What does poetry mean to you?

poetry is my home. my safety. it's what i feel most comfortable doing... like i am always in the right place at the right time.

When did your journey with poetry begin?

i fell into poetry completely unexpectedly– by accident really, about a year and a half ago. i found myself creatively heartbroken and began writing as an outlet for change. i desired a different kind of art than i was used to and i found what i loved between letters scattered on a page with ink. i haven’t stopped since.

Who are the most influential poets for you?

my thoughts immediately turn to those who are currently creating and writing along with me, zack grey, gemma troy, chloe frayne, komal kapoor, emily byrnes, leya noir, melissa marie to name a few (my list is ever expanding) they have been such an inspiration and driving force towards my own creativity and healing.

Do you have a favorite poem?

i have so many, and usually they somehow relate to nature, but lately i am loving the work of jonathan safran foer.
this particular relationship piece i am particularly fond of:

“I like to see people reunited, maybe that's a silly thing, but what can I say, I like to see people run to each other, I like the kissing and the crying, I like the impatience, the stories that the mouth can't tell fast enough, the ears that aren't big enough, the eyes that can't take in all of the change, I like the hugging, the bringing together, the end of missing someone...”

What is your favorite thing to write about?

i am so inspired by nature and near always my writing relates to it in some way.

When do you feel the most inspired to create poetry?

on a rainy day.

If you were not a poet, what would you love to do?

the artist in me would love to be a painter or a sculptor. i've done a little of both, but never more than a random afternoon.

the animal lover in me would want to have a rescue/sanctuary.

How do you hope your poetry inspires others?

i hope others are able to find themselves in the words i write, too. when i began writing i always thought it was for me, but as time went on i realized that really i was writing for me, for you, for all of us.

What is your favorite mantra of the moment?

with earth day happening this month, i remind myself of a few words i wrote last year on this special day "treat her kind, she survives for you." we exist because of this beautiful world. i think we can all afford to give her a little extra love and attention...to treat her with care and respect.

How would you describe your poetry in 3 words?

gentle. honest. colorful.

If you could share words advice with young writers and poets, what would it be?

i would say to write when it feels good, but write when it hurts, too.
remember that the words you write are yours and no one can ever take that away from you.
surround yourself with the things and people that inspire you...it will never lead you in the wrong direction.