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Inside the Poet: a conversation with Alessandra Gelmi author of Ring of Fire Part 3 of 3
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Poetry is personal and each word communicates the complexity of the poet. Inside the Poet is an ongoing series of conversations with poets exploring that complexity.
Poet Alessandra Gelmi’s latest release Ring of Fire (2009) won first prize in its genre from The National Federation of Press Women.
She is the author of the novel Who’s Afraid of Red--- a chronicle of love set against the Rwandan Genocide--- recognized for Excellence in Arts and Letters by the National Association of Women for Progress in Africa. Gelmi won the 2008 Bronze Medal in Multicultural Fiction in the Independent Publisher Book Awards. She also won a first place ranking in her genre in the 2008 NFPW’s At-Large Competition, later the silver award for Who’s Afraid of Red from the National Federation of Press Women. She was an Award Winning Finalist in the Multicultural Fiction Category of the National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News.
Is poetry only for intellectuals or elites?
Poetry is about emotion. It is not an intellectual thing. I think that is why Wallace Stevens said, “The poem reveals itself only to the ignorant man.” Being a writer today is as important as being a doctor or an engineer.
Who influenced your poetry?
Richard Eberhart was at Dartmouth when I studied with him. What a sweetheart! He was a major influence and yet my poetry is not at all like his. Alexander Laing was also at Dartmouth when I reviewed his collection “Brandt Point” for The Dartmouth, which happens to be the oldest college newspaper in America.
Is poetry innate to the poet?
I believe poets, like great dancers are born not made. I also believe when one excels in one art, their talent bleeds into parallel arts, i.e. they are entirely capable in a second and tertiary art form. My mother served n the diplomatic corps, was a linguist and speech writer for various foreign ministers. She understood the weight and nuance of language, the character of words, the resonance, stress, and duration, of syllables. My father was a doctor but also a painter. My grandmother was a painter. I began as music major at Columbia. I wanted to be a symphony conductor.
Finally, why do you write?
I write because it feels good. My poems are treats to myself, I write because I am fascinated with the ambiguity of words, their universe of qualities other than description. I have no dogma or working aesthetic regarding poetry. There are no rules, just examples, and ultimately the poets I read and the poems I write reveal my preferences. I could say I try for the concrete image that is human, metaphorical or metaphysically significant but such explanations seem lofty and unnecessary; I want my poems to speak for themselves.
Read Part 1 here
Read Part 2 here
Contact Alessandra Gelmi who is available for readings and signings or to purchase a signed/dedicated copy here
Read the DC Poetry Examiner review of Ring of Fire here.
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