‘All we need for a poem is an idea’

“It’s a great habit to put off on things quickly

But you won’t learn to live life

if you get things readily.”

Shreya Dadu, a class 12 student at Apeejay School, Pitampura, has written the above-mentioned lines. They find a place in her optimistic poem Dilemma of mind. Shreya says, “Writing poetry has only led to gains.” As she finds depth and maturity  in her thought process and the same can be well be seen in her verses. 

In this week’s Promising Poet series, the budding poetess speaks of her love for P B Shelley’s celebrated poem, Music, when soft voices die and how poetry has given the inner turmoil of her thoughts a free-fair channel of expression. Read edited excerpts   

 It is said we don’t choose art, art chooses us. So when did poetry choose you?

I started writing poems when I was eleven years old. I was a student of class 6 back then. I remember I had joined the literary club in my school during that time, and gradually in that process I developed an avid interest in writing poems.

Any particular muse or inspiration?

The fact that I could express my true feelings while writing a poem is the biggest inspiration. When I write a poem, I mostly write about the ideas that I want to convey to others. It also acts as a great stress-buster break from academics.

How has poetry writing changed you?

Poetry writing has made me more thoughtful and observant. Many times, it surprises me as I note the depth in my ideas. I am able to see everything from a new and different perspective. I fly gladly in my vast world of poems. My imagination has also enhanced with time. Overall, I clearly sense that writing poems has added maturity to my thoughts. It has also made me nature loving and helped me balance both admiration and criticism.

You must be an avid reader? Who is your favourite poet?

Percy Bysshe Shelley, an English romantic poet, whose iconic works continue to inspire many including me. His words fuel me with great ideas. Shelley is celebrated for writing classic poems such as Ode to the west wind, Music, When Soft Voices Die, among others. My favourite poem from him however is Adonais: An Elegy on the Death of John Keats. I really adore this poem!

The quintessential poet’s question: Rhyme or free verse?

I generally prefer to write in rhyme instead of free verse. Rhyme looks more attractive and riveting to me. It is quite fun to read poems written in rhyme and I personally find it more thought provoking.

Writing poems in the day or night?

I usually write poems late at night. I get a better visualisation of the topic or theme in the stillness of the night. At night, the atmosphere is very different and it’s much more calm and peaceful than the day. And that helps me write without any stress in mind.

How does your school help you to write such lovely poems?

The school environment is quite positive. It gives me the positive energy necessary to be creative. The environment at school is absolutely stress-free and that helps me write more efficiently and effectively. The teachers are extremely caring, sincere and encouraging. They push me to write more and more. I would also express gratitude to my English teacher who is a pillar of great support and strength.

How do you approach writing a poem?

Writing starts from a thought that strikes at a particular time, in a particular situation. All that is needed is an idea. I continue to write it and slowly it becomes a poem.  Everyday incidents, past experiences all these help me to elaborate the idea in my poems. By and large it takes me around 30-40 minutes to complete a poem. I write on many diverse themes like patriotism, friendship, the power of dreams and courage among others.

Best thing about writing poetry for you?

Poetry makes me feel free and brings contentment to my inner self. The turmoil of thoughts gets a channel of expression. The best thing about writing poems is that I can speak my ideas, opinions without physically uttering a word. It is indeed a powerful weapon through which I can be a winner without actually fighting. I come to know myself through my poems and it helps others get acquainted with my thought process.