I am really terrible at writing poetry.<\/p>\n
Some might argue I’m really terrible at writing prose, too, and that’s fair enough. Still, at least I managed to get prose published over the years. I have never submitted a poem to be published. The last time I actively wrote poetry it was the stuff I read aloud at the Bahaus Cafe poetry night – sub-Bukowskian<\/span> <\/a>observations from the gutter I believed I lived in I was mostly content and angst was strictly the product of an equation (age + temporary poverty x literary ambitions + alcohol & cigarettes x loneliness \u00f7 actual talent = “Oh, lonely moon, i look upon thee and I see…myself) (and even that I stole from a Henry Rollins<\/span><\/a> joke).<\/p>\n When I recently came back to poetry – reading poetry, that is, not writing it – I found it very difficult. I was used to reading in different ways, with more linear thinking, perhaps. I really didn’t have a clue what anyone was trying to say. Now, at the very least, I find myself able to rest inside a poem, instead of trying to follow its words to the conclusion. It makes a big difference and it’s been a wonderful learning (and re-learning) experience.<\/p>\n Today’s interviews are with two wonderful poets. First up is Phoebe Wang<\/span><\/a>, who I had the pleasure of seeing read at a Lit Live<\/span><\/a> event earlier this. She read from her most recent work Admission Requirements<\/span><\/a>. Next, I speak with Aisha Sasha John<\/span><\/a>, who is a poet and a performer. Her collection I Have To Live<\/span><\/a> is fantastic. I highly recommend them both. Hope you enjoy the show!<\/p>\n