Kaan Sabancı may be only 15, yet his second book of poems, ‘Maybe I Would’ve Returned’ is already out. We discussed his new book and his interest in poetry.

Your second book is out. Why poetry? How did your interest in it begin?
For me, poetry is a striking, emotional way of expression. At times, the verses of a poem invoke feelings in me that I cannot get from anywhere else. My interest in reading poems dates back to my earliest years. I began writing poems thanks to my eighth grade literature teacher, who encouraged and supported me.

Who are your favorite poets? Garip, Second New… Are there any poets with whom that you feel an attachment?
I do not follow any particular movements, but my readers often compare my poems to the Second New. Cemal Süreya, Nâzım Hikmet, Can Yücel, Özdemir Asaf, Ahmed Arif, Turgut Uyar, Edip Cansever are my favorite poets.

In a sense, poetry is the barest form of expression for the author. Do you feel like it as well?
I believe poems need a balance; the most beautiful of poems carry a sense of reality, which is embellished by metaphors. In that sense, a poem is a work of fiction; a door that is open to those who understand it, and closed to those who don’t.

You published your second book at a very young age. Looking ahead, what are your plans in literature? Are you interested in other forms such as prose or novels?
I am still young, as you said. Only time will tell the future. Currently, I am happy with poetry.

What is your friends’ reaction to your poems? Are they also interested in poetry, or do they see it as a ‘retro’ form of literature?
Of course, they support me. They like my poems and compare it to others, but they themselves are not particularly interested in it, same as most of my peers.

Your parents are very accomplished figures in the world of business. What are your goals for the future? What do you want to study in university?
I do not have any long-term goals yet, but I am certain that my parents will always support me in any education or career choices that I will make.

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