Happy Agony is a heartfelt collection of poetry that explores the many facets of life, from love and grief to the societal pressures we face. Where did the idea for this collection come from and how did it develop over time?

Writing poetry has been my source of comfort and happiness since I was a child, allowing me to express myself creatively and release my emotions. The collection was born out of a careful review of poems I had penned from childhood to the present day, handpicking fifty pieces that capture significant moments in my life. This collection of poems is an autobiographical account of my life in poetry.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this collection?

I needed to present a range of ideas that others could connect with. Themes that are universal and part of everyone’s life journey. These themes – childhood, community life, aspirations, relationships, and grief – are common to all.

I appreciated the candidness with which you shared key moments that impacted you in life. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?

The poems that proved most difficult to write delved into personal sorrow, such as the early loss of my sister and the subsequent deaths of both my parents within a span of nine months. It was a soul-crushing task to express these emotions through poetry. Also, the difficulty of writing poems about the COVID-19 pandemic, which was amplified by the grief of personal losses.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Happy Agony?

My aim is to reveal snippets of my personal life to form connections with others and for readers to recognize their own experiences in my poetry. I aim to highlight the importance of appreciating small joys and finding peace in nature, family, and community. It is my desire for readers to have a deeper insight into me beyond my career in the film industry.

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