JOIN USWho said poets are quiet and introvert beings who prefer to stay alone, lost in their own worlds? We say that when poets come together, they are like a bunch of misfits, dabbling into different ideas, differing frequencies and weaving it into an artistic melody.
Poets Collective is one such society that brings together poetry lovers of varying backgrounds from across Delhi under one roof. In their fun-filled regular meetings, they recite and appreciate Hindi and English poetry, penned by the members. Metrolife attended one of these meets, held recently at a member’s house, and it was a pleasing experience.
The most captivating part of the meeting was the intimacy these poets shared with each other: personal jokes, laughter and an acceptable amount of ruckus charged the atmosphere with a family-like air. However, they objected to being called a family. “If this was a family, we would run away from here!” collectively they joked.
The meeting was regulated by Saumya Kulshreshth, founder, and it officially commenced with an introduction of all the people present at the meet. Gurpreet Singh Tikku, an entrepreneur, talked about his past experiences with writing,“I used to write in 7th grade, but people would look down upon my work and tell me that I was absolutely mad. I used to tear away pages on which I wrote. However, I document all my works now. I do not read any famous poetry because I can’t understand it, but I write whatever comes to my mind,” he confesses.
After the introductions, a round of poetry recitation followed. And the most interesting observation was that each member of the group was paying rapt attention to the verses. They seemed to be aware of the art of poetry appreciation as well, as the group of around 50 was patiently listening and appreciating the verses, when required.
The surprising element of this afternoon meet was that they weren’t amateur poets – many among them had published poetry. It was just that they were nurturing their hobby diligently, without completely soaking into its depths.
Touching upon the themes of love, humour, social issues, desire, pain and confusion, the meeting reflected vibrant dynamics of the capital city which gives equal opportunity, on a platform like this, to young and old to learn from each other.
The diversity of the themes of the poems recited was wondrous and striking. Ashish Jhangra, a member, recited two poems on totally different topics. While one dictated comically the differences between a Haryanvi and typical Delhi girl, in the other, he identified himself as a poet of sadness, saying- “Main shayar hoon udasiyon ka, gham ki talon ki chabio ka, pati se mar khati pratadit patnio ka...”
Another member Isha recited a love poem based on her personal experiences. The meeting also had a musical twist to it when Girish Sharma, a journalist, came and sang self-composed songs using guitar which he lovingly called “Guitaru”. His song Lappu Jhania is based on the word ‘Lappu Jhania’ mentioned in Dharmendra-starrer Raja Jani, where it was used for a person who would steal other’s belongings. “So, if a girl comes and steals your heart, she would be called a Lappu Jhania,” he explained.
Celebrating little joys and pains of the past and anxiety of future, these poets melted hearts in poetic reverie.