Meet Afreen Hasan, a B.Ed student at Apeejay Stya University, Gurugram, whose pen packs a poetic punch! Whether she’s calling out corruption or capturing the quiet beauty of life, Afreen’s verses speak straight from the heart. A lover of free verse and midnight musings, she doesn’t wait for the “right time” to write—she lets inspiration do the talking. This week’s Apeejay Promising Poet, she’s got rhyme, reason, and a lot to say!
At what age did you start writing poetry?
I began writing poetry when I entered college. That’s when I discovered the beauty of expressing emotions through words.
What inspired you to write poems?
General thoughts that arise in my mind and inspire me—those are what I translate into poetry. I simply jot them down and shape them into verses.
Tell us the thought behind your poem Corruption.
Corruption is my way of shedding light on one of the biggest flaws I see across our nation. Observing it so often around me, I felt compelled to articulate my thoughts and frustrations through poetry.
Who is your favourite poet and what’s your favourite poem?
Gulzar Sahab is my all-time favourite poet. I truly admire his ability to express deep emotions in such a simple yet profound way. My favourite poem, though, is Paradise by Cosmic Dreamer—it resonates deeply with me.
Do you prefer rhyme or free verse?
I prefer free verse. It gives me the liberty to express myself without being confined to a particular structure.
Do you usually write during the day or at night?
There’s no fixed time. It completely depends on my mood and the kind of thoughts I’m having. Whenever inspiration strikes, I write.
How does Apeejay support your creative journey in poetry?
Apeejay continuously creates opportunities for students to showcase and nurture their creative talents. These platforms genuinely boost our confidence and motivate us to keep going.
How do you approach writing a poem? How much time does it usually take? What are your common writing themes?
My writing style is very simple and natural. Sometimes a poem takes just a few hours, and other times it may take 2–4 days to come together. I usually write about nature and life—those are the themes that speak to me the most.
Finally, what’s the best thing about writing poetry for you?
The freedom. Poetry gives me the ability to express myself without boundaries. It’s where I feel most honest and uninhibited.