Lenard D. Moore – Poet, Professor, Haiku Master 2

Lenard D. Moore is an  Associate Professor of English.at the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina where he teaches Advanced Poetry and African American Literature. His published books include   A Temple Looming, Desert Storm: A Brief History, and Forever Home.  He is a poet who crafts, rich taut, thoughtful poems.

What is your biggest challenge as a writer?

Your first question is a very good question, though I have not considered any challenges with my writing.  I revised my writing several times, though I am not certain that it is a challenge because I really enjoy the revision process.  At times, my final drafts do not resemble my first drafts at all.

Maybe a challenge could be to try to write better than my previous writings. Maybe another challenge could be to ensure that I do not employ the same references in my writings.

How do regional voices manifest themselves? That is, is there a Southern poetic voice, and if so, how is that voice different than the African American Southern poetic voice?

Yes, I think there is a “Southern” poetic voice.  I think much of the “Southern Poetic Voice” relies on the narrative and depicts the landscape and customs.  The African American Southern poetic voice also employs the narrative, and depicts the landscape and customs, too.

However, the African American Southern poetic voice extends beyond those layers by responding to the struggles and quest for freedoms.  Then, too, the cultural references are also pertinent to the African American Southern poetic voice, especially the blues and jazz, fashion, food, religion, etc.  Even the language is so important. In short, the art of storytelling is so much a part of the African American Southern poetic voice.  I also think the art of storytelling is important to the “Southern” poetic voice.

On the other hand, the African American Southern poetic voice is also concerned with historical figures and events.  In other words, the African American Southern poetic voice documents and reports as well as questions what it means to be human and live in a region that shapes him/her.

You are an award winning haiku poet. How does your skill at haiku influence your longer poetry works?

Yes, my haiku writing influences my longer poetry works. I think that haiku helps with my employing of imagery and language.  To that end, I hope that it is evident the haiku helps with employing vivid imagery, juxtaposition and concise language.  Moreover, I think haiku helps me to employ what might not otherwise be available.  For me, haiku is a way of life.

What excites you about a “good“ poem?

I believe what excites me about a “good poem” is the way it might resonate. If the poem gives new insight and sings at the same time, then I am excited about it.  If the poem also enables me to experience its tone, then I know I will revisit it.  Yet, I am especially excited about the music of a “good poem” as it unfolds figuratively.

Do you think that poetry has a value, to non-poets, to modern society? If so, in what ways does it serve the larger populace?

Yes, I think poetry has a value to non-poets, to modern society, especially eco-poetry, socio-political poetry, and poetry that changes the way readers might think.

When you face the blank piece of paper or computer screen how do you begin a new piece?

I usually face the writing of a new poem with a blank sheet of paper. To that end, I still hand-write my poems first, then type them. I feel that the poem comes more fluidly by writing it. When I face a blank sheet of paper, I begin usually begin with images to write a poem. I try to employ concrete details and somehow make connections with allusions. I hope to take leaps with language in my poetry.  More importantly, I write to report and find meanings within the world.  I also hope to create music within my poetry.

I know you as a poet and editor, do you publish prose?

Yes, I publish prose.  One of my short stories was published in Obsidian. Another one of my short stories was published in Valley Voices. The difference between poetry and prose is that I am able to condense the language when writing poetry.  When writing fiction, however, I am able to develop characters and work more with dialogue.

What are you working on now?

I am working on a poetry collection, revising older poems and short stories, and at times, writing essays.  I often listen to jazz and write.

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Lenard D. Moore, a North Carolina native, is the Founder and Executive Director of the Carolina African American Writers’ Collective and Co-founder of the Washington Street Writers Group. Moore’s poems, short stories, essays and reviews have appeared in over 400 publications.

It is good to read about writing and process, but much better still to read the work that flows from that writer’s writing philosophy . Here are two of Lenard’s poems and another  and a  few of his tankas.

Writing Prompt

Take out a blank piece of unlined paper. Pencil or pen begin to write, write about not writing, write about how you write, write about how you feel when faced with the smooth white tundra, write a list of all the things you should be writing.