Every verse is a voyage!

Dreams have a way of growing quietly. For me, it began with scribbling poems, stories, and reflections—little pieces inspired by everyday life. Writing has always been my way of understanding emotions and giving them a voice. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to share my thoughts on my blog and to take part in national and international competitions. While awards and recognition have been encouraging, what matters most to me is staying true and honest in what I create.

That’s why publishing my first collection through the VerseVoyage competition by the Mastermind team feels so special. As part of the contest, I wrote 9-11 poems, each carrying a piece of my heart. To see them come alive in print, bound together as a book, was nothing short of magical. When I first held it in my hands, I couldn’t stop smiling. The cover design struck me immediately—the vibrant colors, the aesthetic choices, and the elegant font made the book feel not just like a collection of poems, but like a piece of art.

At 13 years old, studying in the 9th grade at Baldwin International School in Bengaluru, Karnataka, I never imagined this dream would arrive so soon. What makes it even more meaningful is knowing that I’m the first author in my family.

Life, to me, often feels like pictures painted in yellow and blue. Some days are bright and full of laughter with friends and family; other times, there’s a bittersweet feeling when people move on to new opportunities or when things no longer stay the same. Writing these poems helped me capture those unpredictable shades. They remind me that life isn’t perfect or simple. It’s real, messy, and full of surprises. And perhaps, that’s what makes it beautiful. This collection is more than just words on paper. It is a space where I’ve allowed myself to be open and real, and my hope is that readers will find something here that echoes their own experiences. If even a single verse makes you pause, reflect, or smile, then my purpose as a writer feels fulfilled.

I’m deeply grateful to the Mastermind team for believing in young voices and for helping me take this step into the world of published authorship. Thank you for giving me the chance to make this dream a reality, and thank you, dear reader, for allowing these words to become part of your journey. After all, every verse is a voyage.

Stay tuned for solo posts about each poem!