Exploring the “realms of both fantasy and reality” is the young writer Shyanne Nicholas who has just released her first book. ‘Dream’ containing as she describes it is “a collection of fictitious works”. Meeting her for the first time (I know her father Warren who was a colleague of mine in radio) she sent home the message to me that she was not one of the run-of-the-mill youngsters but someone who enjoys reading and most of all poring over and absorbing poetry by leading early authors and poets. So much so there was a kind of burning desire to put down her fast forming poetry thoughts on paper and share it with the many who enjoy poetry that does not run on obvious rhyme, metre, and thought.
What intrigues me is that you belong to today’s age of youth and youngster thinking; why did you think of publishing a book of original poems and not a book – a novel for instance?
Most creative individuals strive for perfection, and while this could be beneficial, it may also cripple one beyond recognition. With writing, I find myself appreciative of the manner in which novelists express their ideas through well-developed characters and complex plots, whilst sustaining the interest of their audience.
Presently, I believe myself to be incapable of such a feat. I long for perfection, and it is often this longing which restricts me from exploring my potential with long-term creative projects. Alongside this, with every morsel of knowledge that I acquire, I attempt to refine my style of writing. Therefore, until I have successfully burnished my skills, I promised myself to refrain from writing novels of my own.
With poetry, I find myself able to experiment with rhyme and rhythm, tone and mood, and the numerous other features which are both prevalent and common among poetic verse. There lies immense pleasure in expressing oneself with a few words, whilst opting for other techniques, such as symbolism, to ensure that one’s message and purpose are conveyed to their readers.
However, my collection of fictitious works in ‘DREAM’ includes my first attempt at a short story as well.
To write poetry you need to have a certain style in expression. What made you study poetry in order to compose it? Because today’s youth prefer to write short stories.
Early adolescence would find me poring over the works of Wordsworth and Shakespeare. The complexity of their words intrigued me, and though I could not wholly comprehend their message, I would marvel upon the manner with which these poets would weave with their words to create something wonderful.
My final years of upper secondary education at Gateway College, Rajagiriya, introduced me to the works of the Romantics, and this led to the development of my relationship with poetry. However, I truly believe that my love for the medium was cemented once I laid my eyes upon the poetic verses of John Keats. I reckon that years of exploring such works eventually piqued my curiosity, and thus, prompted me to test my abilities.
Presently, I derive immense pleasure and inspiration from masterful lyricism of BTS, and various indie artistes whom I listen to in my spare time.
Reading through the book which I must say I found interesting, I couldn’t quite put my finger on the poem which you think is your best one; can you elaborate on the reason?
Certainly, it is ‘Lovers in Bloom’. I believe that its composition resembles my current style best, and I am quite fond of its visual imagery.
It was written in the early hours of the morn, whilst listening to the gentle pitter-patter of raindrops outside my window, and it subtly expresses my belief of the concept of love bearing many similarities to the blooming of a flower.
Lovers in Bloom
If emerald leaves weave past their
delicate fingers
and in the air
the saccharine fragrance of flora
lingers
then I bid thee to leave them be,
for they are lovers in bloom
But,
when the smooth fingertips
brushing against her palms
have been heavily scented with the
fragrance of spring
and when the frosty breath of the
tender mouth on her neck
appears to be a trick of the wintry
wind,
reassure her,
for this is no mere dream....
Free verse comes easily to Shyanne and as she reveals she is a literature enthusiast, it would surprise no one to hear that her favourite subject at Gateway College was English Literature.
During her years at CINEC Campus, Malabe to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in English language, music too rode high on her interests chart. A member of the Soul Sounds Academy Choir she throws herself emotionally into a song and what’s more, she’s a gifted pianist as well. “I play the piano and produce short clips of music via Ableton Live”.
Creativity runs high and as she confesses, if she is not singing her heart out then undoubtedly she is “immersed in a good book”.
Enjoy her uncanny style in poetry writing as you leaf through ‘Dream’ her first book now available at Expographic.