Kevin's Interview....Part One
Blog Posted:4/27/2011 4:35:00 PM
When did you first start writing poetry and what got you started?
To be honest, I don't remember exactly when I started writing poetry. I do know that I was still in grade school though...as I have hand written poems from back then. I must say, my handwriting was terrible! But at least they're hand written, I can't tell you the last time I actually wrote anything by hand that was of length. All computerized now! I pretty much kept every single poem I wrote from back then, all the way through about 1995 or so I'd say. I have them all in a file, in my desk...waiting. I say waiting because most are not done, nor anywhere near what I'd be willing to publish. They are first drafts, raw, ideas really more than poetry. To steal a quote, "Poetry is never finished, just abandoned"!! So, needless to say I've been writing rhymes for many years, 30+ I'd guestimate.
My answer to the second part of this question is essentially the same as the first. I truly do not know what caused me to start writing poetry nor why! If I had to guess I would say it was a school assignment. I remember several english assignments regarding poetry back then. I don't think they teach poetry much anymore, and if so, what a shame. My children have not done a single poetry assignment that I'm aware of. I know that I started really writing poetry with a purpose when I was in high school. I got in to it on my own, but was bolstered from the reactions the girlfriends in my life at the time gave me. They seemed to really like it, so of course, I liked it even more. Sorta like the guy who picks up a guitar to get the ladies. I was kind of a big deal to steal another saying! The older I got, the more I grew to love writing on it's merit and not any other selfish reasons. I hope I bring something to the craft. I hope I honor the long line of those who forged the path I now follow!