Junior Carly Pierre explores the written word in award-winning poetry that tries to capture his surroundings, life changes, and struggles. With a spo-ken word-inspired style, Pierre calls upon rap influences to weave personal narratives into verse. So far, his poetry has been published by Creative Commu-

nications, Teen Ink Magazine,

and Eber & Wein. To

read more of Carly’s poetry, visit http://carlypierrespoetry.wordpress.com.

The Westword: When did you first begin to write poetry? Why did you start?Carly Pierre: I began writing poetry in June of 2010. It really started as a product of my surroundings. Everything around me began to act as inspiration. I was going through a change at the time. Last year, in December, I was arrested. I had to start looking at life with a different perspective.TW: What topics do you find most in-teresting to write about?CP: I write about everything. Pain, fe-males, world atrocities, poverty...every-thing. TW: How would you describe your po-etic style?CP: It’s like a spoken word style. TW: Who or what are your major in-

fluences?CP: I relate well to artists like Nas and Dead Prez; the topics they address are ones that I can relate to vicari-ously. Music is really influential in terms of the topics addressed and the beats—it’s soothing. TW: Why is poetry your pref-ered medium?CP: I’m not a rapper. I’m not a

socially-loud type. [Poetry] keeps me fo-cused.TW: How much time do you dedicate to your craft daily?CP: I spend an hour to two hours writ-ing each day. If I’m not writing, then I’m usually just messing around on my web-site or looking back at old stuff. TW: Do you have a favorite poet? CP: Not really. I like Robert Frost. Langston Hughes is alright, too. TW: What role does your website play in your creative process?CP: The purpose of the website is to serve as a convenient way for others to see my poetry. People can just go to my website and see what I’m all about. I want to attract feedback from a wide range of people.TW: How has being a Westhill student impacted your identity as a poet?CP: I really like to observe people in my surroundings. Westhill is an inspira-tion because it shows that there’s a lot of stuff going on outside of my own world. Teachers help me out. They’ll look at my writing and give me feedback. TW: How do you plan to continue writing in the future?CP: Right now, I’m not sure. I’ll decide that when I’m ready. I’ll keep my web-site up. I’ll keep writing and sending my stuff out for publication.

35EXPRESS February 2011www.thewestwordonline.com

Poet of the Month: Carly Pierre

You need to realize what you have alreadyMe keeping money in this house steadyTaking care of our seedsFighting the greedOf committing acts unholyViolating our matrimonyAsk around all of the pastors know meI’d never lie to who I love being phonyEven after calls at night from TonyI didn’t let that phase meSee my mother raised meTo be a man in predicamentsValue my ladies significanceShow her my affectionAfter the wedding receptionWhen we’re old and grayStaring at a lovely arrayOf pretty flowers in MayThat reminds me of youAnd our love will stay trueWhile the children frolicThen we preach them knowledgeAbout never letting go our loveDespite he say she say becauseOur bond is much deeper than thatYou make me want to sing and rapJump around making my feet tapClap loud while my fingers snapAs I reminisce and look backAt how this is all profoundWhen I’m under the groundI still want you to be aroundWhat I’m saying is we could depart waysBut I respect our love because we stayed

Angel On Earth

I’ve shined through adversityIt never got the worst of mePain is what I lived withIt left so now I forgive itI’ve mourned many loved onesFelt struggles of heavenly sonsI’m blessed by the stars and sunLooked over by the moon’s lightShining bright through the nightThe gods planned out my destinyMaking sure what’s best for meThat’s why I teach others strugglingLost in a life that they are tusslingI fade when the leaves are rustlingWith no soul knowing I leftThey now grieve my death

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