‘I write poems when I am happy’

Rishav Purkayastha is a class 9 student at Apeejay School, Noida. He has been writing since the past seven years and the experience reflects in his verses. He had recently written a very sensitive poem on the importance of saving water, which shows the teenager’s maturity and social awareness.In this week’s Promising Poet interview, the young wordsmith speaks about his love for writing and also explains why happiness is the only thing needed for poetry.   

Read edited excerpts: 

At what age did you start writing poetry?

I started writing poetry at the age of 8. And I couldn’t have been more thankful to the Almighty for blessing me with this art form.

So what inspired you to write poems?

I wanted to express my emotions, feelings and thoughts. So that inspired me to write poems. You may say it was the desire along with the joy that comes with self-expression.

Tell us the thought behind your poem Water is life?

I think water is a very precious resource. While we all say it, we hardly realise that in reality water is more precious than gold. So it is high time that we should think of the future and start conserving it.

 

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

I am inspired by Robert Frost and my favourite poem is Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening.

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

I usually prefer to use rhymes in my poems. Rhymes are more fun and bring a lot of rhythm and melody.

 Writing poems in the day or night?

There are no such fixed times. But yes, I usually write poems when I am happy. That is my mantra.

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

Apeejay School, Noida conducts many poetry writing competitions. We also have many interesting poems in our English textbooks that keep my love for poetry alive.

 How do you approach writing a poem? How much time does it take you? What are your common writing themes?

It takes me about 30 minutes to complete a poem. If I am determined however , it may take me just 15-16 minutes.