In the spirit of National Poetry Day on October 3rd, we’re excited to share some uplifting stories from members of our Spread the Word poetry group in Rotherham! We have asked them to share their thoughts on their journey into poetry, what inspires them, and why they chose to join this community.
Our next interview features Zanib, who shares her story and inspiration.
What inspired you to start writing poetry and join this group?
I loved poetry as a child listening to my maternal grandfather read poetry by the coal fire in our front room in winter months. He also wrote poetry. I started writing poetry about 10 years ago and then stopped. Flux spread the word sessions re-engaged me in poetry again.
Can you share the story behind one of your favourite poems you’ve written?
“The Suitcase of Memories” is based on a suitcase my mother brought from Pakistan when she first came to England with objects and reminders of home.
“I remember that battered leather suitcase you kept under your bed for years and each time you opened it, you felt a dagger go through your heart, but you carried your pain well, Mother.
A treasure trove of precious memories of home that you could never forget, nor did you want to forget.”
She kept the suitcase under her bed and when she was homesick, she would open it and go through it. The poem led to the suitcase exhibition at Wentworth Woodhouse and Clifton Park Museum.
How has being part of this poetry group influenced your writing?
Yes, it pushes me to be more daring in my writing, we have some great poets in the group who raise the bar. After the Spread The Word sessions, I am buzzing with words in my head, and during the weekends I try and find time to write a poem or two.
What themes or topics do you find yourself most drawn to in your poetry?
I love poems about nature and the environment, my poems used to be more around emotions and feelings, memories and nostalgia.
I try and write poetry from an intersectional lens, from a South Asian woman’s perspective, some of my poems are about injustice, discrimination, and racism.
Who are some of your favourite poets, and how have they influenced your work?
I admired Sylvia Platt; her poems are dark and emotional. I also like the poems written by the Pakistani poet, Parveen Shakir and Black civil rights activist, Mayo Angelou. Their poems resonate with me as a woman. One of my favourite poetry books is “The Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color”, a collection of essays, prose, and poems.
Can you describe your writing process? Do you have any specific rituals or routines?
I jot down lines that come into my head at work, on a bus, or when out walking. Sunday is the day for writing when I am the most relaxed and I just sit in the living room and start writing. Then move into my study and type up. I go back and edit a few days later.
How and where do you find inspiration to write?
People inspire me and the conversations I have with them. I also read poems to inspire me. I am reading the work of Muhammed Iqbal, who is the national poet of Pakistan. I am at this moment reading his poems on eagles (Shaheen).
Lines from his poem “Beyond the Stars”.
You are an eagle; your job is to fly:
You have other skies in front of you.
Do not get lost in this maze of day and night,
What role do you think poetry/creative writing plays in society/ in Rotherham today?
Anything creative helps with better mental health and builds confidence. Everyone is creative and it is finding the right genre for you. In Rotherham we need more creative people coming forward from minoritised communities. As a South Asian I can say we have a rich history, traditions culture, arts, and literacy that goes back centuries, when writing poetry, I try and go back to my roots. When in Pakistan I wrote a poem, “Dupatta”, which was published. The poem was inspired when I visited the Jhelum marketplace with lots of beautiful and colourful scarves (dupattas).
How has sharing your work with the group impacted your confidence and development as a poet/creative writer?
It builds confidence and reassures you, providing a safety net, and feedback. Writing poetry is a very personal thing. You feel more confident to get your poems published and share them wider. If I don’t attend the sessions I don’t write, the Spread The Word sessions keeps me motivated.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in poetry?
Join a small group. I have also joined an online poetry group. Get a poetry book out of the library or read online. Go to an open mic session and listen to local poets. There are several good literacy and poetry festivals one can visit.
Anything else?
It is great Flux is supporting poetry sessions in the community.
Brew Order: Hot and strong.
