Not every poem begins with intention. Some begin with a pause, a fleeting thought, a shift in light across the sky, or a feeling too subtle to name. They appear quietly, asking only to be noticed.
For author Sharmila Rao, poetry has always arrived this way.
Her debut collection, Chimes and Charms, recognized with the 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award, is a celebration of those moments that often pass unnoticed. Through a series of thoughtful and reflective poems, the collection invites readers to slow down and discover the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary.
The title itself captures the spirit of the book. Like the gentle chime of a distant bell or the unexpected charm of a familiar scene, these poems draw attention to life’s quieter experiences. They do not demand attention. Instead, they reward it.
At the heart of Chimes and Charms is the belief that wonder is not reserved for monumental events. It exists in everyday encounters, brief observations, memories, and moments of reflection. The poems encourage readers to look more closely at the world around them and, in doing so, perhaps better understand themselves.
Sharmila Rao’s relationship with poetry began early. At the age of twelve, she wrote her first poem on friendship, discovering a lifelong connection with language and expression. Decades later, that relationship continues to shape her creative voice.
Unlike writers who meticulously plan and structure their work, Rao describes poetry as something that arrives unexpectedly. A poem often emerges fully formed, demanding to be written before the moment passes. The process is instinctive rather than deliberate, allowing emotion, observation, and imagination to come together naturally on the page.
This sense of spontaneity gives Chimes and Charms its distinctive quality. The collection feels less like a carefully assembled project and more like a series of conversations between the poet and the world around her. Whether inspired by a blood moon hanging over a terrace or by a seemingly ordinary interaction, each poem captures a moment of recognition, a realization that something meaningful exists beneath the surface of daily life.
Literature has always been an important part of Rao’s world. With both parents being published writers, storytelling and language formed an integral part of her upbringing. Yet her own literary journey gained fresh momentum when her son encouraged her to participate in an international writing competition. Her poem, Something Trending, Something Blue, received an Honourable Mention in the NYCMidnight competition, providing the encouragement to continue sharing her work with a wider audience.
Her family remains her most valued circle of readers. Among the many responses to her work, one stands out in particular. Her daughter’s observation that the poems rekindled an appreciation for the beauty and power of language remains one of the compliments she treasures most.
Beyond poetry, Sharmila Rao brings a rich academic and professional background to her writing. Holding a BA (Honours) in English from Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi, and a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature from King’s College London, she has worked across multiple cities and cultures, including London, Singapore, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. She has also dedicated time to teaching English to students from diverse backgrounds.
Today, as the founder of Kingsworth English Skills Academy, she continues to champion the transformative power of language, believing that effective communication can inspire confidence, influence change, and broaden opportunities.
Chimes and Charms reflects that same belief. It is a collection born from observation, shaped by curiosity, and guided by a deep appreciation for language. More importantly, it reminds readers that beauty often exists in places we overlook.
In a fast-moving world that constantly asks us to look ahead, Chimes and Charms offers something different. It asks us to pause, pay attention, and listen for the quiet music hidden within everyday life.
📖 Book Title: Chimes and Charms
🛒 Book: https://amazon.in/dp/9375438619
📸 Instagram: @raosharmila
🏆 Award: 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award
