‘A poet can reach where science has not trodden yet’

One often meets poets who are gifted with superb language skills or visualisation ability but to meet a poet who has such a clear mind especially at such a young age is a marvel. Meet Srishti from Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, a poet whose vision, words and artistic philosophy will take you by surprise, like the soothing breeze of a spring morning.

Selected as this week’s Apeejay Promising Poet, let us know more about this brilliant talent whose latest love poem is 10/10 in every aspect, be it language, emotion, structure and style.  Read edited excerpts:

At what age did you start writing poetry?

I remember writing my first poem when I was ten years old. I was in class 5 then. It was but a small cute verse, nothing too literary. My acquaintance with classic literature began when I was twelve and that was when I wrote my first proper literary piece.

You seem very serious about literature! So what inspired you to write poems?

My fascination with poems is not new. But the thirst of knowledge, of exploring the mysteries of life, death, love, hate, various shades of the human mind and nature is what truly inspires me to pen these verses and other literary creations. Along with that, it is also my aim to give a good message to society.

Tell us the thought behind your poem ‘A confession of love’?

‘A confession of love’ deals with the feelings of a lover, who had never in the past experienced such feelings. His heart is full of love for his beloved and to her he writes this lyrical song, confessing his feelings. He says his love shall prevail even during hardships, his love shall go on for eternities and that even death cannot stop it. It defines the strength of love and how it is so great that it is not affected by life and death, suffering or happiness.

Impressive! So, who is your favourite poet and what is your favourite poem?

I feel enlightened by the poems of Rabindranath Tagore and his collection of poems Gitanjali is my favourite.

Rhyme or free verse?

I usually prefer rhyme over free verse, as it makes the poem more pleasurable. Though rhyme is predictable yet it is useful in adding a certain musical element to the poem. It is successful in evoking great emotions among the readers.

Writing poems in the day or night?

Though time is no determinant of how the mind should function, I believe that some emotions are more intense during the night, some during the day. My poems revolve around such themes that I prefer more often to write during the early mornings.

And how does your school help you to write such lovely poems?

My teachers inspire and encourage me a lot to read and write. In fact, when my literary journey began, it was one of my English teachers who suggested a good book. I have learnt a lot from them.

How do you approach writing a poem? How much time does it take you to finish one? What are your common writing themes?

Whenever I feel strongly about a certain cause, I try to find a way to express my thoughts. Writing a poem is one of the ways to express my ideas. It does not take long when the mind is not cluttered. It takes perhaps an hour or two when my mind is free.

The themes I include are mostly revolving around knowledge, life, love, music, tragedy and the almighty. I feel that through my poems I can make my voice heard and when my thoughts gain the form of words, they gain meaning.

Finally, the best thing about writing poetry for you is?

Imagination! A poet can reach where science has not trodden yet. With poetry and imagination, I can reach those truths which are yet to be discovered.