Poet Spotlight: Myron Stokes
July 2020
Myron Stokes, a former board member of Poets & Patrons, was interviewed by Caroline Johnson. Myron created the 1st category in this year’s Poets & Patrons contest, “Single Parents,” in honor of his mother, Susie Mae Stokes. He also donated the $300 1st place cash prize.
When did you begin writing poetry?
I wrote my first poem when I was ten years old. My fifth grade teacher, Mr. Horowitz, posted the poem on the bulletin board for all to see. It was entitled, “Summertime.” I didn’t become serious about becoming a poet until 2005 after my first poem was published.
What triggered your interest in creating poems?
I love the power, sound, feel, and the look of words. I value words as I value different species of flowers. Each has its own effect, characteristic, and beauty. When you bring certain flowers together, the bouquet seduces, entices, provokes, evokes. Words have the same influence on me when they’re designed into a poem. The poem is a bouquet of words.
Who are your favorite poets?
Arna Bontempts, Rita Dove, Nikki Giovanni, Terrence Hayes, Yusef Komunyakaa, Maya Angelou, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, Gwendolyn Brooks, William Carlos Williams.
What inspires you? Other poets, painting? music?
Everything and anything inspires me. I inspire me. My mother told me when I was five years old that I would become a writer. I don’t know how she knew this. I write therefore I am!
Where have you published?
Ellen LaForge Poetry Journal, Margie: The American Journal of Poetry, Encore, Keystrokes and Distilled Lives.
Are you in a feedback group that meets regularly? If so, How often?
Yes. Four times a year.
We know every poem is different but--on average--how many revisions does one of your published poems require?
At least ten revisions.
Do you gear some of your work toward performance poetry rather than the written form? Why or why not?
If I perform, I will sing. I may include sound effects or alter my voice to demonstrate how one of my characters may talk.
How long might you struggle with a poem that doesn’t seem to want to come together?
Months!
Is there a special person in your life you’re inclined to share your work with? Explain.
Caroline Johnson, Wilda Morris, Frank Bonacci, my sisters, and my daughter who also writes poetry. I trust them all.
To read Myron’s poems ⟶
To see more from the Stokes family album ⟶