[Poet Interview] A Herbert Ashe

Author: A Herbert Ashe

Genre: Poetry

Published Materials: You Are the One with the Words

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A, thank you so much for joining me!

Thanks, Christina.  I look forward to spreading the word about Poetry.  The genre is alive and thriving.

What and/or who inspired you to write poetry?

Emotion. It's a rather simplistic response, but an accurate one as well. I have never been pleased with anything I've written on a steady heartbeat.  Times of great emotion are when I feel creative, and I embrace those times wholeheartedly. Even when the emotions are painful, I've conditioned myself to run toward them. Up until the last few years, my writing has been rather sporadic. Then I had a 6 month period when my heart never really had a moment to slow down, and it seemed like every sun rose with intense love, anger, or grief. Writing was all I wanted to do, and I did it with a ferocity I didn't know I was capable of.  That period of constant intense emotion has passed, and since then I've figured out how to find inspiration in feelings other than my own. 

Describe your style of poetry. 

A streamlined form of abstract poetry. I never restrict myself by format, but I do try to make an emotion come alive with the least words possible. Sometimes that means I'll take out a wordy explanation and just repeat a word 5 times, and other times I'll change the page justifications to emphasize a word or phrase, in a way that I think helps to really capture an emotion. I've read many beautifully written books that let the emotion of a moment get lost in a sea of superfluousness. While I can certainly appreciate the beauty of well written literature, my writing is very personal, and I feel compelled to respect the emotions in my work by emphasizing them as much as I can. So I strip my words down until the emotion is raw and unavoidable.

Who is your favorite classic Poet? 

Torquato Tasso.  He was an Italian poet who lived during the time of Shakespeare. Brilliance oozes from his words, and I love reading his words. The reason he is my favorite, however, has nothing to do with his complete body of work, and everything to do with one line: "Love is when he gives you a piece of your soul, that you never knew was missing." In my opinion, it is the best sentence ever written.

I’m familiar with classic Poets, such as Keats, Whitman, Byron, and Shakespeare.  How do modern day poets differ from classic poets? 

I think its a matter of expression versus functionality.  Modern poets, like modern artists, tend to incorporate some of themselves into their work. They are trying convey a concept or an emotion, first and foremost.  Classic poets existed in a time without movies and televisions, and their skill was the most important aspect of who they were as writers. Their work did not necessarily connect to their emotions - often times they'd take a well known story, from somewhere like the bible, and rewrite it in a standard poetry rhythm just to put their talents on display.  I enjoy reading both types of poetry, but it's kind of like the difference between five-star dining and a mother's home cooking.  Both are delicious, both take talent and training - but when you eat your mother's food you know it was made with soul.

My favorite modern-day Poet is Ellen Hopkins.  I’ve read all of her book, written in poem form.  Who are the greats in modern-day poetry? 

Nikki Giovanni is my favorite modern day "poet", but all of my favorite words come from musicians. Completely stripped of musical backing, the words of George Harrison, Kanye West (yes, Kanye West), John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Marvin Gaye can hold their own with those of modern-day poets.

That's an interesting point. Do you feel that poetry is a male dominated genre? 

Past poetry was definitely dominated by men, but unfortunately for that time period, so was everything.

I think history has taught us that once given the opportunity, women are far better than men at just about everything.  If I had to make a list of 10 great poets, AT LEAST half would be women, and their inclusion could not be disputed.

A support group is very important for any writer.  Do you have a group of Poets that your meet with to share ideas and poems? 

Honestly, I do not. I absolutely recognize the importance of being able to share ideas, but the only poet I share my work/ideas with is my father.  He is an amazing poet, and has always been very honest with me.

Like most women, I’ve dreamed of having a man write me a poem. Can you whip together a poem for me?

Her eyes were kissed by the heavens

Until the blue was as deep as a clear Caribbean sky

Her face-

A masterpiece framed by streaks of blonde and brown

Her lips are constantly calling

The man who answers knows of unmatched riches

Working knowledge of passionate perfection

I think she likes it-

Her arms are up

She wants to extend an invitation

But the envelope is sealed

May I tear it open?

Wow! Hold on. **fans self** How has being a Poet helped/hurt your love life? (I had to ask!!!)

It has done both. While writing a poem for a woman can be one of the most romantic gestures imaginable, a lot of my writing can become dark, and sad. The sheets of a bed can get very cold when someone thinks an angry poem is about them.

You have a book of poems out, You are the One with the Words. Are you planning on publishing another collection soon?

Yes. Book two, titled "Doors Closing" is done and should be out during the summer. The material for a third book is also complete, but I don't have a timetable for release.

Lastly, do you have any advice for Poets who are honing their craft?

Keep a notebook in your purse or pocket, and drop everything when the inspiration hits. The quality of the work is directly proportional to how soon the words can get from pensive to paper. That timeless sentence may be inside you, ready to take its place in history, so be prepared! 

Thank you for exposing my readers to the wonders of modern-day Poetry!

Thank you again, for the opportunity.



Who is your favorite Poet? Modern-day? Classic? Or somewhere in between? Post a comment to share. A Herbert Ashe is sending a FREE ecopy of his book to the first 25 people who share!