In honour of Poetry Writing Month, I decided to interview a few poets that I enjoy reading. This is the second in a series of four interviews.



April 19, 2008



Laurence Stacey, a.k.a. *Laurence55, is a published haijin (haiku poet). He joined deviantART in March, 2007. In his gallery, you will find mostly haiku, senryu and tanka, and he is something of an expert on these forms, joining the ranks of people like *MSJames and `AbCat. The literature community is one that enjoys and appreciates Japanese forms of poetry, and I think you will enjoy Laurence’s poems as well, if you haven’t already read them.

In this interview, he tells us about his interest in Japanese poetry, “found” poetry, and other aspects of the craft.



^lovetodeviate: Tell us a bit about your writer self. What made you start writing? How have you changed as a writer?

Laurence Stacey: I began writing poetry around the age of 12. On Saturdays, my mother would send my sister and me to the public library. We would spend many hours sitting between aisles and reading authors such as Shel Silverstein and Langston Hughes. My first attempts at poetry stemmed from a desire to emulate my favorite writers. I was so nervous about my first attempts that I would actually hide them beneath my mattress! Later, I began to study the art seriously. With the encouragement of my parents and many teachers, I delved into the world of poetry and have not looked back since!

LTD: Your gallery is filled with haiku and tanka – both Japanese forms. What attracted you to these forms? Is the focus completely different from other styles of poetry, or are there similarities?

LS: Since 2002, I have been deeply interested in the study of Japanese poetry. While each style of poetry contains its own level of intricacy, the Japanese forms are profound in their ability to convey deep emotion in short, dramatic bursts. In Japanese poetry these dramatic moments are framed in the occurrence of everyday activities. The study of both haiku and tanka allow us to see small events from entirely new perspectives. In this way, we gain a sense of awareness that accompanies us in every aspect of our lives. Rather than focus on perceived differences between styles of poetry, I think it is more important that we focus on the greatest similarity of all, the ability of each style to convey human emotion and contemplation. Both long and short poetic forms are effective at doing this. Knowing how to combine the philosophies of each concept is very important in achieving balance as a writer.

LTD: In one of your tanka discussions, you write, “According to haijin Pat Shelley, Tanka can embrace all of human experience in its brief space with emotions of love, pity, suffering, loneliness, or death, expressed in the simplest language.” What aspects of human experience do you find yourself exploring in your poetry?

LS: While there is no particular emotion I seek to incorporate in my work. I am deeply interested in exploring sensuality, humor, contemplation, and reverence for nature. That being said, rather than seeking to construct a particular emotion, I simply keep my nose poked into the business of everyday life. Whether it is the song of a meadowlark, or a scorned lover tossing his (or her) partner's clothing into the street, I am constantly observing. For that reason, many of my haiku and even my tanka are very down to earth. As I mentioned earlier, witnessing the vivacity within common occurrences helps me remain fresh and grounded in my perspective of life.

LTD: Do you have a favourite piece of poetry that we can read online?

LS: I am pretty low key about my own work in general, but I have to say that two of my favorite tanka poems are actually the ones that were accepted by the Haiku journal, Simply Haiku. These pieces can be seen here.

These pieces are dear to me because of their publication in the journal, and the circumstances that surround them. The first piece was written after the death of a close friend. As I received the call, I could merely stare out of the window as the afternoon sun drew away from my mother's tulip garden. The second poem is based around a Sunday chess lesson. As I sat getting the pants beaten off of me by my uncle, he made a parable about how even the mighty dragonfly can be brought down by the spider's planning. I never forgot that lesson.

LTD: Who do you read, on deviantART and otherwise?

LS: There are many poets on DeviantArt who I deeply respect. Among them
are *jade-pandora, =Keraness, *HaikuKitty and ~wayfarergallery. Each of these poetshas displayed an amazing level of proficiency within their chosen styles. It is a deep honor to be able to converse and share ideas with them. There are many others on Deviant Art as well. Even haijin whose ideas I do not agree with are certainly interesting in discussions of concepts. Outside of DeviantArt, I greatly enjoy the work of Sonia Sanchez, Nikki Giovanni, Geert Verbeke, Masajo Suzuki, and many others.





Laurence (*Laurence55) is participating in a Tanka Month, along with *jade-pandora. Both are writing a tanka for every day of April. Laurence has also writing articles on tanka in his journal, which are very interesting and useful to read. In the past, he has participated in Haikuwrimo (Haiku Writing Month) and the Spring Haikuthon, which involved writing seasonal haiku every day of the month.



LTD: Does writing a tanka every day bring a different focus to the craft and moment (which I understand is very important in Japanese poetry) of writing poetry?

LS: For me, writing one tanka every day is a test of my creative endurance. It also allows Jade and I to discuss and compare different concepts in technique. We usually spend a great deal of time reading poetry, and questioning ideas presented in both haiku and tanka. Being proponents of modern tanka, she and I are using this month to raise awareness of this beautiful form. We seek to examine every facet of structure and concept within Japanese poetry. Most importantly, we both just love writing! She and I maintain pretty hectic schedules, and winding down with a good tanka is very relaxing.

LTD: There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding about Japanese forms, especially with respect to writing them in English. What can you tell us about this?

LS: Many of my views concerning the Japanese forms of poetry are very different from the ideas presented by many experienced haijin on DeviantArt. I discuss my thoughts on the various styles in my journals, which are aimed to educate. While I am certainly happy to see the "5-7-5" myth beginning to disappear, I would like to see beginners of haiku and tanka style poetry focus more on the principles of the art, rather than doctrines set in place by rivaling schools of thought. The principles that I am speaking of include brevity, awareness, image juxtaposition, and fluidity (in tanka). I am personally against using capitals in either haiku or tanka unless the word is a proper noun. I would also encourage beginners to avoid unnecessary words. The poem is minimal, so exercise the full meaning of each word. For seasoned haijin, I would like to see better advice given to beginners. Rather than stifling someone's creativity with useless dogma, seek to understand that person's voice and help them adapt it into their form. I have read hundreds of Japanese poems, each with a varying slant on technique. The truth of the matter is that there is no technique. Simply write vividly and from your own experience. There is only one kind of tanka…a good one!

LTD: You have a particular interest in “found poetry”. What is found poetry? Can you tell us about the process of writing The War of Evolution and Midnight – two of your own found poems?

LS: Yes, aside from the Japanese styles, I also write in the style known as "found" or "cut" poetry. This concept was introduced to me by a friend and college professor. In found poetry, the poem is constructed using words, and phrases from other writings. These writings can range from newspaper articles, magazines, or even bathroom graffiti. These outside works should preferably be a direct contrast to the subject of your poem. The War of Evolution was actually my first found poem. It was written using two articles within Time Magazine. In that piece, I used an article about world commerce and another about archeology to write a piece concerning evolution. Midnight is very special for me because it is written in honor of someone I care deeply for. I used a 2005 issue of National Geographic Traveler to construct that poem. The article was about the Japanese city of Kyoto. It was sensual, mysterious, and perfect for the poem.





Laurence (*Laurence55)’s tanka have appeared in publications such as Simply Haiku and AHA Poetry. His haiku have been published in The Heron's Nest and Tiny Words.


LTD: Does being published change who you are as a writer? What would you say to someone who is trying to publish their poetry, specifically poetry in Japanese forms?

LS: Being published has allowed me to examine my work from the perspective of more seasoned haijin. In addition, there is the obvious benefit of being recognized for your art. As far as changing someone as a person, I don't think being published would drastically alter a poet's personality. For anyone seeking to have their work published, visit various online publications to get a feel for what the editors are looking for. Keep an organized catalogue of your submissions, and lastly, be prepared to receive rejection. It is rare that any poet is published on their first try. Do not let that discourage you. Simply continue to study your art. Keep writing, submitting, and learning as much as you can! For haijin, here are a few publications that invite new and seasoned poets to submit their work:Simply Haiku, Roadrunner Haiku Journal and AHA Poetry.

LTD: What are your plans for the future?

LS: In terms of my career, I will continue to work in the field of technology. I love working with my dad, and exploring new concepts in my field. I am currently finishing my undergraduate studies at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. Once they are complete, I will pursue a dual graduate degree in creative and applied writing. Aside from my career, I am interested in starting an e-journal for Japanese poetry. This journal will publish new and seasoned haijin on a quarterly basis. I would also like to teach martial arts. I study various Chinese systems and also the Japanese sword. I will probably teach officially at my current school. I may also teach one or two students outside of school. Most importantly, I plan to write and study poetry as long as I live.




Thank you for letting me interview you, Laurence, and good luck in all that you do!

I recommend going through Laurence (*Laurence55)’s gallery, which, to me, is a lovely walk in the park (a park filled with lovers, at that!). Also, look out for more interviews with some of my favourite poets on deviantART. Cheers and happy writing, everyone!


More links

The Mini Chapbook Contest and Animal Voices
Interview with a rising poet, *TheObviousChild