ChicagoPostmodernPoetry.Com

Poetic Profile

Rose M. Smith

General Questions

 

1) Where did you grow up? Was poetry and writing part of that mix?

I'm an early southern transplant, landing in Columbus, Ohio at eight years old. Seems I can't tug these roots out of that Ohio soil. Started writing in my early teens and haven't yet been able to kick the habit in spite of many detours along the way. I always come back to writing.


 

2) Who are your poetic influences, favorite poets, writers, artwork, other things that inform your work?

In retrospect, I don't think I truly have favorite poets/writers. Early influences were Cummings, Giovanni and Wordsworth (odd mix, I know). Today I read widely and find familiarity of voice in several different contemporary poets: Kim Addonizio, Robert Wrigley, Beckian Fritz Goldberg, Karen Blomain, Cornelius Eady, many others. My work, however, is most informed by the people I meet or observe each day.  The poetic opportunity:  What is the story begin the facade that we see?


 

3) When did you 'become' a poet, when did poet become part of your everyday life?

I believe I "became" a poet in my early twenties. I did not allow poet to become a continuing part of my early life until I was nearly forty. The years in between were sold completely to my family. The most writing I did while raising my children was lyrics and pre-school skits. But the poet inside needed to come out again. I'm very glad she found her way just a few years ago.


 

4) Where were you educated? Was this important?

As a writer, where I was educated plays little part in the big picture. I'm a software engineer, educated in business schools, not classically trained in the literary arts beyond the basic requirements.  I have, however, submitted my craft to formal workshop for the last several years and consider that process--the process of listening to other learned voices--a continual growth experience.


 

5) You have been many places and today you are in Ohio, a hotbed for experimental poetry at least four decades, since the days of DA Levy, what is it like?

In my case, it's an unending series of encounters with society's restless horde. My poetry takes me into academic and spoken word circles to encounter the politically savvy and the discouraged. Each new reading has its own personality and its shining voices.


 

6) What is your favorite food?

My favorite food? Most likely anything spicy and Asian. Of course, I have a soft spot for red beans and rice or good old southern collard greens.

 

7) Sports Team? or Activity?

I love watching tennis, but I've never really been any good at it.


 

8) Vacation spot?

I think I'd like to vacation on Cape Cod every other year, but just about any place near an ocean will suit me fine.  That may be because I've never taken vacation in the mountains, too.  Heck, YOU name a place that's not "city" on all sides--it'll probably be my favorite for a while.

 

9) Curse word?

Don't use 'em much. There are so many other lovely words in our language.
 

Craft Questions

 

1) How do you form a poem?

I don't think I form a poem as much as allow it to be formed inside me. Sometimes I write a stream of images an ideas down or a stream of thoughts concerning an encounter, then I let it chill a bit. I go back to it and work the language for brevity, explore the universal truth to which it points. Often there is a story underneath the story or an image underlying the image I thought I saw.  I work to allow them their voice as well.


 

2) Is poetry an organic or synthetic process for you?

Definitely organic. I don't often attempt to craft a poem if it doesn't first have a life of its own begging to be born.  Of course, I am more passionate about some pieces than others, but they all must have breathed before I breathe them.


 

3) Where do you write? Is Ambiance important? Do you have rituals or habits when you write?

I write anywhere I can take out a journal and a pen. Sometimes I have only a few minutes at a time to get something down.


 

4) In the balance between found language and created language where does your work fall?

Some would say I create language by the way my words fall together. Others would not agree. Even others would find a military tech writing stamp on my use of language and find it familiar.  Isn't the balance all in allowing our words to teeter on the brink of new?