Interview # 2: Lailah Saafir

Sincerely Art – Interview Series
 

Sy Albright interviews Lailah Saafir--poet/author


Her latest poetry release -- Full Mood

http://www.somapublishing.com/2018/04/full-mood.html?m=1

 
 

SA: Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into writing.  

LS: I have been through many things. My first experience with writing was when I was 14. Trying to commit suicide and living through it gave me a new outlook on life. I started by pouring out my heart on the page because I didn't feel like I could talk about how I was feeling.

SA: I noticed from your bio in your book “Full Mood” you have experience speaking in public. How does that personal contact help shape your writing --- if it does?  

LS: Public speaking  allowed me to relate my thoughts to others and to find out what others were thinking. I realized I was not alone even in my darkest times. People were actually interested in what I had to say much to my surprise.

“Nature decided this day

Somethings must be washed away

So the push of the climate

Overtakes man and primate

After the flood, sun now begins to shine

As we bury the ones no longer alive”

SA: These are part of the lines of “No Match” in your debut book “Full Mood” out at Soma Publishing. I read them and they hit me hard. Can you explore further what was going on to write this poem?

LS: Death of loved ones was drowning me. I started trying to climb out of a deep depression. Nature was my saving grace. I started to realize there was beauty to be found in trees and flowers and streams, but at the same time there was definitely loss there. I tried to balance the storms and the sunshine.

SA: There’s a heavy spiritual undertone to your writing however; you are creating Art and making literary choices that elevate your writing into more than cultural observations alone. How do you balance religion, culture, personal feelings and still bring Art to the table?

LS: Taking a moment to consider that we are all spiritual beings I do bring faith to the table.  My culture has been in the background. I was really influenced by Maya Angelou. I felt that she spoke to so many things. In that I felt I could speak of my experiences and others would relate. I feel that we all share the same emotions. It is my hope that by bringing my personal feelings in moderation that others might recognize themselves and realize they are not alone. Art to me seeks to join us as thinking beings. So that comes first. I am not trying to impress my views on others, only to make them think and enjoy the fruits of my experiences.

SA: In my numerous conversations with Mark Antony Rossi including our most recent interview he states writers should be helping each other and it’s the responsibility of the Editor to do more than show thumbs up or down. What have been your experiences out there?

LS: I have not had much experience with editors. Editing has been my own job with my work. Grateful I would be to have someone edit my work, it is something I feel I could benefit from.  We all need editors to be brutally honest in my opinion.

SA: What does Writing do for you as a human being?  

LS: Writing allows me to freely express myself. It forces me to see myself more clearly than speaking ever did. Painting with words keeps me sane and allows me to dream.

SA: The majority of writers I speak to sadly claim family has not been supportive of their writing efforts. I noticed you have the book dedicated to your deceased Dad and you have a poem dedicated to your Daughter. Is your experience regarding family and writing different than most?

LS: My family has been supportive of my writing. For this I am truly grateful. My father used to write stories and sell them.  My daughter has also dabbled in writing, but I am the only one in my family who continues to write.

SA: I am not going to ask anyone in this series what their master plan is for writing. Things change and quite frankly it’s really no one’s concern. But I am going to ask what your thoughts are on keeping inspired, staying fresh and writing passionate in an age dispassionately digital.  

LS: Inspiration comes from nature and people and God for me. I also find reading inspiring. I am not sure how I stay fresh except keeping up with current events. Everything I write comes from having a passionate soul. I feel everything deeply. Love for others keeps me passionate. I am trying to keep up with the digital age but it is a struggle.