgency in these lines is palpable, reflecting the all-consuming nature of physical attraction.
Beyond the Physical
While “Pheromones” is undeniably erotic, it would be a disservice to categorize it as merely a collection of sensual verses. Ahire delves into deeper emotional territories, exploring themes of connection, longing, and even existential musings.
In “Neurochemical,” he ponders the nature of identity and love:
“Like I’m not me but I am you;
Like I’m a freckle of neurochemical detail
Only in your head;
Like if you didn’t feel me, I’d be dead.”
These lines reveal a vulnerability that goes beyond physical intimacy, touching on the way love can reshape our very sense of self.
The poem “A While” further demonstrates Ahire’s ability to blend the physical with the philosophical:
“Perhaps ‘a while’ could be enough time to build bridges;
To get closer to ourselves and farther from the monsters
That lay in our pillows every night as we try to sleep.”
Here, the poet suggests that intimacy can be a pathway to self-discovery and healing.
A Symphony of Styles
One of the most impressive aspects of “Pheromones” is Deven Ahire’s versatility as a poet. He moves effortlessly between different styles and forms, keeping the reader engaged throughout the collection. Some poems, like “Piscine,” employ vivid metaphors:
“Loving you is like diving into a swimming pool;
I feel you everywhere,
You and your sunlit rays like a lucid turquoise jewel.”
Others, like “Strip,” are more direct and visceral:
“I like the fact that we use knives to strip;
For the cut needs to be deeper
Than just clothes and skins.”
This diversity in style reflects the multifaceted nature of desire itself, sometimes gentle and meandering, other times fierce and urgent.
The Art of Suggestion
Perhaps one of Ahire’s greatest strengths is his ability to suggest without being explicit. In “Cream,” he writes,
“Lock and Pour; Hold and Lean;
I say you, but me I mean;
Struck like matches till we burn;
Whip and Churn, till we cream.”
The imagery is undeniably erotic, yet there’s a playfulness in the language that elevates it above mere titillation.
This skill in suggestion allows readers to fill in the gaps with their own imagination, making the experience of reading “Pheromones” a deeply personal one. Each poem becomes a mirror, reflecting back our own desires and experiences.
A Celebration of the Body
In a world where body shaming is all too common, “Pheromones” stands as a celebration of the human form in all its imperfect glory. In “Scars,” Ahire writes,
“Every night skinny dipping in your arms,
My eyes trip over anomalies;
Scars that speak of a red wild history;
And freckles that twinkle like galaxies.”
This acceptance and even reverence for the body’s unique features is refreshing and empowering.
The Language of Love
Throughout the collection, Ahire demonstrates a remarkable command of language. His word choices are often surprising yet always apt. In “Metal,” he describes lovers as
“Like railroads and engines,
Always moving, but here to stay.”
The juxtaposition of movement and permanence perfectly captures the dynamic nature of a passionate relationship.
His use of alliteration and assonance adds a musical quality to many of the poems. In “Muse,” we find lines like:
“Sometimes I pierce deeper,
Rocking onto the coasts of her back;
Spurred by her sweat, turning darker by her black.”
The repetition of sounds creates a rhythm that mirrors the physical acts being described.
A Journey Through the Seasons
One of the most intriguing aspects of “Pheromones” is its structure, which follows the changing seasons. This progression adds a layer of depth to the collection, reflecting the way relationships evolve and change over time.
The collection begins with the heat of summer in poems like “War Paint in Summer,” moves through the passionate storms of “Monsoon and Her,” and concludes with the quiet intimacy of winter in “Quickening.” This cyclical structure gives the collection a sense of completeness, mirroring the cycles of desire and love in our own lives.
The Role of Nature
Nature plays a significant role in many of Ahire’s poems, often serving as both setting and metaphor for human passion. In “Sapphire and Salt,” he writes,
“And somewhere on the sands we meet;
Sailing across the blue wide yonders.
Melting onto each other under mellow heat;
Upon my restless skin your tender hide wanders.”
The natural world becomes an extension of the lovers’ bodies, blurring the lines between human and environment.
This integration of nature into the erotic experience adds a primal, elemental quality to the poems, reminding us of our connection to the natural world even in our most intimate moments.
A Voice for the Unspoken
One of the most valuable aspects of “Pheromones” is its willingness to give voice to desires and experiences that are often left unspoken. In a society that still struggles with open discussions of sexuality, Ahire’s frank and lyrical explorations of desire feel both brave and necessary.
By sharing these intimate moments and thoughts, Ahire creates a space for readers to acknowledge and explore their own desires. This openness has the potential to foster greater self-acceptance and more honest communication in relationships.
Comparisons and Context
While “Pheromones” is Deven Ahire’s debut collection, it stands confidently alongside other works of erotic poetry. Readers might be reminded of Pablo Neruda‘s sensual odes or the frank eroticism of Anaïs Nin’s writing. However, Ahire’s voice is distinctly his own, blending contemporary sensibilities with timeless themes of love and desire.
In the context of Indian literature, “Pheromones” feels particularly groundbreaking. While India has a rich tradition of erotic poetry, dating back to ancient works like the Kama Sutra, contemporary Indian literature has often been more restrained in its exploration of sexuality. Ahire’s work feels like a bold step forward, reclaiming this aspect of Indian literary tradition for a modern audience.
Final Thoughts
“Pheromones” is more than just a collection of erotic poetry; it’s an invitation to embrace our full selves, desires and all. Deven Ahire has crafted a work that is at once intensely personal and universally relatable, speaking to the fundamental human experiences of love, lust, and connection.
Through his skillful use of language, vivid imagery, and emotional depth, Ahire takes readers on a journey through the landscape of desire. But more than that, he encourages us to embark on our own journeys of self-discovery and acceptance.
In a world that often seeks to constrain and categorize us, “Pheromones” is a reminder of the wild, untamed aspects of our nature. It’s a celebration of the body, a hymn to desire, and ultimately, a love letter to the human experience in all its messy, beautiful complexity.
For readers seeking poetry that is both sensual and substantive, “Pheromones” is a must-read. It’s a collection that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned, like the lingering scent of a lover’s perfume. Deven Ahire has announced himself as a poet to watch, and we can only eagerly anticipate what he will produce next.
