‘We are all part-weed and part-sunflower’

Rida Jangra, a class 11 student at Apeejay School, Faridabad, says all humans are part-weed, part-sunflower. The philosophy behind this poetic statement is quite simple. Rida says, both beauty and ugliness are nature’s delights. One has to accept and understand both in their own light. In a world where everyone forces oneself to become a sunflower facing the light, our poet would rather choose to be a weed, but thrive in her own existence. 

In a brief conversation with this truly promising poet, we find many more interesting ideas, and anecdotes about her poetic journey. Read on edited excerpts of the interview:

Did you start writing poetry as a child?

I have had an infatuation towards poetry ever since I was a child. I would be devouring the poems in the English course book on the very first day of the session. It’s been almost two years since I myself started writing poetry.

So, what’s the story behind picking up the pen?

There wasn’t a particular incident that inspired me to write, but it was life in general. Sometimes your emotions are so intense that you need to vent them out on a blank page. That got me initiated.

Favourite poet and poem?

If I had to pick a poem it would be ‘And still I rise‘ by Maya Angelou. Her strong and compelling words give me immense inspiration in all my endeavours in life.

 What is the best thing about poetry?

The thing about poetry that entices me the most is saying a lot without actually saying it, alongside leaving room for infinite interpretations, as many explanations as there are minds.

Time for the big ques: Free verse or rhyme?

I prefer free verse over a rhyme scheme as it comes more naturally to me. Rather than forcing the words, I get to play with them whichever way it feels right.

One advice for budding poets?

To be a poet all you’ll ever need is something to write on and something to write with. Your experiences and your feelings can be your strongest weapon. Never hold them back.

How does your school motivate you to write poems?

The literature teachers have always encouraged us to draw out our own meanings and let our minds wander free. This has played a big role in my writing journey.

How much time does it take you to write poems? What’s your process of writing?

Sometimes it takes me ten minutes, other times even months, depending on my creative output as well as the complexity of the poem.

Next poems?

The next poem I’m working on is a conversational piece between a human and God.

Finally, we loved your poem ‘The Nature’s Truth‘. Tell us the thought behind it?

Appreciating individuality was the theme all along the poem. Often we find ourselves trying hard to fit in certain “categories” created by the society while losing our original selves along the way. The realisation that we are graceful enough the way we are, with each day giving us a new growth opportunity and its reflection in nature, that was my main thought behind the poem.