‘Sand is small, but it can create waves’

Spirituality has believed that nothing the creator has made in this world is without use. Everything we see around is powerful. Even if the world views sand as a small and futile particle, when these small particles gather together, something big is created.

This powerful outlook comes from Poulami Saha, Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC) student. Her poem on Jaisalmer is a tribute to the state of the desert and reminds us all that no matter how small, we can still make a difference. Edited excerpts:

At what age did you start writing poetry?

I initially started out with writing short stories.It was later that I shifted to poetry writing roughly when I was about 18 years old.

What inspired you to write poems?

My inspiration has always been the people around me. I was always very observant and felt too much. Also, I was too shy to express myself and so, writing poems became my only way to share my feelings and thoughts.

Tell us the thought behind your poem on Jaisalmer.

When I visited Jaisalmer, the first thought that came to my mind was, “It is so beautiful”. We often think of the sand as weak or a trifle particle. But Jaisalmer proved that when small particles come together, they can create empires! So, I wanted to put forward the glory of this city.

Who is your favourite poet and what is your favourite poem?

To be honest, I don’t often read poems but I like the poems of Ruskin Bond. He has always been my inspiration. His way of telling stories and personal experiences made me write stories of people through my poems. 

Rhyme or free verse?

Always free verse, it has its own way of flow just like a river! 

Writing poems in the day or night? 

I am a night person but if a story is in front of me, then I will write without seeing the time.

How does your college help you to write such lovely poems?

I had never thought my professors would influence me to share my poems on open platforms. I would like to thank Professor Pijus Dutta for giving me such platforms and also Professor Mudita Raj for being an inspiration to share my writings.

How do you approach a poem?

Honestly I don’t have any particular approach to writing poems. But it’s always the stories and emotions of people that I try to pen down. It takes me about 10-20 minutes to write a poem. My common writing themes are usually on social issues and psychological thrillers.

 One advice for budding poets?

I would advise – never confine your thoughts and write whatever you feel. Even if you think it doesn’t follow the traditional formats of poetry, still write and show it. Poetry has its own way of telling stories.

Best thing about writing poetry for you?

I think writing is a therapy that can heal many unexpressed wounds. Being an introvert, poetry has always been the only way to express myself.