‘Our inner voice always tells the truth. We seldom accept it’

If the foundation is strong, the monument survives the test of time. Same is the case with poetry. If the thought behind the poem is firm, then the poem truly becomes a work of art. Saurabh Mishra is on the right path when it comes to getting the thought right in a poem. His ideas reflect an acceptance of the human condition and a striving for the better. In the Apeejay Promising Poet interview series, the class 9 student at Apeejay Panchsheel Park mentions how reading Robinson Crusoe inspired him to pick up the pen and briefly hints at his upcoming creative works. Edited excerpts: 

Since when did you start writing?

I started writing in class 6. I think I was 10 or 11 years of age then.

What inspired you to pick up the pen?

I read some books of the classic series Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. I felt inspired after reading that and felt the urge to pick up the pen. I wrote my first poem in class 7 titled ‘Strending Kids’.

Your poem Voice Inside me mentions that one doesn’t get a glimpse of the inner voice every time. To reach it one has to patiently and honestly introspect deeply. Tell us the thought process behind the poem?

When we think about something, when we are going to do something, our inner voice  will always say if it is right or wrong. We are confused, we think the act can be right in future. But in such cases, the inner voice tells us the truth but we don’t accept it most of the time. This is what I wanted to say through the poem. 

Tell us about the process of writing?

It takes me 15 minutes to select a topic. I think of classic poems topics, which are philosophical in nature like the passage of time among others.  I don’t like science fantasy topics much. Then I just write the poem. I enjoy the writing process.  

Do you like free verse or rhyme?

I prefer free verse. Everytime one can’t think of things in rhyme. Some words just don’t align for rhyme. 

How does Apeejay Panchsheel Park help you to write such thoughtful poems?

The school gives us homework and activities which stimulates me to think of many topics for my poems. My English teacher Manjusha ma’am also published 2-3 poems of mine on the class notice board. It was a big encouragement for me.  

What is the one, must have skill to be a poet?

You have to be strong in the thinking part. Thought process helps in the weaving of the poems. Think clearly about what you think about the poem, like about it, what you want to write in that.

What are your next works?

Next is a story that follows a diary format. It will have ten chapters. It is a personality story.