More than fancy words
A young writer offers her musings on life through her first book of poetry, writes Sulyn Chong
ILOVE nursery rhymes! And there are plenty of nursery rhymes I still remember from my childhood days.
But poetry? I can’t say I’ve ever found poetry to be interesting. But when a copy of The Touch Of Eternal
Forte by first-time writer, Shalini Don Kahatapetiya landed in my hands, I was intrigued. Its brown cover reminds me of an old manuscript and the pages — slightly over 40 sheets — contain the author’s ponderings and musings on life.
What could a 24-year-old offer in terms of life’s insights, I wondered initially. But, after finishing only the third poem in a collection of 30, I knew that this new talent from Kuantan has so much more going for her than just fancy words on paper. Her sweet smile is the first thing I see when we finally meet. She’s made the journey to KL from her hometown just for this interview. Her hazel eyes sparkle with excitement when we exchange handshakes. “I’m so glad you came. I have so much to tell,” says Shalini.
She’s petite in frame but her jovial spirit makes up for it, giving her a larger-than-life personality.
The first thing I ask her is about the title of her book. “Oh! Forte means a talent one has and I see writing poetry as a special talent that God has given me. I’d like to put it to good use and channel constructive
messages to people, as well as touch souls,” replies Shalini.
PUTTING PEN TO PAPER
Born in Ipoh, Perak but raised in Kuantan, Pahang, by an Indian mother and Singhalese father, Shalini is proud of her mixed parentage. “Nothing makes me happier to be a Malaysian. Our rich culture and colourful nation make me who I am. It also helps that I went to a Chinese primary school and speak Mandarin with my siblings,” she says.
The bubbly young writer is swift to add that her parents are the ones who’ve played the most important role in shaping her thoughts.
With both parents being educators, it’s no surprise that Shalini was exposed to a healthy reading habit at a young age. By nine, she’d already begun to pen her own stories, following in the footsteps of her favourite author, Enid Blyton. “I’ve always loved her books and I wanted to be like her. Hopefully, I can be as prolific as her,” she confides, eyes sparkling.
A self-confessed “old soul”, Shalini shares that her father is her biggest fan. In fact, he’s been avidly collecting her “bits and pieces” ever since she learnt to put pen to paper. “He has a habit of keeping everything my siblings and I have done and filing them in little albums as keepsakes. It’s always
A collection of her childhood writings that her father files for keepsakes.
nice to come home and flip through those pages. Seeing our work through the years makes me feel inspired.”
MATURE MIND
The first piece of poetry that she ever wrote is called The Start. She was only 14 when she wrote it and this short piece, about an eager spirit who’s keen to put pen to paper, can be found in her book. “The content of each poem is meant to make you question how you live and view life. For example, today’s generation’s inclination towards selfishness and sense of entitlement bewilders me,” says Shalini.
“It doesn’t make sense to heap accolades on just yourself while ignoring all those other contributing factors that have THE TOUCH OF ETERNAL FORTE By: Shalini Don Kahatapetiya
Published by: Pekan Ilmu Publications
Pages: 41