‘My poem revolves around how perspectives are shaped by personal experiences’

Few students manage to turn introspection into verse quite like Ujjesha Vashisht, a Class 11 student of Apeejay School, Pitampura. Her poem If I Were Her and She Were Me delves into themes of isolation, emotional conditioning, and the silent yearning for connection. Selected as the Apeejay Promising Poet of the Week, Ujjesha brings literary maturity and emotional depth well beyond her years. In this candid conversation, she speaks about her creative process, literary influences, and why she sees fairy tales not just as fantasies—but reflections of us all.

Tell us about your poem If I Were Her and She Were Me. What is the central idea and what inspired it?
This poem revolves around how perspectives are shaped by personal experiences. Rapunzel symbolises those who live in solitude, quietly longing for connection. Some people crave the noise and warmth of others, while others prefer silence and retreat inward. Both hold their ground, yet share a desire for love. I was inspired by Veronika Decides to Die and the way it portrayed the complexities of desire and transformation. Writing this helped me process those ideas.

If you were Rapunzel, would you wait to be rescued or find your own way out?
I would definitely strive to free myself. I believe in harnessing one’s inner strength. If I were Rapunzel, I wouldn’t wait to be rescued. I’d build the strength to reclaim my peace and freedom.

Do you think fairy tales are still important today? How would you rewrite Rapunzel’s story in the modern world?
Fairy tales, despite their embellishments, are timeless. They show characters fighting against odds, which is inspiring. Today, Rapunzel’s tower might not be made of stone—it could be social expectations or emotional struggles. The modern Rapunzel would battle pessimism and find her voice in a noisy, uncertain world.

How long did it take you to write the poem?
The actual writing happened in a single day, but the idea had been brewing for nearly a week.

How does Apeejay School, Pitampura, encourage your growth as a poet?
The environment here is nurturing and creative. Our teachers push us to go beyond the obvious. Scriptwriting for school events like Literary Saga and Annual Appreciation Day has helped sharpen my skills. The English faculty’s detailed analysis of poetry has taught me how to appreciate nuance in language and emotion.

What are you currently working on?
I’m midway through a poem titled Cynosure, which explores self-love and the process of rediscovering oneself.

What is your writing process like?
I always begin with a central emotion or thought. I visualise the imagery, reflect on tone, and choose words deliberately. Once I have clarity, the poem comes together naturally, usually within a day or two.

Is there another tale or personality you’d like to reinterpret through poetry?
Not a fairy tale, but I’d love to write about Princess Diana. Beneath her royal life was a woman of quiet strength, immense compassion, and deep vulnerability. Her life, to me, was a real-world fairy tale—and I’d like to capture that in verse.