Poet’s
Bio:  Ruth Ticktin coordinated international programs, advised and
taught English in Washington, DC and Maryland since 1977. From Madison and
Chicago, graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Ruth writes poetry and
fiction. Always sharing stories, she is an author: Was, Am, Going; Recollections
in Poetry & Flash (New Bay Books, 2022.) co-editor: Psalms for
Contemplation (Poetica Publishing 2020.) co-author: What’s Ahead?
(Pro Lingua Learning 2013.) contributor: Maryland Bards 2023, 2024 & Gathering (Local Gem Press.)
BarBar; Literary Heist; Wild Word;
Straylight &
more.

Deliah Lawrence: What tips would you
give to aspiring poets?

Ruth Ticktin: When you
have a picture in your mind, write down the words and don’t be concerned with
the form that first emerges on paper or screen. 
At times you will hear the words like a song and write in a rhythm.
Other moments after having a visceral reaction to a scene you will need to
recreate that action in words. When you want to tell a story as it comes to your
mind, leave your pen on the paper and fingers on keyboard. The joy of writing
poetry continues when you read your words aloud and play with the structure and
form of the verse. There are many possibilities and few rules except that you
have to feel good about what you hear.

DL: What are three fun facts about
yourself?

RT: Before declaring myself a writer, I
was a dancer, a Travel agent, and an ESL teacher. I found creativity in each phase
of work though not ever a smooth path. I loved the challenge especially in the
art of making a home and raising a family.

DL: In celebration of National Poetry Month, can you share with us
a few of your poems?

RT: In celebration of National Poetry
Month, here are two poems:

1. Title: Sky Sea Sun spirits

Sun sets slowly, a turtle drags

their laden body from the Sea

On a sandy spot they create

a safe nest, laying ninety eggs

Clouds light the Sky up orange

speckled with winking stars

Gray heavens darken above

an ominous wait ensues

Rumbling shh then striking

waves crash onto Sea rocks

Loud snaps Sky cracking

No silence between

Thunder Lightening hit

on Sea shore passing through

Two moons after Sun and storm take

turns, eggs hatch to new life

Emerging from sand dark night

a howl rolls in, a cackling

Sky Sea Sun spirits emit

a lush harsh laughter

2 Title: Asking                                      Solomon Ibn Gabirol

How do you know there is more in
this world than us mere mortals?

Look at the heavens. I see
vastness. I kneel at the ordered universe.

Where Solomon, where is there
order on earth?

In the natural daily miracles of
our dependable physical space there is order

In the potential inherent
morality of individuals and even society there is order.

Is this spirit?

This is a transcending—near and
within separate and apart.  

When are you aware of a savior,
a liberator of souls?

Yes, awareness comes when I am
victorious over my limitations

and when witnessing the power of
justice, I am aware.

Why do you believe?

There are stirrings in my heart
aches of love and tenderness

I want to help I care I need to.

Who is answering me, who are
you?

I’m Solomon from Spain, a poet,
a Jew, a philosopher.

I was in the world nine hundred
and seventy years ago

Look for my statue in Malaga. I
stand bearded and bent in my turban and robes.

There is much to read to
consider

to write and always study.

Nothing is forthright frequent
or forever

With my head up arms
outstretched

I thank you for asking and
thinking along with me. 

DL: What new projects are you
currently working on?

RT: I am completing a book of poems
called Around & Around. I am in the final drafts of a novel titled Tracks
of the Heart and a children’s book, A Triassic Tale.

Recent poetry published:

• From the Slumber of a
  Night www.patreon.com/posts/from-slumber 4/24
• Last night I saw www.literaryheist.com/poetry/last-night-i-saw-joe-hill/ 3/24
• Follow the Flow, Ever
  Light, My Friend https://thewildword.com/poetry-ruth-ticktin/
• Mist Done Miss Go SoMdNews.
  Fun with Words Md. Writers Assoc. 12/2/23
• Sitting writinginawomansvoice.blogspot.com/2023/01/sitting-by-ruth-ticktin
• Perfecting Puzzles (www.star82review.com/10.1/ticktin-puzzles.html) 3/2022 

DL: Where can readers learn more about
you and your poetry?

RT: Readers can get more Information here:

• Website: https://rticktindc.wixsite.com/ruth
• Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/e/B086VRD976
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/RuthTicktin
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruthdena
• Book Buy Links:
• Was
  Am Going; Recollections in Poetry & Flash Ruth Ticktin. New Bay Books
  2022#9781734886689
• Psalms for
  Contemplation (co-editor) (Poetica Publishing 2020) #9781942051336
• What’s Ahead? Transitioning from Adult
  Education to a Career (co-author w/ Barbara D’Emilio) (Pro
  Lingua Learning 2013) #9780866473521

Poetry Anthology Buy Links:

• Pine Top maryland-bards-poetry-review-2024
• Switchgrass
  https://www.amazon.com/Gathering-Poetry-Anthology-Poets
• Upwards Look bookshop.org/p/books/maryland-bards-poetry-review-2023

DL: Thanks
so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to
know you and your work.

RT:
Thank you for including me in the blog!

Originally Published on https://vocalexpressions.blogspot.com

Deliah Lawrence Attorney, Author, Blogger, Workshop Facilitator

Deliah Lawrence is a Maryland-based attorney and award-winning author of two romantic suspense novels (Gotta Let It Go and Gotta Get It Back) set in Baltimore. She’s also a blogger and workshop facilitator who writes poetry and short stories.

When Deliah isn’t writing, you can find her reading a book, indulging in her addiction to investigation discovery shows; or painting her yet-to-be exhibited oil artworks of landscapes, portraits or whatever else comes to her creative mind. Constantly on the go, she is also a member of the Black Writers’ Guild of Maryland and Sisters in Crime.