The Journey of Poetic Expression: From Childhood Punishment to Adult Struggles

Writing poetry has been a powerful tool for self-expression for many individuals, reflecting their emotions, experiences, and journeys. While some authors may start with a childhood moment that profoundly impacts their life, others find solace and a voice in their writing as they navigate through the complexities of teenage and adult life. This article explores the personal experiences of two poets, illustrating how their poems have captured pivotal moments and emotions from their pasts.

Childhood Punishment and Reflection

One such poet, Ayushman, from St George School in Delhi, wrote a poem that reflects on a childhood experience of punishment and its aftermath. His poem, titled 'It was your fault,' was written at the age of 10, shortly after a scolding from his mother during sit-ups:

'It was your fault
It was all your fault
that you landed in this pain
Every time I asked you
But you rejected me time and again.
It was not my fault
I was there to help
But you resented me
which brought you this yelp.
Five ten fifteen
I asked you to stop
You didn't listen to me
Lastly you plopped.
It was all your fault
which made you cry
And for no reason
You blamed me but why
It was all your fault
that you broke your hips and thigh
Your sister laughed at you
And so that I.'

This poem captures the young Ayushman's emotions and the complex dynamics at play during his childhood. It shows not only the immediate pain but also the guilt and regret felt by the mother, indicating that such experiences can leave a lasting impact.

Emerging Passions and Evolving Themes

As individuals grow older, the themes in their poetry can shift from childhood experiences to more complex emotions of growing up and dealing with loss and trauma. Another poet, who is 16 years old, has also found solace in poetry as a means to express these deep sentiments. Their poem, 'Reappearing Smiles,' reflects on the loss of childhood innocence and missing the carefree days of youth:

'Green trees ruffling
The sun shining
The clouds invisible to the eye
Playing like a child
Look at how time can fly
A smile rarely leaving a face
In this world you have a place
And you move at a steady pace
Dead leaves are a blanket over the ground
No child is to make a sound
They've grown
And the loss of innocence is known
The sun no longer has shine
For the child in no longer nine
The clouds take over the sky
It's dark and it's cold
Time can no longer fly by
Smiles have left their once shining faces
And they have lost places
Although they have lost their innocent
It never lies in hard cement
Although now lost
They can still always find their places
Then smiles will reappear on their now bright faces
But only if they truly desire it.'

Another poem, 'Revisited Traumas,' delves into the intricate world of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma, offering a raw and honest glimpse into the experiences of someone living with these profound effects:

'I see a certain place
Hear a certain sound
Smell a certain smell
Taste a certain taste
And the vivid memories hit me hard
My heart-beat skips then sprints
I’m struggling to breathe
I can’t keep still
I begin to sweat
I can feeling a sharp pain in my neck
It moves to my chest
Then down to my stomach
Then up to my head
I’m agitated
Angry
Scared
Lonely
I’m in a horrible dream
A dream oh so real
Except I’m awake
But I can’t stop it from playing again
I’ve been in this exact situation many times
I should be used to it by now
But I always get taken by surprise
Tears leak from my eyes
As I wait for this episode to end
Then it begins
The wait for another to ascend.'

This poem showcases the intense and harrowing impact of trauma, highlighting the ongoing struggle and the hope for recovery. It emphasizes the need for understanding and empathy in dealing with individuals who have experienced profound traumas.

Conclusion

These poems by Ayushman and the unnamed 16-year-old poet illustrate the wide-ranging and profound impact that poetry can have on individuals, especially when addressing childhood memories, growing up, and dealing with trauma and loss. Through their words, they provide a powerful window into the human experience, offering both reflection and healing.