I’ve seen a lot of authors interviewed on blogs, but far less poets. I don’t know if it’s because there are fewer poets or they choose other means of expression. I think poetry at its heart is very intimate and personal and it’s hard to make ourselves more vulnerable than it has already done. That said, it is my privilege to have not only a fantastic poet, but a fantastic author here today. James Peercy is one of my favorite people and I know you will love his answers.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself? I’m the owner of a computer/web design company located in Denison, Texas. I’ve been married for 27 years and currently own four dogs. Although I enjoy working with computers, writing is my passion.
2. When did you start writing poetry? I started writing poetry in Middle School. I remember starting when I was in the 7th grade. My assignment was to memorize Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The Concord Hymn”. This is where I developed my love of poetry and learned that I could write my own.
3. Do you have a favorite poet/poem? Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The Concord Hymn”
4. Does music inspire you? No, not really.
5. Do you write on the computer or in a notebook? I write on anything that is convenient at the moment. It can be text message, computer or a napkin at a restaurant.
6. If you could write a poem anywhere, where would it be? I can write anywhere. I don’t have a preference. I write what I feel from what I see before me.
7. What do you enjoy most about writing poetry? It is the emotional release and the understanding that there is always hope.
8. If you could hang out with any poet, who would it be? Ralph Waldo Emerson. I would love to talk with him, but I like meeting all poets and writers; it’s all fun. I like knowing what inspires them.
9. If you could physically fight a fellow poet, from any point in time, who would they be? No one comes to mind.
10. Have you read or performed poetry live at slams or open mic? No, I have not. However, I’ve had an original poem recorded and videotaped for use at my college. I also create poetry on the fly while speaking with patrons at the Texas Renaissance Festival.
11. Why does nothing rhyme with orange? It’s because it’s not a native English word, and it doesn’t come from either German or Latin.
12. Do you post your poetry online? I’ve posted on Facebook.
13. Do you put your writing into pictures to share on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram or Facebook? Yes, I have done this in the past, mostly on Facebook.
14. What is the most difficult poetry to write? There is none I consider too difficult to write. Are there any forms you dislike? There are no forms I dislike, but I prefer poems that have rhyme and rhythm because they make them stick in people’s minds.
15. Do you believe anyone can learn to write poetry? Yes. Do you think anyone can enjoy reading it? Only if they choose to.
16. Where do vanishing objects go? Remember to phrase your answer in the form of a riddle.
Into a world of never more.
Lost upon the twist of time
To be discovered when sought
In a careful rhyme.
17. What project(s) are you currently working on, poetry or otherwise? Currently consolidating poems that I have already written to go into a poetry book, along with photo’s Claudette and I have taken. Hydra Publications is currently formatting my second Cliff Fulton Mystery, called “…Thought that’s Thin…” and I am currently completing the third book in my Fantasy Series, “Twisted Fates”, it is part of the Xun Ove series.
18. Would you like to share a poem with us today?
Chaos Reigns
Chaos reigns,
But not the kind we think.
It’s caused by all the decisions
That a billion people make.
We contradict our neighbor.
We clash against the sky.
We dare that all of nature
Defy the will we set on high.
We bicker with our spouses.
We try to set the laws
That give to us more advantage,
Causing others to then fall.
We struggle to take dominion
When we need a giving hand.
We forget that helping others
Is the only working plan.
Yes, chaos reigns.
We planned it, each the one.
When will we each
Wake up to see
The destruction that we’ve done?
James William Peercy – 02.05.15
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Find more about James Peercy:
On his website: jameswilliampeercy.com
On Amazon: James William Peercy
On Twitter: twitter.com/JamesWPeercy
The Midnight Writer 