‘After all the hatred around, it’s time we spread positivity through art’

Sometimes, things can get difficult in life. Everything then seems like a mountain climb, and it is in those moments that two words can remind us that it is all a passing season. The two magical words are, ‘It’s okay!’.  

Do not overlook the power behind these two routinely used words, which we utter almost unconsciously everyday. These words remind us, especially in dark hours, that everything will be fine, that no matter how bad it is, it isn’t the end of the world. 

This mature thought comes from the pen of a 14-year-old. Yes, meet Dhruvika Jain, a class 9 student of Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, who loves writing poems on all the social issues she sees around herself. The poet believes that words have within them a latent spring to blossom a positive thought no matter how far away.  

In the Apeejay Promising Poet series, the young poetess reminds us how the night is the darkest just before the dawn and how hope is worth holding on to. Read edited excerpts:

Let’s begin from the very beginning. When did poetry happen to you?

I started writing poetry at the age of 14. I have been learning with every poem I write.  

What inspired you to pick up the pen?

 The things that inspired me to pick up the pen were the social issues that we face as human beings in our day to day life. I wanted to write about that and spread awareness, hopefully even inspire some change. 

Wow, that’s inspiring indeed. So, how does your school help you in writing such beautiful poems?

The school helps me a lot to grow as a budding poet. My English teacher and even Principal sir guide me a lot by sharing their valuable feedback and that is beneficial to improve myself. 

Rhyme or free verse?

 I am comfortable writing in both rhyme and free verse. But sometimes when I am writing on a particular social issue like racism or some other thing, I prefer to write it in free verse.

 Your poem ‘It’s okay‘ was indeed a much needed poem. What was the thought process behind it?

The poem was written with the motive of how challenges or so many problems are faced by a human being and how he/she needs to deal with those with courage, patience and self-belief.  

The poem is very optimistic! What’s your message to the world as a poet?

I think we, as humans, have gathered so much hatred towards each other that now it’s high time we should spread the flowers of positivity in the world through our art, stories and actions.

How much time does it take you to write a poem? What’s your way of creating art?

When I want to write a poem, I just sit back and think about the social issues we are surrounded with and then I start writing about them .Normally , it takes me about 20 minutes to write a poem, and after that I focus on the editing. My favorite theme is inspiration. I love writing motivational poems. 

 Your favourite poem and poet?

 My favorite poem is ‘The Road Not Taken‘ by Robert Frost and my favorite poet is William Wordsworth.

Finally, one piece of advice for budding poets?

I would advise the budding poets that poetry is not just about the words. It is about the emotions of the poet presented in the form of words. So keep writing and exploring poetry.