Get to know the poet:

1) What is the theme of your poem?

The theme of Towards The Storm is to move into uncertainty regardless of what change is to come. The only difference is choosing to face it

2) What motivated you to write this poem?

Most of my poems start with a feeling or a thought. Sometimes an experience that I'll sit down and think about. While I say that, this one came from real emotion like always. When writing I didn't understand what I was writing until I was done. with Towards the Storm, I was feeling anxious and a bit uncertain about a few things. But through it, no matter what happens. You can only prepare for what happens as change is inevitable. Especially with all the rain that was coming through Memphis at the time. one thing led to another.

3) How long have you been writing poetry?

I've been writing poetry for years. Well over a decade. I didn't always call it poetry at first. It started as journaling or a way that I could clear my mind without judgement. Over time I met other writers and creatives. Some professors and slowly I started listening to the advice that was given or how I could structure my writing, and over time Over time it turned into poetry. Not just that but a way that I can understand myself and my thoughts more clearly.

4) If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

That's a hard question. Honestly, I'd choose James Baldwin or Saul Williams. Both are deeply emotional artists who told/tell the truth in beautiful and somewhat uncomfortable ways. I'd love to talk to them about anything honestly. Whether love, pain, the strength that it takes for them to do what they did. or just shoot the breeze in good company.

5) What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

To be honest. It's always something I wanted to have done. In any form. To have anyone read your work itself is a blessing but a profession actor is next level because they also believe and know that the words on a page or more than words on a page. When I saw WILDsound's performances I knew that if my work was selected that it would be one of the questions I would ask. How can I get my work read by a professional actor. And was not disappointed. It gave my work a life I didn't realize that it had.

6) Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

Yes, I write short stories, prose, and sometimes mini scenes. I'm attempting exploring storytelling from different angles and perspectives. I've also contributed to others' creative projects, and I love being part of bringing a vision to life.

7) What is your passion in life?

My passion is connection—through language, art, and shared experience. I write to understand myself and offer that understanding to others. If someone reads or hears something I've written and they feel a little less alone, then I've done my part. Writing helps me breathe, and I hope it does that for others too.

https://youtu.be/M8J3J5rWC0I

Performed by Val Cole

POEM:

I heard your voice
like thunder through the air.
Before I could think,
before there was a flinch
you appeared.

The storm doesn’t scare me,
especially when it sounds like you.

Regardless of what things look like,
you soak through my skin.
I don’t care how heavy my clothes get.
I don’t care how hard the wind blows.

It doesn’t push me back.
Whichever direction I walk
they all point towards you.

Like I belong in the middle,
somewhere closer to you.

I walk in you
until I am the only thing you see.

Before the thought of flinching
at the sound of your voice,
I remember
you are what and where
lightning kisses.

Before every storm,
there is a breath
that caresses my face
sweet and warm.

Soon after,
you appear.

I eagerly wait
for the sound
of your voice.