ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE NOVEMBER 2023 VOL VI. ISSUE XXXVII | LITERATURE
Article Published on: 08TH JAN 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
"UNWAVERING" BY AUTHOR REBECA COZMA
'Unwavering' is a collection of poems that explore the complexity of human emotions. It begins with a poignant and solemn tone, offering glimpses of hope and inner strength. These glimpses gradually transform into pages filled with liberation and confidence. However, the arrangement of the poems reveals that this shift is not a linear progression, but rather a tumultuous journey with numerous obstacles that force us to question our life experiences.
The collection delves into the intricacies of relationships and how they possess the power to either elevate or destroy us. It highlights how easily one can be manipulated, diminished, and tormented in the name of love. Nevertheless, some poems also demonstrate how breaking free from such toxic relationships can restore lost resilience and even inspire a sense of revenge. The book emphasizes that it is not solely about experiences stemming from relationships with others, but also about the relationship we have with ourselves – the most important one.
'Unwavering' depicts the struggle to establish a positive connection with our inner selves, while acknowledging how society often obscures our ability to heal from anguish and instead exacerbates our insecurities. Through poems that touch on mental health and this ongoing struggle, the collection provides ample space for self-reflection and rediscovery; conveying the message that, regardless of our experiences, we have the capacity to build the confidence and strength necessary to fight back.
The diverse range of emotions explored in 'Unwavering' serves to underscore the complexity of the human experience. It dispels the notion that being human is a simple fairy-tale, revealing instead that it is akin to a rollercoaster ride with an unknown destination.
BOOK REVIEW
I recently read "Unwavering" by Rebeca Cozma, a beautiful collection of poetry that explores the complexity of the human experience. This book is a window into the soul of the author, as she takes us on a journey through the emotions and struggles that we all face in our lives.
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JOURNEY OF THE AUTHOR REBECA COZMA
Rebeca Cozma's journey began in Romania, but it was in Portugal that she truly blossomed. From a tender age, she displayed a unique talent for the written word. At just ten years old, she penned her first poem in the enchanting language of Portuguese, a glimpse into her innate literary prowess.
However, it was a life-altering move to London that solidified her identity as a writer. This transition was more than just a change of address; it was a profound immersion into an entirely new world. The language was unfamiliar, the surroundings overwhelming, and a profound sense of isolation took hold. It was during this time that writing became Rebeca's most trusted confidante, providing solace for her pent-up emotions and serving as a beacon of connection amidst the vast sea of uncertainty. In the ink of her words, she found a home for her heart and a means to navigate her uncharted path.
Over the next eight years, Rebeca accumulated a collection of poems, words that she believed needed to be shared with others who felt the same way. At 17 years old, she submitted an anthology of her poems and published her debut poetry book titled '‘Unwavering' in 2023, at the age of 19. The title not only reflects her attempt to describe her life journey so far with one word but also her favourite word in Spanish, "Inquebrantable," which represents resilience and strength. She felt that this word resonated with the message she wanted to convey. Presently, Rebeca is in her second year at the University of Manchester, where she is diligently working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese. As she anticipates her upcoming year abroad in China, her experiences there are certain to become a wellspring of inspiration for her future writing endeavors. Outside of her academic pursuits, Rebeca remains steadfast in her commitment to writing. She affectionately refers to it as a "free therapy session" and an indispensable component of her daily routine. In her spare moments, she labors on her second book, a literary exploration that delves into the shadows of strength and power, while astutely dissecting the perceived dilemmas within our society.
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW OF AUTHOR REBECA COZMAÂ WITH DE MODE
Q: Your background spans different countries and cultures. How has this multicultural experience influenced your writing and the themes explored in your book "Unwavering"?
A. I am extremely grateful for the diverse cultural experiences I have had, both from growing up in various countries and my passion for languages. These experiences have greatly influenced my writing style, allowing me to seamlessly blend different languages and ideas, and even delve into topics that may be considered taboo in certain cultures.
Q: You speak several languages, including Romanian, Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French. How has your passion for languages and your study of Chinese influenced your approach to poetry and creative expression?
A. I feel that learning multiple languages has made me more open-minded. It has not only deepened my understanding of certain topics but also served as a constant source of inspiration for my writing. One thing I enjoy doing is discovering new words from these languages and incorporating them into my writing, just like I did with the title.
Q: "Unwavering" is your debut book of poetry. What inspired you to take the step from writing for yourself to sharing your work with a broader audience?
A. The decision to publish my book was spontaneous and made during a challenging period in my life. So, I sent my book to several publishers, and one of them reached out to me. Although I didn't feel completely ready, I had always wanted to publish my work, and I am immensely happy with how things turned out.
Q: The book's title, "Unwavering," suggests strength and resilience. Can you share how this theme manifests in your poetry and the emotions you aim to convey to readers?
A. Being unwavering is embedded within various poems, and although the beginning feels very heartbreaking, it is part of the journey towards finding your own strength. It teaches that no matter what form struggle takes, it can leave you feeling helpless, but deep within you, there is a resilient soul ready to persevere through the pain and assert itself.
Q: Your poems touch on a wide range of emotions and experiences, from loneliness and grief to liberation and love. What draws you to such a diverse spectrum of feelings, and how do you approach capturing them in your writing?
A. We have a complex spectrum of emotions that often collide. For a while, I struggled to navigate through these collisions, but I found solace in writing. I leaned towards poetry because it allowed me to encapsulate so much within a few verses, and rhyming made writing more enjoyable.
Q: Poetry often allows for a deep exploration of personal and universal themes. Are there specific personal experiences or moments in your life that have had a significant impact on your poetry?
A. I struggled with mental health for a long time, and my writing reflects that. However, I want to say that some of the poems are inspired by movies, shows, or stories that I encountered, and left me contemplating life and people in general.
Q: The collection covers topics like tragic relationships, insecurity, and inner torment. Can you elaborate on the importance of addressing these darker aspects of the human experience in your work?
A. These darker aspects of human experiences are crucial for developing resilience, and instead of discarding them as some attempt, I wanted to embrace them. Acknowledging these can be liberating because it helps with moving forward. It enables you to realise that certain relationships, whether in subtle or apparent ways, are toxic, and you need the strength to move away.
Q: Any particular poem in "Unwavering" that holds special significance to you, and if so, can you share the story behind it?
A. 'Till Death Do Us Part' holds the most significance to me because it was inspired by someone close to me. It was written after seeing the pain and emotional turmoil they went through. It is also a poem that resonates with many people and their marriages.
Q: What is your creative process like when writing poetry? Do you have specific rituals or routines that help you channel your emotions and thoughts into your work?
A. The person does not have a specific routine but tries to write something every day. Inspiration usually comes randomly, like after stumbling upon a word or sentence or while watching something, like the drama Uncontrollably Fond, which led to the creation of the poem 'I'm sorry'.
Q: Language is a powerful tool in poetry. How do you approach language, imagery, and metaphors to create evocative and thought-provoking poems?
A. Language is a powerful tool, and it makes me happy that I can use it to express all these emotions in my book. However, I would say that I don't have a specific process for writing, as metaphors and imagery are not my primary focus when writing.
Q: "Unwavering" has received praise for its versatility and emotional depth. What has the reader response been like, and are there any memorable reactions or feedback you'd like to share?
A. I would like to express my gratitude to those who have read my book. It means a lot, especially when readers tell me how it has left a mark on their hearts. The cover has also received a lot of praise, and I would like to thank my best friend Hannah for drawing the girl on it.