‘Words and sentence-formation are crucial while writing a poem’

Pratiksha Nandy, class 10 student at Apeejay Kharghar, possesses an innate ability to write poems which truly spellbound the readers. Her recent poem Demon gives all a ray of hope in this conflict-ridden world. Partiksha is a regular contributor of splendid verses in the talent treasure section. 

In an exclusive Apeejay Promising Poet interview, the young wordsmith highlights the importance of words to express one’s ideas effectively in a poem. Edited excerpts:

At what age did you start writing poems?

I always had an interest in creative writing but I have started writing poetry since the past three years. I was 12 years old then. I wasn’t very good initially but I have improved over the years. I find creative writing very interesting and view poetry as a novel way for self-expression.

Your recent poem Demon was a lovely read? Please tell us the thought process behind it?

The idea behind the poem was that we generally portray the demon as the bad side. However,  the demon in the poem smiled at the poet and the poet was touched by the warmth of the demon’s smile. Even a demon is capable of goodness. There is a good side and a bad side to things but I feel that demons can be good too. Our demons can also help us.

Who is your favourite poet?

I don’t read much poetry as of now. But I like reading Rick Riordan’s books. He is the author of Percy Jackson & the Olympians. I like detective and crime fiction as well. I love the works of Japanese author Keigo Higashino. His mystery novels are just too good. I also like fantasy and action novels.

How does Apeejay Kharghar help you in writing such beautiful poems consistently?

I would firstly like to thank the city of Kharghar. Actually, I love writing nature poems and the weather is beautiful in Kharghar. So, I take inspiration from here.

My school Apeejay Kharghar helps me a lot as I learn good vocabulary in the English classes at school. Good vocabulary is an essential in poetry. The right usage of words is crucial in poetry.  

What are some of the next poems you are going to write?

The ideas for a poem come suddenly. So, I do not know what is going to be the idea for my next poem but I am certain that I am going to write very soon. I have the theme of nostalgia in my mind for the upcoming works.  

Do you prefer rhyme or free verse?

Rhyme feels better but it is also very important to form the sentences clearly in a poem. Thus rhyme is not possible every time. I try to include both rhyme and free verse in a poem.

Tell us about the process behind writing a poem?

I suddenly get an idea for a poem. Mostly music helps me a lot. The music creates a good atmosphere for writing a poem. I get some inspiration from it as well. It generally takes me about half an hour to write a poem. At times it takes me just twenty minutes as well.

What message do you have for the Apeejay students who are fellow lovers of poetry like you?

You need to have a good vocabulary to write poems. You need to know good words to express effectively what you want to say. The words and the way one forms the sentences are crucial in a poem. Rhyme is not always important for the poet but what you want to say is the most important.