Interview with Minal Sarosh

Minal Sarosh was one of the finalists with the following haiku. Here are some questions she answered about her poem and process:

cowbells . . .
one thought bumping
into another

• ​What inspired the poem ?

It was the sound of cowbells which first triggered the creative impulse. The sound of cowbells, as the cows walk around, seemed just like my own thinking process where one thought leads to another. I think, this is true for any thought process, creative or otherwise. And I suppose it’s true for everyone !

• What was your process for writing it ?

As I heard the cowbells, I realised that it was an apt metaphor for my own thinking process. So, the words just fell into place and my poem was there on the paper in a flash. 

I have been writing free verse for many years now, and have used many poetic devices. So, sometimes, some poetic devices, especially metaphor and personification, creep into my haiku too, as it has in this one.

• What other forms, formats, or iterations did you consider, and why do you think the poem had to written this way ?

This poem did come to me in an instant. And it seemed to be complete and  effective in itself as a haiku poem. It didn’t need any revisions either! So I did not think of any other forms or format.

• How do you think the poem helps to push the boundaries of, or contributes to, the genre?

Well, as I said, I do use poetic devices while writing poetry. Using the poetic devices in other forms of verse is not very difficult. But, it’s quite tricky to use them in haiku, since, a haiku has to be as objective as possible and at the same time provide the ‘Ah’ moment, and all this in very few words! This makes writing haiku very interesting and exciting for me. I really enjoy the challenge !

And I am very honoured that the esteemed judges thought my haiku worthy to be selected as a trailblazer.

• Is there anything else you want to share about the poem or writing practice?

Writing a haiku poem in itself is so exhilarating, since one has to incorporate many layers in the poem. The suspense element is also there and at the same time it has to leave space for the reader to walk in, and unravel it the way they relate to it. And being a mystery thriller writer also, I like this suspense !

So, at the moment, I am really enjoying writing haiku and senryu poems, and am gradually exploring the other related forms too !