Would you please introduce yourself to the readers?
Salam Everyone, I'm Arwa, Carwo or Caraweelo as some jokingly call me. I'm a 20 year old medical student, born & raised in Germany.
When did you first start writing poetry and was there any particular incidents in your life that inspired you to write?
Writing has always been my primary form of expression. I find it easier to express myself on paper than verbally. There hasn't been one, big defining moment that inspired me to start writing but more like a journey in which I evolved. My father is a writer and he's always been an inspiring influence.
What does "being creative" mean to you?
Creativity is something that means something different to every individual. You can be creative in writing something original which stems from your personal beliefs or you could alter someone else's work and create something that in your own eyes is just as beautiful.
What do you try to communicate with your poetry?
Most of the poems I share with others contain a message. It may be about something contemporary, an emotion or an experience people can relate to. That's one of the reason I like sharing my poems with fellow Somalis, we all share a history and we can all relate in so many ways that it's easy to get a point across.
What do you do when you go into a dry spell of some sort or how do you write another piece when you have been away from it for some time? Do you sit and think through every word of every stanza or do you just write freely and allow the words to flow?
I find it hard to get back to a piece once I've been interrupted. I don't over think when I write, I just write to the rhythm of my own beat. I get lost in it. So yes, in other words I just allow the words to flow. It feels more genuine that way. Sometimes when I'm done with a poem and I read it, I cry, because it is the sincerest and most honest I am with myself and others.
Who are some of your favorite poets?
I have favorite poems but only two favorite poets. One is my father. And one everyone here should know, Mr. Hamza Egal. He is an inspiration and a role model. I absolutely adore his writings.
What advice do you have for aspiring poets? Any word of advice for closet poets?
Share your poetry. Grow as a writer. Touch people's hearts. It is an incredible feeling knowing you've moved somebody with the message in your words.
What does writing poetry do for you?
To me there's nothing more soothing than a blank page. When I start writing I feel like I can do anything. And so just for a few minutes, more often hours I can change the world with my pen.
Anything else you would like to share?
Yes, in fact I would. I would like to thank STNP for giving Somali writers such a supportive platform to share their work. My first poem on STNP was published in 2010 and ever since I've only felt encouraged to continue writing. Thank you!
