A poem becomes more than words when it touches hearts and reflects the truth of lived experience. Sumedha, a Class 10 student of Apeejay School, Model Town, Jalandhar, is already mastering this art. Her poem Rise and Shine—an ode to overcoming obstacles—has earned her the title of Apeejay Promising Poet this week. In this candid conversation, she talks about what poetry means to her, her influences, and how her school continues to shape her as a young writer.
Sumedha, since when have you been writing poems?
Writing has always been a hobby for me. I’ve been writing for about 2 to 3 years now. I keep jotting things down regularly—it just flows naturally.
Who introduced you to literature and what inspired you to write?
I’ve always been very inspired by William Wordsworth and William Shakespeare. I love the way they express deep emotions through beautiful language. Their writing really touched me, and I wanted to create something similar with my own experiences.
What inspired your poem ‘Rise and Shine’?
I believe that challenges are a vital part of life. We can’t fulfill our purpose without facing them. That idea really moved me, and I thought I could turn it into something meaningful through poetry. I also added parts of my personal experience to make it more relatable and inspiring.
How much time does it usually take you to write a poem?
Not too long—usually around 20 minutes. Once I have the idea in mind, the words just come together.
What themes do you most enjoy exploring in your poetry?
I love writing on topics like motivation and self-healing. Poems that help people feel stronger or more hopeful—that’s what I connect with most.
How does your school support your love for writing?
My school is very encouraging. We have inter-house and inter-class competitions, debates, recitations, and poetry contests too. Plus, we get to publish our work in the school magazine. These platforms really motivate me to write more and share my thoughts.
What’s the next poem you’re planning to write?
I’m thinking of writing about the wars happening between different countries right now. It’s a heavy topic, but I feel poetry is a powerful way to express emotions around such issues.