Author Anwesa Chaudhury tells Ayushi Sharma that even as the world seems to be engulfed by negativity, the existence of hope cannot be denied
We are living in a world where hope seems to be dwindling each day and very soon we may find ourselves without it. Through the eyes of a teenager, this seems all the more terrifying and dismal because this is their future. Bleak Hope, a collection of poetry written by teenage author, Anwesa Chaudhury, as she lives in anguish and views the destruction of the world with a heavy heart has been published by Notion Press.
Excerpts of the interview:
How did you first conceptualise the book? What was the idea behind it?
I have always loved reading poetry. I started penning my thoughts when I saw how disturbing these real life situations have become. Today, it is easy to call teenagers oversensitive, entitled and babied. Though, to some extent, this criticism is not wrong, however, if looked at closely, they face challenges that could be difficult for anyone. They are living in a completely different world, as compared to few decades ago. There was no agenda to publish my feelings but when I had finished writing about 40 to 45 poems during the last three years, my parents said, ‘why not publish them?’ They encouraged me to do so because I wanted to reach other kids of my age. I wanted them to feel that they are not going through the roller coaster ride of emotions alone. Publishing my thoughts was the only way out.
Are there any real life incidents that you can share with the reference to the book?
I started writing after experiencing some unusual incidents in our society. I wanted to express them in my way. That Night was my first poem, which delves into the life of children who beg for a living. We all have come across such kids but rarely have we paused and thought about their situation. The poem presents a contrast between my life and theirs as it’s a dream that I saw lying on my comfortable bed.
On The Streets was about the homelessness in California. The Unwanted was written after reading the news that Algeria expels refugees and asks them to walk through the Sahara. Real Men Don’t Hurt is all about violence against women.
All these are inspired from real life incidents.
On one hand there are deaths and suffering, wars and destruction, rapid degeneration of the environment and child abuse while on the other there are glimmer of hope and feeling of love. How did you try to keep a balance between two extreme situations?
A coin has two sides. One part of world shows and throws negativity at us, whereas the other end makes us experience kindness and existence of humanity. I believe in positive affirmations. Though I read and see a lot of negativity, I always feel that there is room for positivity where people help one another, a world of love and kindness. I have seen people going out of their way to help others. I feel in my heart that there are silver linings.
My poems express the despair and despondency that shrouds and suffocates us, speak of that glimmer of hope, the feeling of love and the chance for new beginnings. These poems stand tall as a witness to the hope that struggles to strive, fights to breathe and accomplishes to thrive in the midst of all the gloominess.
As the book explores the lines: Even as the world seems to be engulfed in the wave of negativity, the existence of hope cannot be denied. What keeps you motivated?
Though the world is going through a lot of darkness. I still think that there is still hope in humanity and in the beauty of nature and that keeps me motivated. The existence of human, world and nature is mere proof of positivity and ray of hope.
We often feel a plethora of emotions looking at the harsh realities of the world. But how difficult is it to make an emotion come alive through words?
For me it is not difficult because when I feel a particular emotion, words come naturally to my mind. I feel I am blessed with the ability to express. Not everybody has that kind of power.
Which authors have influenced you?
Right from Rabindranath Tagore, Robert Frost, PB Shelley and John Keats to modern poets like Rupi Kaur are my source of inspiration.
What does the future of written world look like since we are swamped by digital entertainment?
Things have moved rapidly into a digital world. It’s true that ebooks save space on bookshelves and provide convenience, selection and portability. However, there are somethings that will always be valued in their original form. There is something about the smell of a new book and physically turning a page, allowing the reader to have an experience that involves all of the senses. Nothing can replace that impact. A right balance is necessary.