‘How could we as a society let that happen?’

Kreetina Rai is a Master’s student in English Literature at Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar. She has been writing poetry since class 5 and has an innate poetic voice that weaves the emotions exquisitely in words. Her poem ‘Cries of the survivor‘ is an excellent piece that questions the society and the crowd that claims to fight for the victim. 

 In the Apeejay Promising Poet interview series, the poetess takes us along her writing journey and shares her vision regarding literature, life and writing. Edited excerpts:

We loved your poem ‘Cries of the survivor’. Tell us the thought behind that?

Once I encountered a story where a girl was raped and burnt alive. She ran half a mile to save herself. I wanted to pen down the pain I felt at that time. How could we as a society let such a thing happen? So, I wrote about it in my poem. 

Since when have you been writing?

I have been writing since I was in class 5. I wrote in Hindi then since I did not have much exposure to English. I was writing many childish poems. But as my love for literature grew, I started writing on topics that mattered to me. Slowly, I started reading a lot of books in English, especially novels. That’s when I began writing in English.

Who are your role models in literature?

I would say Johnne Donne and William Wordsworth. I love them. Their poems are timeless and it’s so clear what they want to say – there is so much more in their poetry. When they write about nature it isn’t just about nature. You can relate it to anything and everything. I love ‘Ecstacy’ by Donne and ‘Daffodils’ by Wordsworth.

What inspired you to write by the way?

Whenever I was stressed or happy or sad, I would always write, like a diary entry. Suddenly those words got a metre, rhythm and rhyme and poetry happened.

How does ACFA help you grow as a poet?

Ever since I joined ACFA, I have received so much exposure to English Literature, especially poetry and art in general. I am writing poems about things I love, things I feel. I am growing everyday. My poetry teacher Suneet Kaur ma’am is an exceptional teacher. The way she explains poetry is sublime, it ignites me to write more.

Which poem of yours is your favourite?

‘To my the lamp of redemption’ is one of my favourite works. It is my token of gratitude and respect to my teachers.

Any advice for all writers out there?

Even if what you are writing is clichéd, just write it. It is because they are your thoughts and your words. They will mean something when you write it.

How much time does it take you to write a poem?

It generally takes me half an hour to write a poem. But sometimes when the thought evades me, it takes me four to five days to complete it. I mostly write about love, life, feminism, and nature.

Writing in the day or night?

I am not much of a routine person. I write when I find the time. (laughs)