A Poetry Journey Through Everyday Stories
Could you tell us a little about yourself and your work as a poet?
I’m Ashley! By day, I’m a youth worker. In my free time, you’ll find me tapping the keys on my typewriter, making noise while writing poems.
What first drew you to poetry? Was there a moment, person, or piece of writing that sparked your journey?
I started writing when I was five years old, making up short stories about friendships, school, and everyday life. I love to write about the mundane; I think there is a beauty in it that we as a society rarely stop to see. I also write about things I want to see in the world. When I was ten and bored in class, I wrote a parody of the then-hit song “Payphone” (by Maroon 5) and called it “Classroom”. You know, “I’m in the classroom, trying to learn stuff, but I can’t even think”. I remember passing around my notebook to my classmates and my best friend Natalie at the time. It made them laugh, and that’s when I realised my writing could have an impact on others.
Looking back, which experience in your poetry journey stands out as especially meaningful or memorable?
As someone who writes poetry in response to prompts, I’ve received a fair share of strange and wonderful prompts. A memorable one was during my first event, actually. People could share what was on their mind, and I would write a poem for them on the spot. A girl came up to me with her friend and asked for a poem. She gave the word “Fatherless”. I was like, wow. That took courage even to utter, to tell people you’re thinking about that. So I took my typewriter and typed out something in the first person about how other kids call me names in the playground and run away from me, but I don’t respond to them because I know that a father can be anyone who takes care of you. I do have a father; it is graven on my mind, it is written in my bones. The youth took the poem, read it, and teared up. That was kind of a catalyst for my journey, to champion empathy through my writing.
What challenges have shaped you as a poet? How do you navigate or work through these challenges today?
Art is so subjective; what makes a poet? Am I a poet because I post lines on Instagram, or do I only get to call myself a poet when I’ve published a book of poems? So I think one challenge is calling myself a poet in the first place, that nagging doubt in the back of my mind. Thankfully, I’ve found a community of people who write, and we encourage one another in the craft, which I find really empowering.
What do you wish more people understood about the craft or the life of a poet?
I think in Singapore there are people who appreciate poetry, but I would think that there remains a perception or stereotype that poets don’t earn money. I think to a large extent it is true (haha), because many people don’t see the economic value of paying for art. But then, does it have to be this way? Poetry uses brain power like any other corporate job. Poetry stirs emotions in us and helps us learn about the human condition. So I really hope that more people would be willing to support literary endeavours, and not look down on it as non-essential.
What advice would you give to others who are just starting out in poetry?
My view on advice-giving in general is that it’s a projection of your younger self. Everyone has their own journey, so I wouldn’t give too much advice. Maybe one thing that’s generic enough to be applicable for everyone is: keep writing! Keep writing and reading, don’t stop. If you like to write, it probably serves a purpose for you. Honour that.
What are you currently working on, or what’s coming up next for you?
I’m working on a book. It’s a prose poetry novella told from the perspective of a twelve-year-old girl. It’s about verbal mistreatment and the inner critic, and I hope that people will look forward to it!
🆙 Next: Poetry Pop @ *SCAPE The Trampoline (L5) • 17 May 2026 (Sun), 3pm–7pm
🔎 Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblecolon/
