‘Whenever you feel down, just write a poem,’ says this 11-year-old poet

Aakifah Khan is a class 6 student at Apeejay School, Nerul. The poetess, though merely 11 years old, writes verses that depict a maturity beyond her years. As she writes in her poem:

“Pain, ‘Oh! Dear pain,I really need to gain
The strength to face you,
For I have had enough of you!”

In this week’s Promising Poet interview, Aakifah reminds all poets that it is better to use the hurt and make a poem out of the sadness. Edited excerpts:

When and how did writing poems come into your life?

Poetry came into my life around the age of 10. I was in class 5 then. The first poem I wrote was for my English teacher Sushma ma’am. She is a big inspiration for me, so I wrote a poem thanking her.

Rhyme & mime or free verse and flow?

I really love to rhyme my poems. The most enjoyable part of writing a poem is rhyming every two lines. It is so much fun!

How does your school support you as a poet?

Sushma ma’am, my English teacher, motivates me a lot. She reminds me to polish the talent in me, to practise more. My mother also encourages me a lot. She is herself a lovely poet.

How much time does it take you to write a poem?

Now, with practice, it takes me roughly half an hour to 40 minutes to finish a poem. I mostly write on abstract themes like pain, success, and more.

So, what are your next poems going to be themed on?

The upcoming one is going to be on exams!

Favourite poet and poem?

Stars by Sara Teasdale is one of my most favourite poems. It is a part of my English literature book in school. Also the poem The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost is close to my heart. I really love that poem!

Finally, one tip as a poet to other poets?

Express whatever comes to your heart! Just write a poem whenever you feel down. Express that pain through words!