‘Helen Keller inspired me to write poems’

Stars have captivated the imagination of poets since ages. Even now, they continue to enthrall the hearts of poets and most recently they have struck the poetic vision of young wordsmith Arica Batta, class 7 student at Apeejay School, Saket. Arica is a budding poet who has a skilled hand at writing verses. She is a nature lover and explores the different themes of nature through her writings. 

In the Apeejay Promising Poet interview, the budding rhymester reveals how Helen Keller inspired her to pursue her passion against all odds and why a rhyme scheme is a big asset any poem can have. Edited excerpts: 

Since when did you start writing poems?

I started writing poems during the lockdown of last year.

What inspired you to pick up the pen?

There was a chapter on Helen Keller in my class 6 Hindi textbook in class 6. Despite so many physical impediments, she was a brilliant writer. She inspired me a lot, so I thought of writing some poems and sending them to the Apeejay Newsroom for publication.

How do you approach writing a poem?

The topics on which I usually write are based on nature. My first poem however was actually a prayer to the almighty. It was titled ‘O Dear God’. Sanjana ma’am, my English teacher, helped me write that.

I finish writing a poem in roughly 15-20 minutes. But if the topic is tough then it can also take me an hour.

The all time Poet’s question: Rhyme or free verse?

I like to rhyme my poems. I enjoy reading and writing rhymes. The rhyme scheme is very soothing to the ears.

Who is your favourite poet and what is your favourite poem?

J K Rowling’s poem ‘The night in the rain’ moved me a lot. 

Your poem ‘Twinkiling stars’ was very beautiful. Tell us the thought process behind it?

Sarah Teasdale’s poem ‘Stars’ inspired me to write this poem. That was the motivation behind it. 

One thing you love about poetry writing?

The rhyme scheme. It is very soothing and melodious. 

How does your school help you to write such beautiful verses?

My class teacher helps me a lot. She explained to me about the rhyme scheme and its functions, then how one has to find rhyming words according to the scheme and finally make stanzas out of that. I tried this process and found writing poems to be very interesting. So, I kept on writing poems.

Your upcoming poems?

I am trying to write a poem on the universe. Something related to the stars and planets