‘My name may not go written down, You won’t
remember me in this town, But to society I’ve paid my debt, Even if its record
isn’t kept’ are the lines from the opening poem ‘A Face in the Crowd’ in Luanna
Fernandes’ book of the same name. Fortunately, her works will not only be
remembered in this town but will be out for the world to read. Recently
released, ‘A Face in the Crowd’, comprising 50 poems, is the labour of five
years of writing and three years of anticipation for it to see the light of
day.
A TYBA student of Psychology at St Xavier’s
College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mapusa, Luanna chose to major in
Psychology but still set her heart on writing. “I love reading English
literature but not studying it. Psychology is interesting as it is the mystery
of the mind,” says Luanna, daughter of Blasco and Sylvia, an English teacher.
“I started writing these poems when I was
in class VII and carried on up to class XII. There were just some unrelated
inspirations that urged me to pen down my thoughts as poetry,” says Luanna who
was inspired to write ‘A Face in the Crowd’ at her Class XI annual day.
This book is printed under the scheme to
provide Financial Assistance to Goan Authors of the Department of Art &
Culture, Government of Goa. “Celsa Lopes, my teacher from Don Bosco High
School, Panjim introduced me to the Goan Poets’ Association and there I was
informed about the Goan author’s grant. The release was delayed due to the
election code of conduct. There were many poems to select from but I selected
my favourite poems which went well with the book,” informs Luanna, who considers
Robert Frost her favourite poet.
Luanna is working on some more works
including another book of poems and a novel. “I write my poems but I don’t show
my parents till I am confident and satisfied about it.”
‘A Face in the Crowd’ is available at St
Paul Book Store Panjim and Mapusa and at Broadway Book Shop, Panjim.
