Ridhima Khurana, a talented poet from Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, captivates with her imaginative and abstract use of language. Selected as this week’s Apeejay Promising Poet, Ridhima discusses her poetic journey, what makes poetry special to her, and much more.
At what age did you start writing poetry?
I started writing poetry at the age of 12.
And what inspired you to write poems?
My thoughts and emotions have always inspired me to write poems. There are times when words remain unspoken, and poetry becomes a way to express those feelings.
Who is your favorite poet and what is your favorite poem?
Robert Frost is my favorite poet, and his poem Fire and Ice particularly resonates with me. It makes you reflect on profound themes, evoking thoughts you may never have considered before.
Rhyme or free verse?
I prefer free verse. While rhyme can be beautiful, it sometimes forces you to alter your sentences, losing their natural essence.
Do you write poems during the day or at night?
Mostly at night. The tranquility of darkness allows me to express my thoughts more freely and deeply.
But how does your school help you to write such lovely poems?
My school has been a great source of inspiration, thanks to my teachers and peers. A single word of encouragement from a teacher or a classmate can make a huge difference for an emerging writer.
How do you approach writing a poem? How much time does it take you? What are your common writing themes?
The time it takes to write a poem varies. If I’m overwhelmed with thoughts, I can write a poem in seconds. If I have a vague idea, it might take hours. My common themes include daily life experiences, overlooked details, and important matters that require deeper reflection.
And finally what is the best thing about writing poetry for you?
For me, the best part about writing poetry is being able to communicate my innermost thoughts and feelings without having to say them out loud.