"Spotlight" Poet Interview:
Rishan Singh
Rishan Singh
Hello Rishan. How are you doing?
Hello Maurice. I am fine. Thanks for asking. Hope you doing okay.
I am doing well. Thank you, and thank you, as well, for taking this time to be this month’s Creative Inspirations “Spotlight Poet” for the month of March. Thank you for sharing your gift of poetry with us.
You welcome.
How has your year been going thus far?
It's been a bit of a challenge. I think the beginning of each year is like that for me, because there’s many goals we want to attain that sometimes it can become very overwhelming. But, otherwise, my year so far has been slow.
So, you reside in South Africa, right? I have always wanted to visit African and hope I will one day be able to. Please tell us a little about your country and what you love about it.
Yes. South Africa is a multicultural country. We have everything here. There are many cultures, race groups, languages and ethnic groups. You will also be able to find nature and game reserves, as well as many tourist destinations. The one thing I love about my country is being able to experience diversity and the difference in language landscapes.
South Africa sounds like an amazing place. I really hope I will be able to visit one day. What is a favorite cuisine you love from your home country?
There are many. There's nothing specific, but I am opened to experimenting.
Please tell us a little bit about Rishan.
I always find it difficult to answer this question. I simply feel that humans are complex individuals, and therefore, I find it difficult to classify my preferences as we continuously change through time. I dislike dishonest people and people who use manipulation, or deceitful behavior, to acquire something or to retain a friendship. I simply feel that friendship is a sacred bond that must be based on openness, and that friendship is a special bond that no level of pretentious behavior, or manipulation, can hold tightly. I like people who would rather speak in English and say something to me - or about me - rather than speaking in a foreign language that I don't know, and trying to manipulate the truth about themselves.
I enjoy being held in high esteem for my work, because it shows that I am on the right track and, furthermore, it substantiates my diligence as a poet and scientist. Recently, I have being hearing a lot of people faking having done Sanskrit in courses done in English, which isn’t true. However, I do know my language, Hindi.
In terms of my occupation, I am currently a Though Leader at the Golden Key International Honour Society. In addition, I am a writer and poet. I come from a family of Indian origin, and I’m 4th generation. I am very multifaceted as an individual.
Well said, Rishan, and thank you for sharing. What type of material do you write?
I write mostly poetry. However, I have also written a few short stories (with different themes), essays, and about 4 short education pieces in Hindi (no Google Translate). In addition, I have had prose published overseas. Last year, I wrote a romantic play that was submitted to the Playwrights Guild of Canada. Further to this, I had written a play titled Harmony in Diversity for a radio initiative in South Africa. Apart from my literary material, I also write scientific material. In November 2024, I completed a full paper about poetic nature in contemporary times (title differs on manuscript).
That is awesome. I did not know you wrote plays. Any favorite authors?
Yes. Many, many, many. Some that come to mind are Moira Lovell, Willard Price, Christopher Pike, Shakuntala Hawoldar, Sarojini Naidu, and the late Dr R.N. Nair from The American College in Chennai, South India.
You have been a faithful contributor to Creative Inspirations for quite some time now. Tell us what motivates your writing of poetry.
I am motivated by stillness and the love for my craft of poetry. Everybody thinks they can write - well, yes, they can. However, one needs to be skilled and know poetry to write real poetry. Also, I am motivated by nature, biology, the human experience, history and the epigraph of work that my poetry mentors have left behind, and those that have taught me diligently how to write serious poetry. My mentors shaped me as a writer of poetry, and their interchangeable mentorship has kept me motivated.
That is very nice of you to acknowledge your passion for the art of poetry and give thanks to those that taught you the craft. For me, when I sit down to write, I need everything quiet: no music, no television…silence. This helps clear my mind and allow me to focus, to allow my mind to communicate to my fingers what it is thinking and communicating. Do you have a particular routine you use when you prepare to write?
I wouldn't say a routine. But, I would say that I am very influenced by where I am writing. Over the years I have realized that if I am writing a particular story or verse in a specific place, then the form of my writing is dictated by that place or setting. Furthermore, I agree with silence...I believe that silence allows the thought process to be clearer. However, for me, I am a very astute and meticulous editor of my work. You would find me engrossed in one piece of writing for many days, months, and sometimes years, until I am completely satisfied with it. However, I try to avoid changing its articulate conveyances, because that’s something that can automatically change once re-written or over-thought about.
Yes, silence is ‘golden’ for me, and I love the passion you have to stay with something until you are “completely satisfied with it.” Do you have a book of poetry you’ve published? If so, tell us a little about it and what you love about it.
Yes, of course. I have published 2 books of poetry. The first one was in 2019 and it is titled Poems, and my second book is titled New Poems and Short forms, which was published in 2021. Both these books are poetry gems. In my first book, there is poetry written in Hindi and 2 short stories written in isiZulu. It contains poems that were published in the early 2000's and later, and it also includes poems in Afrikaans as well.
In my second book (New Poems and Short Forms), there is a separate section for short forms. This book is special to me, because it was my first escape into writing short forms. I like this book because it explores love, hatred, escape, identity and religion. It also includes an article about Emily Dickenson's Poetry, which also appeared in my first collection of poetry.
I love the poetry short form writing. What are a few of your favorite poems in your works, and why?
This is a very difficult question, particularly because I value all of my work. However, I enjoy the following:
“What I Would Do for Love"
I love this poem because it provides insight into the human condition, heartache and longing. These are the 3 themes evident in this poem. What I Would Do for Love has become a favorite among readers, because they relate to it using their own idea about what love and longing is.
“Being Indian"
I love this poem because I wrote it to commemorate a special occasion in history, i.e. the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first Indian indentured laborers in South Africa. The themes within this poem are identity, heritage, and cultural legacy. It stands out from other poems the I have written, because of its historical significance and emotional depth.
“Love and Honesty"
I love this poem because it shows the interplay between affection and truth. The content within this poem relates to societal norms and personal integrity, which has made it a favorite among African poets and writers.
Very nice. Any big plans for 2025?
Yes, I simply want to put out another book. However, I am still pondering on the subject matter.
I am sure the subject will come to you soon. I want to wish you the best in all your literary endeavors, and allow me to thank you again for this time and opportunity to interview you. It has been a blessing! Please have some closing words.
Thank you for having me in this segment. My closing words is that it's important to write well. Understand the process of writing. Understand the process of writing serious poetry. If you want to excel as a writer, playwright, or poet, one must understand the craft, tools, and essence of what it means to write. You can find my science work online, as well as tune in to Don Beukes Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/77rNbGSjRyQgvL9LtQQsp4. With that said, I thank you for your time, Maurice. It has been a pleasure spending some time with you, discussing my poetry, goals and ventures. Thanks again!
Hello Maurice. I am fine. Thanks for asking. Hope you doing okay.
I am doing well. Thank you, and thank you, as well, for taking this time to be this month’s Creative Inspirations “Spotlight Poet” for the month of March. Thank you for sharing your gift of poetry with us.
You welcome.
How has your year been going thus far?
It's been a bit of a challenge. I think the beginning of each year is like that for me, because there’s many goals we want to attain that sometimes it can become very overwhelming. But, otherwise, my year so far has been slow.
So, you reside in South Africa, right? I have always wanted to visit African and hope I will one day be able to. Please tell us a little about your country and what you love about it.
Yes. South Africa is a multicultural country. We have everything here. There are many cultures, race groups, languages and ethnic groups. You will also be able to find nature and game reserves, as well as many tourist destinations. The one thing I love about my country is being able to experience diversity and the difference in language landscapes.
South Africa sounds like an amazing place. I really hope I will be able to visit one day. What is a favorite cuisine you love from your home country?
There are many. There's nothing specific, but I am opened to experimenting.
Please tell us a little bit about Rishan.
I always find it difficult to answer this question. I simply feel that humans are complex individuals, and therefore, I find it difficult to classify my preferences as we continuously change through time. I dislike dishonest people and people who use manipulation, or deceitful behavior, to acquire something or to retain a friendship. I simply feel that friendship is a sacred bond that must be based on openness, and that friendship is a special bond that no level of pretentious behavior, or manipulation, can hold tightly. I like people who would rather speak in English and say something to me - or about me - rather than speaking in a foreign language that I don't know, and trying to manipulate the truth about themselves.
I enjoy being held in high esteem for my work, because it shows that I am on the right track and, furthermore, it substantiates my diligence as a poet and scientist. Recently, I have being hearing a lot of people faking having done Sanskrit in courses done in English, which isn’t true. However, I do know my language, Hindi.
In terms of my occupation, I am currently a Though Leader at the Golden Key International Honour Society. In addition, I am a writer and poet. I come from a family of Indian origin, and I’m 4th generation. I am very multifaceted as an individual.
Well said, Rishan, and thank you for sharing. What type of material do you write?
I write mostly poetry. However, I have also written a few short stories (with different themes), essays, and about 4 short education pieces in Hindi (no Google Translate). In addition, I have had prose published overseas. Last year, I wrote a romantic play that was submitted to the Playwrights Guild of Canada. Further to this, I had written a play titled Harmony in Diversity for a radio initiative in South Africa. Apart from my literary material, I also write scientific material. In November 2024, I completed a full paper about poetic nature in contemporary times (title differs on manuscript).
That is awesome. I did not know you wrote plays. Any favorite authors?
Yes. Many, many, many. Some that come to mind are Moira Lovell, Willard Price, Christopher Pike, Shakuntala Hawoldar, Sarojini Naidu, and the late Dr R.N. Nair from The American College in Chennai, South India.
You have been a faithful contributor to Creative Inspirations for quite some time now. Tell us what motivates your writing of poetry.
I am motivated by stillness and the love for my craft of poetry. Everybody thinks they can write - well, yes, they can. However, one needs to be skilled and know poetry to write real poetry. Also, I am motivated by nature, biology, the human experience, history and the epigraph of work that my poetry mentors have left behind, and those that have taught me diligently how to write serious poetry. My mentors shaped me as a writer of poetry, and their interchangeable mentorship has kept me motivated.
That is very nice of you to acknowledge your passion for the art of poetry and give thanks to those that taught you the craft. For me, when I sit down to write, I need everything quiet: no music, no television…silence. This helps clear my mind and allow me to focus, to allow my mind to communicate to my fingers what it is thinking and communicating. Do you have a particular routine you use when you prepare to write?
I wouldn't say a routine. But, I would say that I am very influenced by where I am writing. Over the years I have realized that if I am writing a particular story or verse in a specific place, then the form of my writing is dictated by that place or setting. Furthermore, I agree with silence...I believe that silence allows the thought process to be clearer. However, for me, I am a very astute and meticulous editor of my work. You would find me engrossed in one piece of writing for many days, months, and sometimes years, until I am completely satisfied with it. However, I try to avoid changing its articulate conveyances, because that’s something that can automatically change once re-written or over-thought about.
Yes, silence is ‘golden’ for me, and I love the passion you have to stay with something until you are “completely satisfied with it.” Do you have a book of poetry you’ve published? If so, tell us a little about it and what you love about it.
Yes, of course. I have published 2 books of poetry. The first one was in 2019 and it is titled Poems, and my second book is titled New Poems and Short forms, which was published in 2021. Both these books are poetry gems. In my first book, there is poetry written in Hindi and 2 short stories written in isiZulu. It contains poems that were published in the early 2000's and later, and it also includes poems in Afrikaans as well.
In my second book (New Poems and Short Forms), there is a separate section for short forms. This book is special to me, because it was my first escape into writing short forms. I like this book because it explores love, hatred, escape, identity and religion. It also includes an article about Emily Dickenson's Poetry, which also appeared in my first collection of poetry.
I love the poetry short form writing. What are a few of your favorite poems in your works, and why?
This is a very difficult question, particularly because I value all of my work. However, I enjoy the following:
“What I Would Do for Love"
I love this poem because it provides insight into the human condition, heartache and longing. These are the 3 themes evident in this poem. What I Would Do for Love has become a favorite among readers, because they relate to it using their own idea about what love and longing is.
“Being Indian"
I love this poem because I wrote it to commemorate a special occasion in history, i.e. the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first Indian indentured laborers in South Africa. The themes within this poem are identity, heritage, and cultural legacy. It stands out from other poems the I have written, because of its historical significance and emotional depth.
“Love and Honesty"
I love this poem because it shows the interplay between affection and truth. The content within this poem relates to societal norms and personal integrity, which has made it a favorite among African poets and writers.
Very nice. Any big plans for 2025?
Yes, I simply want to put out another book. However, I am still pondering on the subject matter.
I am sure the subject will come to you soon. I want to wish you the best in all your literary endeavors, and allow me to thank you again for this time and opportunity to interview you. It has been a blessing! Please have some closing words.
Thank you for having me in this segment. My closing words is that it's important to write well. Understand the process of writing. Understand the process of writing serious poetry. If you want to excel as a writer, playwright, or poet, one must understand the craft, tools, and essence of what it means to write. You can find my science work online, as well as tune in to Don Beukes Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/77rNbGSjRyQgvL9LtQQsp4. With that said, I thank you for your time, Maurice. It has been a pleasure spending some time with you, discussing my poetry, goals and ventures. Thanks again!
Rishan's literary works can be found online.
For past "Spotlight" interviews, please contact MJ at the email below.
January - Joan Leotta
February - Glenda B. Fraizer
January - Joan Leotta
February - Glenda B. Fraizer
Creative Inspirations - P.O. Box 19051 Kalamazoo, MI 49019
[email protected] - www.cipoetrypublication.com
[email protected] - www.cipoetrypublication.com