Jawi Kawatra, is a bright student at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. She is a budding poet with a high emotional and intellectual quotient that reflects in her poetry.
Scouting her as the Apeejay Promising Poet of the week and backing her creative abilities, let us learn more about her love for verse and what drives her to write poems so consistently. Read edited excerpts:
At what age did you start writing poetry?
I began composing poetry when I was 13 years old.
And what inspired you to write poems?
Poetry enabled me to articulate what words by themselves cannot. Upon completing my poems, my heart consistently feels liberated, enriched, and uplifted.
Wow! That’s deep, but do explain the thought behind your poem: The will to live?
Following my viewing of ’13 Reasons Why’ and finding myself alone at school without my friends, I spontaneously began writing, eventually crafting what would become the poem The Will to Live.
So who is your favourite poet?
My preferred poet is my acquaintance Ridhima Khurana, student in class XI C and the poem that resonated with me the most was a piece where she articulated a shared experience. I understand that she has yet to title the poem.
And what relates more to you: Rhyme or free verse?
I lean towards free verse rather than rhyme because the significance and depth of the poem holds more weight than the rhyming scheme for me.
But when do you find the time to write poems?
The timing is inconsequential as long as the poem holds meaning and authenticity.
So how does your school help you to write such lovely poems?
My English teacher assists me in revising some of my poems, leading to improvements in the language, grammar, and depth of my poetry.
How do you approach writing a poem? How much time does it take you? And what are your common writing themes?
Whenever I experience intense emotions, I instinctively reach for my pen and paper to begin writing. I typically complete a poem within 5 minutes, with recurring themes revolving around friendship and love.
Finally, the best thing about writing poetry for you?
Poetry serves as a therapeutic outlet for me, allowing me to release and process strong emotions, whether positive or negative. It feels like a personal accomplishment and a rewarding experience.