Kaushiki Nayak, a bright and sensitive student from Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, has found a unique voice through poetry. Selected as this week’s Apeejay Promising Poet, Kaushiki shares how her journey began with short stories and evolved into a passion for poetry, fueled by her observations, emotions, and a touch of inspiration from social media. Read edited excerpts:
At what age did you start writing poetry?
I began writing poetry in early 2024. While I’ve been crafting short stories since childhood, poetry is a more recent and exciting venture for me.
What inspired you to write poems?
Social media played a big role. Watching creators share their ideas and creativity with the world motivated me to give it a try and express myself through poetry.
What’s the story behind your poem Paper Girl?
Paper Girl is actually the first poem I wrote. It’s deeply personal because the inspiration for it was, well, myself.
Who is your favorite poet, and what’s your favourite poem?
William Shakespeare is my all-time favorite poet. His works never fail to captivate me. Juliet’s Soliloquy from Romeo and Juliet is a masterpiece I adore, though I must admit, I’m quite fond of my own creations too!
Rhyme or free verse?
I enjoy a balance of both. Rhyming captures the reader’s attention, while free verse allows me to explore and expand my creativity.
Do you prefer writing poems during the day or at night?
Definitely at night! The quiet hours offer me solace and provide the perfect setting for my creativity to flow freely.
How has your school supported your poetic journey?
My former English teacher, Shweta Roda ma’am, was instrumental in boosting my confidence. Her constructive feedback on my stories and poems helped me grow without discouraging me.
How do you approach writing a poem? Does it take you long?
Most of my poems come to life spontaneously, driven by a single idea and a sudden burst of motivation. It’s a free-flowing process for me.
What themes do you often explore in your poetry?
My poems usually revolve around self-expression, emotions, and observations of the world around me.
And finally, the best part of writing poetry for you is…
For me, it’s seeing the final product come together. Watching how a simple idea transforms into a complete poem is always a rewarding experience. And when a particularly tricky line finally falls into place, the satisfaction is unparalleled.