~
April 2023
HP Poet: Sarita Aditya Verma
Age: 47
Country: India

Question 1: We are so happy you could be a part of this, Sarita. Tell us how long have you been writing poetry, and for how long have you been a member of Hello Poetry?

Sarita Aditya Verma: "I have been writing for the last six years (19th October 2016), that was the first time ever I wrote to express myself. I have been a member and have posting here at Hello Poetry since December 2016. This is the only place where I share my words, sometimes a copy of the same with friends who are willing to read. Hello Poetry has been my sacred space, I feel blessed to be here."


Question 2: What inspires you? (In other words, how does poetry happen for you).

Sarita Aditya Verma: "Nature has inspired me forever, be it rain, sunshine, trees or the blooming flowers. The length and breadth of vivid times and emotions. I usually write about the experiences in life, as I lightly observe around. Sometimes it could be a photograph, a painting or even my morning walk. In general, the geometry of life and the rainbow that shines. That’s how poetry happens to me."


Question 3: What does poetry mean to you?

Sarita Aditya Verma: "Poetry is one of the best experiences in my life. It has given me a sense of belonging, a space which is totally mine, brought in a lot of clarity, and words have set me free. 'Sometimes poetry, mostly life, unwritten quotes destiny shall write'- is what I believe in."


Question 4: Who are your favorite poets?

Sarita Aditya Verma: "I have been a science student, and haven’t had much exposure to literature/poetry in my graduation years. So it would be unfair to quote any of the greats here! Robert Frost and Mark Twain are the ones whose works I have enjoyed reading in school. The rest, most of my reading and learning experience, has been at Hello Poetry - from the many great poets and poetesses who share their wonderful work here, and I am grateful for that."


Question 5: What other interests do you have?

Sarita Aditya Verma: "One of my other interests is photography, I love the geometry of the subject- it’s all about angles and curves, and right moments to capture. I am drawn to nature and street photography. I am still into the process of exploring and acquiring the skills. I also enjoy listening to upbeat music :)"


Carlo C. Gomez: “Thank you so much, Sarita! We are really excited to add you to this spotlight series.”

Sarita Aditya Verma: "Thank you so much Carlo, for interviewing me here. I truly enjoyed the questions and am eager to know about and read from other contributors at Hello Poetry :)"



Again thank you everyone here at HP for taking the time to read this. We hope you enjoyed getting to know Sarita a little bit better.
– Carlo C. Gomez (aka Mr. Timetable)

We will post Spotlight #3 in May!
~

✿⊰✲⊱✿
At the sound of my name, I see the faces
turn and smiles of many friends;
Queen Sue of Ruikruya in her lilac silks,
Queen Sarita of Khaikar in orange silks,
Queen Deb of Daegeral in magenta,
Queen Kim of Geniael in creams,
Queen Robin of Naeneiana in periwinkles,
Queen Fawn of Yuamor in red-violets,
Queen Dawn of Khesian in dandelion-orange,
Queen Jugnu of Enuryn in jade-greens,
Queen Yidna of Puhan in indigos,
Queen Cne of Phelyra in turquoise,
Queen Xaela of Lonusea in peach,
Queen Ayumi of Wadia in tan-gold,
Queen Sheila of Naizzuzia in cornflower-blue,
Queen Stars of Yurithireatha in green-yellow

✿⊰✲⊱✿
King Edmund and his wife in matching
forest-greens attires,
King Omni of Khaniel in silvers,
King Emeka of Ghalali in white,
King Devon of Monait in blue-violets,
King Fugue of Thavia in blacks,
King Yacov of Igrador in olive-green,
King Joseph of Eaqellurene in bronze,
King Fredrick of Emirinait in mauve,
King Rob of Balan in sea-green,
King John of Khesian in melon-red,
King Aslam of Ikaesa in deep plum,
King Brandon of Huarean in ocher,
King Kikodinho of Izugalla in taupe,
King Jobira of Zavalon in orange-red
and many many more.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
And last but not least, King Paul of
Luciuscemi himself in emerald-and-gold.
He wears his favourite emerald green
jacket with ruby buttons, bright gold
embroidery of suns and lions; his sleeves
stitched with pearls and rubies to match
the red sash across his chest; his trousers
black as are his boots, but even they have
gold laces.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"I try! And I know my tea."
"So when will I hear of your own marriage?"
Donna teases and I flush.
All that leaves my lips is, "Uhhhhhh..."
Donna only laughs at my response and pats
my shoulder gently. "I am sorry if I made you
uncomfortable. Take your time with it. But try
not to put it off for too long. Marriage is a
wonderful thing. Spend your life with someone
you love and loves you so much in turn."

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Now you sound like my mother."
"And Mothers always know best!" She winks
as Sue and Kim and Yidna and Sarita and
Jugnu and Fawn and Stars and Dawn
all approach her as Donna gives her
thanks to each of them individually,
Kings and Queens.
I stand there and simply watch them
with a smile.
"Hey!" a voice whispers behind me.
"Good Lord!" I exclaim while jumping
out of my skin. Immediately, I
look behind to see a snickering Paul.
"I'm not amused! It's not funny!" I snap
but he only snickers louder at me.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"I really hate when you do that..." I
say, my hand on my heart as I try to
slow my beating. "No apology?"
"Nope!" Paul grins. "You're so uptight, I swear.
Relax!" He slugs his arm around my shoulders as
I just shake my head. "By the way, everything's
ready for her final surprise. So let's head out
to the inner courtyard."
I nod. "Where's Esshi and Ainhana?"
"Right here," another voice cuts in
and I see King Brandon with both
my handmaids. "Such charming
young ladies."
"You've been flirting with them too,
Brandon?"

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Though we could not see the emblem,
we know who eachof the colours belong to
Sue's Kingdom of Ruikruya releases lilac paper lanterns,
Edmund's Chairis forest-green,
Sarita's  Khaikar orange lanterns,
Omni's Khaniel silver,
Deb's Daegeral magenta,
Devon's Monait blue-violets,

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Kim's Geniael cream,
Emeka's Ghalali white,
Robin's Naeneiana periwinkle,
Fugue's Thavia blacks,
Fawn's Yuamor red-violets,
Yacov's Igrador olive-green,
Dawn's Khesian dandelion-orange,
Joseph's Eaqellurene bronze,
Jugnu's Enuryn jade-green,

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Fredrick's Emirinait mauve,
Yidna's Puhan indigo,
Rob's Balan sea-green,
Cne's Phelyra turquoise,
John's Khesian melon-red,
Xaela's Lonusea peach,
Aslam's Ikaesa deep plum,
Ayumi's Wadia tan-gold,
Brandon's Huarean ocher,
Sheila's Naizzuzia cornflower-blue,
Kikodinho's Izugalla in taupe,
Stars' Yurithireatha green-yellow,
Jobira's Zavalon in orange-red
and lastly, my Aurelinaea deep blue





,

✿⊰✲⊱✿
A plain white sash across his chest;
with black trousers and matching boots.
"They look so happy together," Sarita
leans over to my ear, a smile in her
voice as everyone cheers.
"They really do." I say back. "Long
may they reign."
Hand in hand, Donna and Dean
descend down the steps as Paul
emerges from the crowds, the cheers
dying down.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Donna, Dean!" He embraces Dean like
a brother, and kisses Donna's hands.
He has a playful grin. "Welcome to
Luciuscemi!"
"Thank you for having us," Donna replies
as she looks around. "Oh my, you weren't
kidding when you said everyone was coming."
"We all have love for you. And we are all
thrilled about your marriage."
Donna turns to face everyone. "Thank you
all ever so for all your presents. Even now,
my men are still unpacking. To everyone
for wishing me and my family well, just know
I am greatly touched and humbled by all of
your support and kindness."
As she curtsies, we all cheer and return the
favour.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
I shyly approach her. "Queen Donna."
"Little Queen Lyn," she chuckles as we
embrace. "Ah! You look lovely!"
"Compared to you, I'm a plain Jane.
How long did it take to make a fine
dress?" I stroke my finger on the vibrant
embroidery on her skirts.
"Months. I'm just glad it was finished in
time for Paul's fine event. Same with
my love's jacket!"
I see Dean and Paul laughing together.
"By the way, thank you so much for the
rose-silks you sent me. And the crates of
wines and teas. You are quite the
connoisseur for your age. The book you
supplied me about each and every one
of those herbal teas is very impressive."

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Indeed. Well, I won't keep you. Seems like
you are rather hungry."
"All I had was breakfast and Pu'erh tea so I was
being good.  And I still am! I don't plan on
eating too much until the honoured guests
arrive." I smile.
"As do I. Enjoy your snacks. I'll bid the time
with more admiration for Paul's collection of art...
after saving your handmaids from Paul's relentless
flirting."
He points at Paul with a flushing Esshi and a
giggling Ainhana as I shake my head.
"As you will." I smile.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
King Omni, Fugue and Emeka are all
seated on one table laughing. I notice
King Edmund tucking a rose behind his
wife's ear; Queen Sarita and Jugnu sit
with Kim, Yidna and Sue all laughing,
Queen Robin and Fawn admire the ice
sculptures. True to his word, King Brandon
went to save Esshi from turning more deep
shades of red, playfully scolding Paul for
embarrassing her. We are all having a good
time until it is broken by the herald's cry,
"Queen Donna of Vesian! And her husband, King Dean!"