‘Writing is my therapy’

All individuals are torn between deciding between their heart and brain. Perhaps, life is all about this struggle. Ridhima Khurana, class 9 student with Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, seems to have realised this truth of life at a tender age. In the Apeejay Promising Poet’s interview, the young poet says how poetry comes to her rescue when the thoughts of the world become unbearable to her. Edited excerpts: 

Since when did you start writing poems?

I started writing poems two years ago. I was in class 7 then. 

What inspired you to pick up the pen?

For me, writing is letting go of the thoughts that keep hovering above my head. Whenever I am overwhelmed with emotions, writing becomes my therapy. I just pick up a notebook and a pen and write whatever is in my mind without thinking how the words turn out to be. Writing comes handy for me when I am unable to share my feelings with anyone. I need to get rid of those feelings internally as well. At times when I am unable to share my feelings with my parents, or siblings, at that time, writing is my go to thing.

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

I am more into novels than poetry. Colleen Hoover is my favourite writer. Her book: It ends with us is too good.

Tell us about the process of writing a poem?

I don’t write poems usually. It is when I am totally overwhelmed by emotions and I feel I can’t keep my thoughts inside me anymore and I should pour them out, then I write poems.  I write my poems in one go. I write them when I am all alone, so that the thoughts can come out efficiently from my mind. I usually write at night. 

A few days ago, there was a power cut in my house, so I wrote in the moonlight. I could not see clearly what I was writing but it was a beautiful experience.

In your poem ‘Our true identity’ you mention how individuals are torn in choosing between the dictates of the heart and the brain. Tell us more about the poem?

Life is tough. Everyone has a mission. As one grows up, life teaches us a lot of things. That is why we see the experienced ones can give the best advice. Sometimes though life teaches us hard lessons at a tender age, adults can see beyond what is visible and that was the point of me writing this poem. I had seen some close people going through these emotions in tough times. I realised that at the end of the day, one is left with only oneself, one’s thoughts and the supreme divine.

Rhyme or free verse?

Free verse! I then don’t have to think much. But in rhyme, one has to pay close attention to the rhyming scheme and words

How does your school help you to write such beautiful poems?

The school teachers support and encourage me to pursue my passion. It is very uplifting for a student who has just started writing. I would like to thank my English teacher Manjusha ma’am and Math teacher Sarika ma’am for their support. 

What are your upcoming poems?

The recently written poem, the one I wrote under the moonlight, is my next poem. It is about how I wish that precious moment of silence would stay forever and no problems would be going on in life.  

One piece of advice for all budding writers?

Pay attention to your thoughts. They play a major role in what you write. Use your precious thoughts wisely and you will surely do something unique.