(IN YOUR OWN WORDS) "WHAT IS POETRY?"
I believe poetry is a vow. It’s a vow to guide the misguided. A vow to be heard when nobody wants to listen. A vow to reflect when one has lost their identity. Poetry is a cure when one has come undone. We, as humanity, define it.
"DID POETRY CHOOSE YOU? OR DID YOU CHOOSE POETRY?
Well, honestly, poetry was always there since I had a desire to write out my feelings from the age of 14. So, I can’t say I chose it or it chose me. I accepted & understood it, that’s all I did. If I chose anything about poetry, it’s how I verbalized it. Will I be heart-warming? Will I be bold? Will I be vindictive? To me, poetry is like time. We don’t choose it. We only choose what to do with the seconds, while we have it.
"DESCRIBE HOW YOU AND POETRY MET?
I would say I “met” poetry, in its true colors, around mid-2004. I was living in Florida trying to start a new chapter of my life. But, it was quickly revealed that it was probably one of the worst decisions I ever made. I hit a new low. In fact, I think the only good thing that came from it was that I lost a good bit of weight.
I got rid of many "friends" and even disconnected from some of my family that I was once pretty close with. All I wanted to do was cry and come back home. But, I felt that wouldn't have been the "man" thing to do. So, after having a wonderful heart to heart with my parents, I did return... knowing I did all I could while I was down there. During all these revelations, I grew the urge to speak loud. To, "yell" on paper, if you will.
So, in late 2004, I did. I started with a series of writings simply called "Random Thoughts". I wrote about 35 volumes of them. It was then, around the teen volumes, that I decided to start implementing rhyme to it and posting some of them on Myspace, when they were popular. I think it worked out pretty well...
"DESCRIBE THE MOMENT WHEN YOU WAS CONVINCED THAT POETRY IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO DO...OR WAS MEANT TO DO."
I was asked by an old poetry collective on MySpace to check out their poetry internet radio show. As I listened in, I decided to call in and read a piece out loud. It was my 1st time ever doing that, outside of reading to my best friend and a few others. The response was good, but I felt it could've been better. So, I listened to how some of the other poets rolled. I absorbed their styles, and then asked myself, "How could I do this better"? I quickly realized that the only way to do it better, was to be honest with myself and follow no one. It's been a beautiful thing since then...
"WHAT HAS POETRY DONE FOR YOU PERSONALLY"
Shine. It has helped me shine in a way I couldn't imagine. I successfully ran 2 of my own internet radio shows, guest spots on a few others, and interviewing many well-known & growing poets & spoken word artists. Also, I brought to life my 1st poetry book, "As I Stand". Each new writing has helped me understand who & what I am. What I deserve. How I should be treated. It has helped me come to terms with one of the greatest ironies in this world: That poetry, even though intended to be the greatest form of expression, does not guarantee clarity.
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE IN THE NAME OF POETRY?"
An interesting question...
All I've really done is define it by how I've seen it. With that understanding, I've shared it with others that chose or chose not to listen to what I've had to say. Through these revelations, I wanted to create an outlet for other poets who want to be heard...to be understood.
I created a poetry show called "Stand as 1". The show lasted for well over a year and truly, to me, left its mark. Many great memories were established each week. The amount of support from the community was solid & meaningful. It's something I will never forget.
Also, as mentioned before, I wrote a book called "As I Stand" to place some of my memories (aka poems) onto the pages that maybe, if I ever have one, my son or daughter can read and appreciate later in life.
And, finally, I think I did inspire a few people along the way...mission accomplished.
INSPIRATIONS
Life...that's it.
Life inspires me. Be it positively or negatively, it has inspired me. And, yes, I even say "negatively" because I've learned to always make sure my glass is half-full no matter who tries to sip from my cup.
From the vindictive lies, flirtatious pick-up lines, & corrupted agendas to supportive revelations, respected embraces, & genuine friendships that I've come across...yes, life inspires me.
There is a lot of very deep, personal involvement in between the lines of my response. But, that's something I'm choosing to keep private. They know who they are.
OTHER TALENTS
Well, I'm a 16 yr. veteran DJ in the Electronic Music scene. I also continue to slowly, but surely learn how to produce some music. Which, I'm now applying that bit of knowledge (including my writing skills) to making my 1st video game with my newly created Indie Video Game Start-Up called Nascent Games. I am a proud gamer nerd. J
Also, I can cook a pretty mean breakfast which involves French toast, Spanish seasoned Red-Skin potatoes, & a Turkey & Cheese omelet. True story... |
