‘The poet inside me grows in isolation!’

Simran Bawa studies at Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA) in Jalandhar. She is a final year student in Bachelor of Arts with elective English, Psychology and Economics. Apart from her academic excellence, she also excels as a good poet. Her recent poem: ‘People and Prosperity’ was a good piece telling others about her sensitive nature and quick grasping powers. 

She observed and learned through the lives of others around, that all the fame and success in the world is worthless, if not enjoyed with one’s family and friends. That people and prosperity have a symbiotic relationship. 

In the Apeejay Promising Poet’s interview series, Simran says how Sushant Singh Rajput’s case helped her grasp this simple yet deep philosophy. Read on edited excerpts:

To begin with, we have a basic question: Since when did you start writing?

I started writing really long ago, during class 8 or 9 I guess. But back then, I would never publish or share my writings with anyone. I started publishing my writings during the 2020 lockdown. I published them on online platforms like Wattpad and Tumblr.

So, what inspired you to share your writings to the world?

Nothing in particular. I started writing in school itself. I  never shared my writings because I felt that my writings were not that good. I felt I did not have the caliber of a professional writer. But my thoughts changed. 

Here’s an anecdote:  Once I was sitting in my class and preparing a rough draft of a poem, scribbling away at the back of my notebook. My friend came in and read it. She said the poem was really good. That was an eye opening moment for me. It was the first time someone had read my poem and also appreciated it. So, I thought why not share it with everyone now.

Every poet has their process of writing. What’s yours?

No process in particular. It is about what kind of a mood I am in. I have written all kinds of poems covering different kinds of moods and emotions. It all depends on the day I am going through. I do not write when I am happy. I write poems when I feel the need to isolate myself from people because I am tired of socialising. That is the time I think about people, emotions and nature around me.

What was the thought process behind your poem ‘People and prosperity‘?

Through this poem, I wanted to say that one can’t enjoy fame and success in one’s life without one’s close friends and family. I was inspired to write this poem after watching Sushant Singh Rajput’s case. Everyone was talking that he was depressed and isolated. That inspired me to write about this. 

How much time does it take to write a poem?

It does not take me much time. My poems are not very long, generally about 2-3 stanzas. They take a maximum of five to ten minutes to write. I come up with the thought, then I prepare a draft. The editing can take a day or two. I work on the rhyme, tone or some particular word while I am editing.

What role has ACFA played in your development as a poet?

It has played a significant role. My teachers here suggest that I read certain poets. I have opted for an English elective as part of my course. I have come across many poets and poems in my syllabus that I might not have discovered otherwise had I not chosen this course or this college.

Rhyme or free-verse?

I prefer to rhyme. I rarely write in free verse.

Your next targets as a writer?

Getting my book published, my collection of poems. It is coming out on Amazon this January. I am publishing it on Amazon Kindle.

One important piece of advice for budding poets?

Before you get to write poetry, I suggest you go ahead and read some poetry. It will help you a lot. You might have many thoughts about a poem, but when you read other’s works, it will help you to put your ideas into words and express them beautifully. 

Finally, what do you love the most about poetry?

Poetry has the power to express even the most painful things in a blissful manner. If you tell the harshest truth to a person, they won’t take it well. But tell them the same thing through poetry, the person then absorbs it in a more calm manner. That’s the power of this art!