Promising Poet
‘A coming-of-age drama film inspired me’
Discover how a student from Apeejay School, Saket, captures life’s complexities and resilience in his debut poem: The Banyan Tree
Krishiv Majumder, a budding poet from Apeejay School, Saket, surprises with the depth of his words in his debut poem, The Banyan Tree. The class XII student beautifully captures life’s complexities and offers hope through resilience. Selected as this week’s Promising Poet, Krishiv shares his creative journey and poetic inspirations.
At what age did you start writing poetry?
This is my first attempt at poetry! However, I’ve written several scripts for school assemblies and even some short stories. At present, I’m working on a book based on World War II, which I plan to finish after class XII Board exams.
What inspired you to write poems?
Watching Dead Poets Society truly inspired me. The film offers a unique perspective on poetry that intrigued me. Another major inspiration was the growing pressure students face in higher classes. Many feel demotivated or even depressed due to today’s immense competition. Through this poem, I wanted to inspire them to persevere, as hard work always pays off.
Tell us the thought behind your poem, The Banyan Tree.
The poem reflects how people often feel life is unfair or miserable, forgetting to see the brighter side. The tree symbolises resilience in harsh conditions. Its ability to endure changing seasons mirrors life’s ups and downs, where joy, sorrow, anger, and pain coexist. The message is simple: Life is not just a series of struggles — it holds moments of beauty and triumph too.
Who is your favourite poet? What about the poem?
Robert Frost is my favourite poet. His works are concise yet profound, often connecting nature with life’s lessons — something I resonate with. My favourite poem by him is Fire and Ice, which beautifully portrays how the world could end due to human greed or hatred.
Rhyme or free verse.
I prefer free verse with rhyming elements interspersed. It allows for creative freedom while surprising readers with unexpected rhymes. Free verse makes the poem unrestricted, enabling full expression, while rhymes add rhythm and captivate interest.
Do you write poetry during the day or at night?
Definitely at night! The tranquillity of nighttime enhances creativity, and the silence lets me delve deeper into the poem. Writing during a rainstorm is a bonus — it makes everything feel poetic and magical.
How does your school support your writing?
School assignments and speaking assessments have played a huge role in nurturing my interest in writing. They gave me the confidence to explore this talent. I’m thankful for the encouragement and opportunities my school provides.
How do you approach writing a poem? What themes do you focus on?
I start with a broad outline and refine it as I go along. It takes about 30 minutes to draft a poem, but I spend extra time perfecting it. My favourite themes revolve around the beauty of life, resilience, and the lessons we can learn from nature.
What’s the best thing about writing poetry?
Poetry allows me to express my thoughts and beliefs in a profound yet simple way. It’s an incredible medium to communicate complex emotions and ideas. Writing my first poem has been a deeply rewarding experience, and I’m excited to explore this further in the future.
