Get to know the poet:

1) What is the theme of your poem?

The ways in which my body has betrayed me (through autoimmune disease) and how I have betrayed it by not protecting it.

2) What motivated you to write this poem?

I was asked to write a poem of my body as a protest and all I could think
was how my body never protested anything. Betrayal was the only sense I had in terms of my feelings towards my body. I imagined that it was equally as mad at me, hence attacking itself.

3) How long have you been writing poetry?

I have been writing poetry since the 4th grade, but I never shared a single
poem with anyone until I entered my MFA program. Sharing my innermost
feelings aloud was both powerful and nerve-wracking,

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

My partner. I know this question intends for a more profound answer, but
he’s the only person I want to sit across from. I’d choose him every time.

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

I wanted to hear how someone else hears my words.

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

I write memoir (which I don’t publish) and social justice articles (which I
do)

7) What is your passion in life?

To be a voice for those whose voices aren’t heard. I’m loud.