Brewing coffee for work, crafting poetry for life

Even while serving coffee and attending tables for hours on end, it is the rhythm of verses that drives 21-year-old Sabari S. forward.

A first-year BA English student specialising in Media and Film Studies at DB College, Pampa, Sabari has already distinguished himself among peers with his literary talent. At the recently held arts festival of Mahatma Gandhi University in Thiruvalla, Sabari, who identifies as a queer poet, won second-place A grades in poetry, short story writing, and film review, in addition to securing third place in essay writing.

A poet from a young age, he writes under the pen name Sabari Blue, choosing to reflect shades of gloom and introspection in his work. In his very first semester, he released his debut poetry collection, What Am I Made Of?. Poetry, for him, is not merely a pastime but a lifeline that helps navigate life’s challenges with expression and resilience.

“I have been writing since I was in Class V and melancholy has been the most consistent theme in my work. Living independently of my family, poetry has become my outlet to vent and process emotions,” he says.

Hailing from Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Sabari balances his academics with a demanding work schedule. After college, he works at a café from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., funding his education while consistently topping his classes with A+ grades.

Sabari credits much of his success to the supportive circle of mentors and peers in the English Department. Beyond campus, he reaches a wider audience through curated poetry albums on Instagram, exploring themes of identity, despair and resilience.