- What attracts you to poetry as a medium, and how do you think it provides a unique way to express emotions and ideas?
Poetry is a crisp concise yet creative way of expressing emotions, thoughts and ideas for me, the abstract articulation of poetry takes precedence over linguistic precision of prose.
Poetic license allows for playing around with vocabulary and rhyme with unique artistic verbalisation.
The ambiguity and opaqueness of poetic imagery leave the reins of interpretation and inference completely in the reader’s control.
- Could you share what inspired the theme of your poems and how it shaped their tone and structure?
The particular theme of this book has been to foster deeper awareness for better mental health. Through my poems I have tried to emphasize the importance of prioritizing wellness as much for our minds as we do for our bodies. Fear, neglect and hesitation towards mental suffering within our society has repeatedly been obvious to me through my long experience as a practicing physician.
By writing my book in a distinctive narrative style via a story which flows on through several chapters as poems in my own metered writing style, and combining it with relevant art alongside each page, I have created an original and unique book with a strong underlying theme and message.
- How do you balance expressing your intended meaning in poetry while allowing space for readers to interpret and connect on a personal level?
Depiction and deciphering of poetry is always deeply personal and interpretation is as per their one’s own experience and approach to life. My poems aim at bringing a unique experience to each reader; be it cathartic, informative, insightful or simply entertaining.
I have used several metaphors and contextual references whilst trying to emphasize and retain the essence as well as message of this narrative. Besides word play and symbolism, I have used art alongside each poem’s figurative and metrical language, so that the reader may decide which words and/or art resonates most deeply with them
- How do you approach crafting the musicality of your language, and how does it enhance the overall experience for readers?
Poetry for me is an artistic endeavor for expression which allows for my individual phraseology and metering preference coupled with reflections of my imagery and intonation.Overall experience and perception by readers is intended to be one of introspection and inspiration, engagement and empathy, compassion and curiosity, humor and healing.
- Many poets find inspiration in their personal experiences. How have your own journey and background shaped the themes and imagery in your poetry?
In my varied and long standing personal experiences of being a practicing physician for 30 years, I have repeatedly encountered much denial and hesitancy among the general population for accepting and/or seeking help for mental health related concerns as well as prioritizing mental wellness in general too.This attitude has been observed irrespective of gender and social status/ literacy.
For the purpose of this fictional storyline I used examples of panic anxiety disorder and postpartum depression as both are commonly encountered or relatable issues
- In your work how do you use poetry as a means of commentary or reflection of the world around you?
Poetry to me has always been a form of personal expression Over the years it has enabled me to channel introspective honesty and also couple it with the thrill of unlocking new and creative dimensions for expression of emotion and thought.
I have often tried to use the magic of vocabulary and rhythm to match my observations and feelings. My inspiration has always come from trying to interpret my surroundings and its related ecosystems ; be it the people or the environment around us. I have hence combined my passion and interest in both of these via this book.
- Readers may be curious about your writing rituals. CSN you share any routines or practices you find helpful in cultivating your creativity and honing your craft as a poet?
As evidenced by the introductory poem in my book, my morning ritual of starting most days sharing a coffee or two with friends and observing people around me (at the cafe as well as interacting with varied people throughout the day) gives me much insight and incentive for my writing.. I often note down my observations, which I later weave into poetic imagery using intuition and imagination.
Another big influence and inspiration for my life as well as my writing is Mother Nature. My passion for traveling and being outdoors, too inspires me much and triggers creative inputs.
It is my endless fascination for the interconnected topics of nature and humankind which overflow into my pen and translate as pensive poems.
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