‘I want my readers to sink into my world of words’

If someone were to ask you about magic spells, the first word that would come to ones mind would be ‘Aabra Cadabra’ or ‘Hocus pocus’. And if you were a Happy Potter fan, it would prpbably be — Expelliarmus. But this is true if you lived in aworld of magic. In real life, the magic word that can move worlds would be ‘sorry’. 

Aditi Singh, class IX student at Apeejay School, Kharghar has realised this simple truth. In her poem ‘Sorry’ she talks about how this somple word can change a frown into a smile and one couldn’t agree more.

In this week’s poet of the week, the budding poetess mentions how the breakdown of teenage friendships has made her and her poetry stronger and more profound.  

 Excerpts from an interview.

When did the poetry bug bite you?

I was around 11 then, that’s when I got into writing poems and I have not stopped since then. I love to get lost in the world of words. 

 What inspired you to choose verse?

I always had innovative topics and creative ideas up my sleeve. And so it soon struck me to write them down in an attractive way so that it creates a powerful impact on the readers and they sink in the world of my words. I was desperate to put my imagination in words and the journey into verse began.

Tell us the thought behind your poem ‘Sorry’?

I am 13 and having just entered teenage phase I am beginning to realise that this is the age when friendship become more important to us than anything else in life. But there are also cases when a student starts getting success in his/her endeavours their friends start getting jealous. This is a bitter truth that almost everyone is facing today. Rather than seeing the countless efforts and sheer determination that the student has put in, people perceive their success negatively. 

This ends up putting an ugly blot on something as pious as friendship. So, I thought of writing this poem which has a hidden meaning. It says, be sorry for those whom you have unknowingly hurt or misunderstood.  Be sorry for the times you have broken bonds due to misunderstandings. I thought my poem could act as an opportunity for my readers to rebuild their lost relations. I hope it has a positive influence!

 That was quite profound. Tell us about your literary influences?

One of my favourite poems is ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling. Reading that poem gives me immense mental and emotional strength to face any adversity in life and still come out smiling with a head held high.

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

It depends on my mood. Sometimes I want my poem to sound like a tune while sometimes, my main motive is the hidden meaning. I have also written poems where both elements have been clubbed.

When is your prefered time to write?

I always write at dawn. I feel motivated enough to write poems for it is the time when I can calm my mind effectively and think creatively. Also, it acts as a good way to start the day.

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

Apeejay School, Kharghar provides me with ample competitive opportunities like on the spot poetry writing, English declamation competition among others. By participating in these, I get good experience; it helps me polish my craft.  My teachers are also very supportive and motivate me to represent my school in inter-school competitions.

Every poet has their specific way to approach a poem. What’s yours?

First, I think of the main agenda of the poem. Then I try to frame the idea in simple lines. After this that I try to insert poetic devices for the beautification of the poem. Second, I read it aloud and give some final touches, edit and re-write the completed poem on a fresh paper. The complete process takes approximately one-and-a-half hours.  My common writing themes are based on human values, science and patriotism.

 What is the best thing about writing poetry?

One of the best things about writing poetry is that it enhances your creative aptitude. I feel there are no boundaries to one’s creativity. You can capture your ideas beautifully through poems.  Once you start composing, your mind is filled with infinite ideas and it becomes a fun process. FInally, the happiness that you get after reading the final poem just can’t be expressed in words.