‘In Haiku poetry, I find the perfect challenge!’

Rare to find a sunny day in the December cold. Rarer to find an Indian boy acing the Haiku style of poetry in English creative writing. Yes, Advay Verma, a class 6 student at Apeejay School, Noida, is one such talent. 

His recent poem that follows the three line Haiku format is a sweet simple winter holiday greeting to all. It is warm like the winter sun and sweet like the season’s jelly dumplings. 

In the Apeejay Promising Poet’s interview series, Advay tells us about the role of his mother in supporting him, how he approaches a haiku poem and other interesting details. Read on edited excerpts:

So Advay, when did poetry come into your life?

At a very early age! I wrote my first poem when I was in first grade.

Tell us the story behind it. What inspired you to pick up the pen?

When I wrote a few poems, I showed them to my mother and she told me that they were phenomenal. My mother has always inspired me to write more and more. She has given me the courage to move forward in the world of writing. She is my biggest supporter.

Does your school environment help you to grow as a poet?

My English teacher is very encouraging and always pushes me forward. She gives me honest feedback on my writing and that helps me the most to improve. No matter how simple or easy her assignments may sound, they are quite a good way to spark someone’s interest in poetry.

 All time poet’s question: Rhyme or free verse?

Although I try my best to push myself, rhyme schemes are just something I can’t handle. It limits my words far too much. So, I prefer to write free verse, where I feel completely unshackled.

What’s the thought behind your poem: ‘Winter holidays’?

I simply wrote this poem for the purpose of showing everyone the wide variety of celebrations for winter holidays and how rich and cultural they all are.  Of course, the desire to alongside wish all of my readers a very happy winter holiday.

 We noticed this poem was in Haiku, the famous Japanese poetry style? Where and how did you learn this?

Haiku was the first form of poetry I learned. I was in first grade and in the US back then.  It was a fun way for me to write. Haiku style taught me to adapt my words accordingly and go with the flow of the poem. Haiku provides me with a bigger challenge and helps me feel more flexible, to adapt, to change my words yet still finding the strength to keep my own opinion within the three line format.

Wow, that sounds very convincing. So how much time does it take you to write a poem? Any favorite themes?

When I write a poem, I prefer to firstly spend some time thinking about the theme. I have written on a few themes, like nature and some life-based poems, which are my favorites themes. After all this, I go on to pick the words for the haiku that I am going to write. In this stage of writing, I keep my arsenal of words quite vast. It normally doesn’t take me too long to write haikus. About 10 minutes is the maximum time I usually take.

Our readers must know: Your favourite poem and poet?

My favorite poem is ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ and my favorite poet is Robert Frost who has written this poem.

 Do you read poems from other nations and cultures as well?

Yes, I read poets in the US the most, and a few Indian poets as well.

Lastly, your upcoming poems?

My next poem is going to be about the life of a river. I am working on it at present.