What advice would you give a person just starting to write poetry?
The first thing I would say, especially for an American, don't listen to
people who tell you that you won't get "anything" out of it. We have been
taught through capitalism that if you can't get paid for it, it doesn't
equate. Writing poetry is kinda like doing community service, but rather
self-service. The things you get out of it are so internalized by every ounce
of your being, that you may never be able to "see" them, but you must believe.
From there, I'd say write a balance of your heart and mind. Human nature is
to trust one more than the other, and each individual balances the scales
their own way. But if you really try to find the balance, I believe within
there you can find the most truthful things.
Lastly, know your audience. Some poetry is just for you. Other poetry is to
share. Be responsible to your self and know that writing poetry doesn't make
you any better or smarter, just deeper.
Do you compose your work at the computer? If not, where?
I would say it's about 75-25 on paper. Sometimes I'll play on the computer and
it turns into a great poem. But in general there is a physical aspect of
poetry that can be released through your hand and body onto paper. When I
first started writing, I found myself suddenly searching for paper and pen at
times. So I started to carry a little mini-notebook, so if I feel inspired, I
can just go. This definitely changed my writing alot.
What poet do you read for pleasure?
Amichai, Neruda, Bukowski, Ferlinghetti, and still Ginsberg. I also like to
reread my own work, to see where I was, and where I am. It's funny sometimes
when you read something from the past, cause part of you may want to change
it, because you've changed. I try not to do that, cause poems are pictures.
What do you do if you lack inspiration?
Depends on the situation. In general though I walk away. Nothing should be
forced. From love to business to poetry. The write words come out when they
should. There are rarely poetry deadlines, so don't put undo pressure on
yourself. Now if by chance there is a deadline for some reason, be it an
assignment, or poem for someone's birthday or something, I may handle it
differently. A friend gave me a little book a few years back called "Writer's
Block" which is concoction of mini-ideas to jump off from. I focus on what
makes that thing I want to write about tick, and then maybe use the writers
block book as a catalyst to some specific tangent. There are so many
different things running through our minds, and if we wait and search them
within, we can be star-catchers, enlightening others and ourselves.
Do you own a dog? If so, what kind.
I have a Chocolate Lab named Henry, who lives in Tucson right now with my
parents. He is more of the family dog. I don't believe anyone who is traveling
around and moving around should get pets of their own until they can commit
themselves to a place. A pet is like a child, and it's a responsibility that
we shouldn't take on until we are ready. When I am ready for that, I will get
a puppy of my own for sure...
Selected poem:
art eats me
a dancer
is a controller of self space they can exist in
at one congruent moment's axis
a singer
is a controller of self sound and diction
noting the keys to success are practice
a writer
hmmmmm
got me there
a painter paints
a lover loves
a hater hates
a master debater, mass debates
I have been reading a new way.
two books together
switching back and forth.
one fiction, one non,
working a new thinking twitch.
I love to eat.
I mean,
what kind of role will I really
play in your life?
I mean,
doesn't the baker's roll really
keep you alive?
a teacher teaches.
a learner learns.
I am hungry
and will wait my turn.
eat me. eat me. eat me art.
chagall, garfunkel, ginsberg, sarte.
tom wolfe, ailey, whitman, poe.
matthews, anastasio.
I am hungry,
who is new?
new restaurants open
a poet-jew
gulp!
I am being chewed,
and am in your teeth
how do I taste?
a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away
I was covered with extra cheese
to trick you into thinking
I was better tasting than I am.
But I am complex carbs
and sweet, like a yam
a movie moves
a novel is novel
a digger digs
and uses a shovel
I am cooked in a way
where I am grilled so the
natural juices flow out
of me
a writer
is a user of ingredients
causing an emotional reaction of taste
forcing each eader to take
a little something different
off the dessert tray
© 2001 Yosh.
