A Way Back: Meetra Javed on Memory, Light, and the Poetry of Nostalgia
As part of the A Way Back campaign, writer and poet Meetra Javed reflects on how memory, light, and nostalgia shape her creative practice. Inspired by the Nostalgia Fragrance Collection, she explores how scent and reflection illuminate the fragments of the past that continue to guide her work and sense of self.
What is a sound, scent or texture that instantly transports you into a memory
Jasmine flowers, because my grandmother used to wear them around her wrists and evokes nostalgic memories of her.
Do you recall a specific place or moment that shaped your relationship with writing or language?
Not a specific moment, but moments. A lot of times my writing is based on light, and noticing where the light in a room is. So I think the beginning of being able to notice where a window is and how that impacts the memory of a place has kind of been the thing that helps me remember a place.
Is there a scent that makes you feel like you're stepping back into the scene from your past?
When I smell fire or smoke, it reminds me of being on the beach on Long Island, by the water and having fires with my friends and having the smell of the smoke in my hair. Anytime I smell smoke now, it kind of reminds me of this visceral childhood memory.
Is there a memory you return to often because it makes you feel grounded or calm
Just being by the water, on the beach, even in the winter. I think going back to that picture is always calming.
Do you view nostalgia as a form of self-care, something that gives you comfort or perspective?
I think looking back at anything gives you a different point of view. Because when you're in it, you don't see it, until you look back, and then you see it differently.
How do you use reflection and memory in your creative practice?
Reflection and memory is a big part of most of my writing, because a lot of it is just based on abstract memories and kind of fragmented thoughts. Those fragmented thoughts, translated to words, end up becoming poems or essays, sometimes pictures.
What's your relationship with nostalgia and what does it mean to you?
Nostalgia is moments of my childhood, moments with my family, moments with my brother and my sister. Growing up and just becoming. Places like the beach and the woods and New York City have always been very integral to how I reflect, because that's where I grew up. I grew up between the city, the beach and Upstate. It brings me back to the first memories of the place.
When you think of a memory that immediately makes you feel comfortable or happy?
A memory that makes me feel happy and comforted was when my daughter was first born and I held her. I experienced a kind of love and connection that I'd never experienced before.
How does reflecting on the past change how you feel in the present moment
Reflecting on the past helps me feel gratitude for the present moment because a lot of the things that I desired or I was struggling through, I feel like I can look back and appreciate the hardship and the adversity and find a meaning in it, and find the kind of grace it gives you.
