Tell us about your path to writing.

Poetry is a fun form of self-expression. There is a “flow” that occurs while I’m writing. Time flies by and stands still at the same time. It’s a form of escapism. It leads me to a place, an open field where I can lie down if I like, or run free planting my thoughts in its furrows.

What keeps you motivated to create? Do you have any big dreams or goals for your work?

For me, there is something very appealing about writing poetry. I like the challenge of finding the right words to fit the space of a poem and all the creative challenges and possibilities it offers. I can pull words and emotions from various sources (observations, memories, images, music), and fold them into a gratifying creative whole. My goal is to continue observing, and writing more pieces on subjects that interest me and are relatable.

Give us some background on the piece you contributed to this issue.

“Elementary” was written as a remembrance for a childhood friend who passed away decades ago. I was affected by her death, and wanted to express the innocence found in childhood games. I grew up in a suburb of New Jersey not far from New York City. Our neighborhood bordered marshlands where I spent much of my time outdoors exploring and appreciating the natural world. The poem is part of a collection I’ve recently completed about that friend, that place, and its natural surroundings.

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