Congratulations to Curiosity Genes for having their following poem chosen for publication on Blank Canvas Post. The poem that follows is a truly wonderful exploration of the human tendency to search for struggle to define their purpose. Please read the follow conversation between us at Blank Canvas Post and Curiosity Genes to understand more about the writer and the context for this brilliant poem.
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Writer Spotlight: Curiosity Genes
From “the cells of a very curious species: humans, my lineage began long before Earth existed, from stellar nucleosynthesis to atoms, then RNA, and finally DNA in living beings”, says Curiosity Genes. “To be honest, I have been writing for as long as I can remember. It started as casual fiction fuelled by my imagination and gradually became a more conscious way of exploring thoughts and curiosity”.
What was it that made you start writing?
When I was a child, my mother enrolled me in a local library, where reading exposed me to different forms of self-expression, including writing. I’ve always been a creative and imaginative person, drawn to exploring a range of interests, so writing came naturally to me. It began as a way to shape stories from my imagination, and over time, it became more intentional. At school, we had a bimonthly magazine where students were encouraged to submit poetry, essays, and short stories. Writing became my creative outlet during that time.
What experiences have you had that have shaped the writer you are today?
Hmm, I’m still early in my journey, so I wouldn’t say there are specific major experiences that have shaped my writing yet. Instead, it has been influenced more by reading, learning, and thinking about different ideas over time.
What genres do you enjoy writing at the moment? What genres do you enjoy writing?
At the moment, I’m exploring fiction, personal essays, poetry, and blogs. I work on poetry, essays, and philosophical-dramatic pieces, exploring various themes such as fear of depth, guilt, freedom, human nature, war, purpose of life, meaning, and polymathy. I enjoy writing across these genres, and I keep experimenting with new forms like fantasy—I did try writing a novel years ago, but it turned out rather disastrous :D
What inspires you to write? Where do you take your inspiration from?
Curiosity! I am mostly inspired by weird 2 a.m. questions, ideas, and my urge to understand more deeply. Exploring different subjects helps shape my writing.
What does your writing process look like (e.g., environment, tools, setting)?
My writing process isn’t anything fancy—just me, my laptop, a commonplace notebook, and enough curiosity to spark motivation. I start by asking plenty of questions regarding a central theme I have in my mind. Then I work around the questions to develop original thoughts.
What do you envisage when you are writing something new? Are you writing with the intention of sharing your work, or are you simply writing to write, for example?
For me, writing is a way of thinking. I write to explore a thought, a question, or a feeling that I don’t yet fully understand. I don’t always have a clear image or structure in mind when I begin.
I allow ideas and imagery to emerge naturally, and the piece gradually takes shape as I follow that flow. In many cases, I only begin to understand what I was trying to say after the piece is complete. I do value sharing my writing once it's complete. I love feedback and various perspectives on the topics I explore.
Sharing is not the goal of writing, but an extension of it. It's a way to understand how people actually resonate with certain thoughts. I love mapping different interpretations to my own and develop more complex theories. Sharing my writing is a way to grow out of my personal biases and deepen my understanding of diverse cultures and viewpoints.
Why do you think community is important for writers and creative people?
Community is like oxygen for creative people. When we are constantly creating, our minds become exhausted. Community can help prevent that by providing new ideas and exposure to various perspectives. I love being part of safe and enjoyable communities and collaborations. Being a polymath, my brain constantly craves experiences and knowledge of different artistic approaches.
Where do you currently share your work?
I have two publications on Substack, plus I’m on various other writing platforms like Wrizzit and Medium. I have recently been invited to submit my work for a literary magazine too!
Why did you submit your work to Blank Canvas Post? What drew you to our publication?
I love being a part of communities, especially writer communities! Blank Canvas Post has a similar ambition to foster a community of writers across all disciplines. Also, Getting published by Blank Canvas Post would allow my work to reach a greater audience and create a meaningful impact.
About the Poem: Rewarded with Flowers
Regarding Rewarded with Flowers, what inspired you to write this piece?
I was reflecting on the human tendency to associate struggle with purpose, and that idea stayed with me. When I began writing, I didn’t have a fixed plan, the imagery and direction developed naturally as I wrote.
What is the context for this piece? What is the main feeling or message behind it?
My poem is about the human tendency to search for struggle to define their purpose. The poem revolves around a wanderer in a forest, who is searching for 'bitterness', 'reason to battle', and darkness, yet finds nothing. Instead, nature rewards him with flowers: symbolising peace, harmony, beauty and simple joy of existence.
Bees symbolise our expectation of harshness. Humans are fond of searching for flaws. The bees flying away was defiant to the wanderer, who assumed they would sting. This rebellious act bursts his bubble of ignorance.
Ultimately, the piece is a reflection on purpose, perception, romanticisation of suffering, and search for meaning. It is an invitation to reflect on whether struggle is really necessary for purpose.
What was the process of writing this piece like for you? What did this process look like?
Interestingly, the process of writing this piece was largely intuitive. I began without a fixed idea in mind and allowed the poem to develop freely as I wrote. Instead of planning the structure or themes beforehand, I followed the flow of thought and imagery as it emerged. The meaning of the piece became clearer to me after it was written.
Why did you choose to submit this piece specifically to Blank Canvas Post?
I value being part of safe and welcoming communities. Blank Canvas Post seems to align well with what I want: a writer community where I can learn about other writers, and their writing styles.
So, without further ado, here is Rewarded with Flowers, a poem, written by Curiosity Genes.
Rewarded with Flowers, by Curiosity Genes
I wander in a forest, With nothing on mind, A blind man’s stroll, finding a reason to battle. To go at war everyday is not an easy task, Giving up on dreams and comfort, I come to the wilderness of the forest, To search for darkness, May some bitterness sting me, Force me to go to war. Yet all I find is peace, In the so called wild, Where did all the savagery go when I needed it the most? I begged the bees to give me a reason, And so on I begged, But my prayers went in vain, All rewarded with flowers. I finally sat down near the shore, Grieving my failure, For everywhere I looked all I could see was light.
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What a lovely poem. I’m so impressed with people’s abilities to create poetry. ❤️🥹