Promising Poet
‘Thinking of a topic is always the hardest’
Alisha, a student of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, shares her love for poetry, inspiration from social media, and how writing helps her grow as a creative thinker.
Alisha Sheikh is a pudding poet at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. Not only her poetry but also her mindset is mature beyond her years. She sees social media as a platform to boost her poetry and doesn’t let it become a distraction by managing her screen time.
Selected as this week’s Apeejay Promising Poet, let us read her refreshing thoughts and get inspired to pick up the pen.
What new poems have you written, Alisha?
I am currently working on a poem titled “Getting Lost in Thoughts,” though it’s still incomplete. Maybe I’ve actually gotten lost in my thoughts and now need to navigate out of that maze to put my ideas into words.
How does social media help you as a poet—platform or distraction?
For me, social media acts as a platform. It inspires me with fresh and creative ideas when I’m running low on inspiration. Thankfully, it doesn’t distract me because I manage my screen time effectively.
And which poets do you follow?
Anything written by William Shakespeare ought to be followed. I found his poem “The Seven Ages of Man” particularly inspiring because it delves into the essence of life—a theme I enjoy exploring in my own poetry.
But how does writing poems help you in your studies?
Writing poems broadens my vocabulary. As I pen down verses, I often come across innovative words, which enhance my linguistic skills and help me academically.
One thing you find tough in poetry?
Choosing the topic for a poem is the hardest part. In a poetic sense, the first step is always the toughest.
Writing poems or performing them—what’s harder?
I find writing poems more challenging than performing them. Writing demands complete mental focus to craft new and meaningful verses, while performing allows for expression through delivery.
How is your school encouraging your talent?
Our school library is a treasure trove of diverse books, which fuels my creativity. Additionally, the school provides platforms like the Apeejay Newsroom website, where I can submit my poems for publication and read works by other students. It’s incredibly motivating!
Apart from poetry, what else do you like to write?
I enjoy writing stories and diary entries about my daily experiences. They’re like mini-blogs, capturing my emotions and documenting my day. It’s something I truly love doing.
