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«Pressed Flower: Thoughts Preserved Between Pages» -Arshi Mortuza

Juan Re Crivello: Do you think poetry is back in fashion?

Arshi Mortuza : I don’t think poetry was ever out of fashion, but through social media and adapting to the needs of younger generations, poetry has taken new forms and liberties. I conduct poetry workshops from time to time, most recently on Writing as Therapeutic Release, tailored for young people of Southeast Asia where mental health support is limited or still carries stigma. Many participants have shared that they feel restricted by form, meter, or structure. Free verse — which I personally adhere to, as someone who resists being boxed in both on and off the page — has become more dominant, allowing for greater accessibility and self-expression in poetry today.

Juan Re Crivello: Do you write poetry daily, or do you write as ideas come to you?

Arshi Mortuza : Poetry for me has always been a form of emotional release. I tend to write only when I am carrying something heavy — particularly grief, longing or heartache. On average, I write about five poems a month. Lately, I have felt happier, which has led to a frustrating bout of writer’s block. So, I decided to make that block my muse! In my recent poem, “Malfunctions of a Poetic Kitchen”, I personified my muse (an eccentric and no-nonsense character) as someone entering my creative space with fresh ingredients like “milky memories — best used before they curdle”. “fruity longings — sweetness could attract flies”, and “canned grief — don’t shake before opening”. But the appliances of this metaphorical kitchen refuse to cooperate as the “star of the dish, the trauma” had not yet “thawed.” The muse leaves in a huff, and the poet is left wondering, “does that mean I’m happy today?” (Ref. Arshi Mortuza, “Malfunctions of a Poetic Kitchen”).

Juan Re Crivello: What is your next publishing project? Could you tell us how it came about?

Arshi Mortuza : I am currently working on my second book of poetry, titled Pressed Flower. The title alludes to certain personal thoughts I want to preserve between pages — themes of preservation and entrapment recur throughout. These poems came to me organically and the thematic cohesion wasn’t intentional, but somehow flowed naturally. I continue to use my signature style: allusions to literary and mythological figures, feminist frameworks and retellings, the exploration of the link between “madness” and creativity. A handful of the pieces feel new to me — for the first time, I am learning not to always hide behind metaphors. I am now in the exciting (and painstaking) process of negotiating with publishers.

I don’t know enough writers my age, and poetry is such a niche genre. Three years ago, I brought out my first poetry book, One Minute Past Midnight (Nymphea Publication, 2022), and I feel I didn’t market it as well as I could have due to inexperience — outside of two poetry readings. But with this new book, I am actively working on gaining exposure, possibly translating it into my native language Bengali (among others), and securing some author interviews.

Juan Re Crivello: The city you live in, and a description of your favorite bar or café.

Arshi Mortuza : I currently live in Toronto, Canada, and have just completed four years here — the longest I’ve ever lived in any country. I’m only just learning to call it home. The stillness makes me nervous and a little restless, as my life has always been on the move due to my mother’s job. However, Toronto is the first city I’ve actively chosen to settle in. My favorite café here is a Second Cup (a Canadian chain) located in Greektown, Danforth. It’s surrounded by bookstores — including rare bookshops, some so vintage it feels like Joe Goldberg could step out of them! I often find myself at that particular location with my laptop, treating myself to an iced beverage, people-watching, and sometimes walking to Riverdale Park nearby, which offers a beautiful view of the Toronto skyline.

“UNHOODING RED” by Arshi Mortuza
 
Swallow me whole
Big Bad Wolf
So the hunter can come
To my rescue
 
You had to devour me
Big Bad Wolf
How else would we eternally glorify the hunter?
 
It’s cozy in here
Big Bad Wolf
I can make it homey
Right here in your tummy
 
It’s what I am trained to do
It’s what my mother,
And my mother’s mother
Have been trained to do
 
Don’t believe me?
Ask her yourself
You’ve swallowed her too.

---

Author Biography

Arshi Mortuza is a Bangladeshi writer of mainly poetry and prose who writes in English. She has had the unique experience of living in seven different countries across three continents, having been raised as the daughter of a diplomat and her multicultural upbringing is an integral part of both her personal identity and the fictive/poetic personas she takes on. Her writing often explores themes of alienation, mental health, gender dynamics, and womanhood. 

A link to purchase book. Alternatively, I can also mail you a copy from Canada!

https://www.rokomari.com/book/230500/one-minute-past-midnight