National Poetry Month’s Feature: Poet: Alisa Howard aka A. Howard
Poet’s Bio: Alisa Howard, formerly known in the publishing world as
An Howard and most recently rebranded as A. Howard, is the Owner of AHP Writing
and Editing Co., previously recognized as An Howard Publishing, established in
2011. Howard boasts a diverse portfolio as a published author, with her poetry
collection, “Whispers of Words Spoken,” along with her roles as a
writer and editor.
Howard’s writing journey began in
childhood, journaling stories and poetry, which evolved into professional roles
including as a Paralegal, drafting legal documents, and later in Public Health,
writing for the state of Nevada’s Tuberculosis department and managing an HIV
program.
Through AHP Writing & Editing,
she has edited for B.O.S.S. Magazine and collaborated with figures like Dr.
Robert L. Green. Currently, she is currently working on a social impact writing
project which will encompass some of her latest poetry and her debut romance
novel.
Fun Facts: Howard loves to
eat, she laughs at inappropriate times and situations, and has super small ears
that she still gets teased about to this day.
Deliah Lawrence: What inspired
you to be a poet?
Alisa Howard aka An Howard: After
being read books by Dr. Seuss at an early age, then learning to make my own
words rhythm, poetry came naturally to me and I instantly fell in love with it
as if it were part of my original soul language.
I would tell aspiring poets to just
write. Let it flow from your being, from your soul, from your heartbreak, from
your happiness, from your sadness…let it flow from every part of you. Your
experiences in this life alone are enough poems to fill up a book or two.
DL: Is there any particular poet,
author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
AH: As a child I loved Dr.
Seuss, Robert Frost, and Shel Silverstein. In my teens and beyond, Nikki
Giovanni, Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes became influences.
DL: If you were hosting a dinner
party which three poets would be your dream guests and why?
AH: I think having Nikki
Giovanni, Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes sitting around my table as guests
would be a dream come true. Can you imagine the political insights and
intelligent dialogue that would come from that gathering in that day and time.
I wouldn’t offer anything, but would sit with sheer excitement taking notes and
listening to the great thinkers of our time.
DL: In celebration of National
Poetry Month, can you share with us a few of your poems?
AH: Here you go!
1. Title: Her Everything
….And then she was her again
Perfectly imperfected.
Not needing validation,
salutations
or anyone’s pity.
She had gone through the fire
and
came out unscathed.
Bathed.
In grace,
and dignity
Wittingly charming.
A smile so authentic
that she could no longer be her
worse critic.
But her biggest fan.
She realized that she was her master
plan.
All along.
She had been gifted the goods
to be who she wanted,
and no longer would she walk around
disappointed.
In herself.
for others mishandling of her.
She now knew who she was,
and who she was to be.
She had greatness in her destiny.
Besides her ancestors and karma
would handle her baggage.
Taken advantage
Is what she won’t be,
anymore.
Soar.
Rising higher each day.
Making her mark on the world.
Living authentically.
Secure in her being.
Sitting in purpose,
and just simply being.
Not needing or wanting for
anything.
But now knowing
that all along
she has been…
and forever would be …
her Everything!
Copywritten and written By: A.
Howard
2. Title: It’s
Called…..
It’s sweet as a ripe tangerine
hangin from a branch from its tree.
It’s as simple as white linen
dancing
on a line in the summer breeze.
It speaks boldly, assure of itself
Not needing assurance from anyone
else.
It moves you to want to do better
It even gets clever
at times when it wants to express
how it really feels.
It’s presentation is
beautiful,
showing differently with each
heartbeat.
It endures and is never defeated.
It smiles brightly in the morning
sun
and winks when the moon rises and
the day is done.
It laughs often because its never
upset.
So many times its power is easy to
forget.
The fragrance of its soul
is like a mere rose, whose petals
never fall off.
It keeps breathing thru thick and
thin
It never fails, but always wins.
It’s unconditional, simply
irresistible,
unselfish & gives its all,
never wanting to fall.
It puts its full trust in you
making you want to trust it too
It listens like an old oak tree
wanting you to be free.
Giving back its Wisdom in its
silence.
It forgets all wrongs and forgives
all pains.
It’s unwavering kindness washes like
the rain.
Peaceful and pure like a dove.
This wonderful thing…
IT’S CALLED God’s unconditional
LOVE.
Copywritten and written By: A.
Howard
DL: Where can readers learn more
about you and your poetry?
AH: Readers can get more
information here:
- Website: https://www.alisahoward.com/an-howard-publishiing
- Amazon Author Page: taken down for
rebranding - Facebook: AHP Writing and Editing https://www.facebook.com/anhowardpub/
- Instagram: 1alisahoward
- Book Buy Links: https://www.alisahoward.com/copy-of-authors
DL: Thanks so much for being
here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your
work.
AH: Thanks again for the feature!
Originally Published on https://vocalexpressions.blogspot.com
