OPA How
long have you been writing Poetry? We would like to know the early stories
about your growing up as a poet or writer in general. Who are your favorite
Poets? What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write? Had they
inspired you a lot, do you believe in inspiration as a guiding force behind
writings at all?
RENEE
DRUMMOND- BROWN :
I started writing poetry as a
little girl; however, I rekindled my love for the art when I returned back to
college in my adult years. My favorite poets are the late Paul Laurence Dunbar
and Dr. Maya Angelou. I also love what Author Alice Walker did with the Color
Purple storylines (Dear god); I felt myself in her book. In any event, The
Color Purple can be viewed as historical fiction novel because it doesn’t refer
to any factual events. Therefore, I would have to say that I like to read
Literary epistolary novels and write from the poetry genre.
I have been inspired by Paul Laurence Dunbar and Dr. Maya
Angelou’s work for years, because, to me, their writings are strikingly
similar. As a woman of color; I can identify with their plight through poetic
thought/accounts. Their impact and writing prose left a legendary perspective
on my worldview. Both writers have affected me in a profound way, therefore, my
love for poetry is a template of their legacy. I cannot leave out that I
absolutely love, love, love Dr. Maya Angelou’s gift for poetic gab which left a
huge impact on my writing prose.
Although, several writers have inspired me along my
writing journey; none can compare as a guiding force to the inspiration that I
get from God through this scripture “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write
the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For
the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not
lie: though it tarry, wait for it: because it will surely come, it will not
tarry” (Habakkuk 2:2-3 KJV).
OPA What
has been the toughest criticism given to you as a writer? What was the biggest
compliment? Did that change how or what you write? What has been the strangest thing that a
reader has asked you?
RENEE DRUMMOND-
BROWN : The toughest
criticism given to me as a writer came from my English college professor,
because she saw something in me as a writer, which I did not see within myself.
Therefore, she taught me to cogitate in a methodical way before penning my
thoughts to paper; which later groomed me to become an academic writer. At the
time I felt that she was so very hard on me, but now, looking back in
hindsight, I totally understand why she stretched me and made me wrestle with
critical and analytical thinking; which ultimately, did improve my writings.
The biggest compliment came from that same professor via email; she said she
was not easily impressed with writers; however, she was very impressed by
something that I wrote for a mid-term in her class. She also requested that I
shared it with the class. Until this very day she is one of the best writers
that I know.
After reciting poetry at events; I am often
asked by total strangers to recite a particular poem at their funeral
(someday). I am usually speechless by this, and yet, honored by their request
as it relates to my poetry; touching the inner core of their soul, causing them
to want my words to be the last words spoken about them.
OPA What
is your favorite poem you have ever written? Compared to when you first started
writing, have you notice any big changes in your writing style or how you write
compared from then to now?
RENEE
DRUMMOND- BROWN :
I
noticed a huge change in my writing style from whence I first began writing
poetry. I had to learn to shorten my poetic lines and follow my heart or gut if
you will and know what and what not to change, as it relates to my poems.
Poetry is like the blues; it is written from the depths of one’s soul,
therefore, you have to know when to stand your ground and not change what you
have written to satisfy another; once the poem feels right to you.
My favorite poem
penned is “Plight” because it speaks to the depths of my soul and the heart of
my people:
PLIGHT
By: Author Renee’
Drummond-Brown
You don’t get that
right
To understand our
plight
Were you there?
When that slave
girl
Was ‘KILLED’
The very day,
They stole her
away
Were you there?
When that slave
girl
Was bound
Shackled and
chained
Cow bells on the
neck
That ‘rang’
Were you there?
When she rode that
vast ocean
On Noah’s waves
Of never ending
rains
Were you there?
At ‘HER’ door of
‘NO RETURN’
Uneducated to your
customs and ways
‘Wit’ an unfair
playing ground while trying to learn
Were you there?
Standing on ‘dat’
Auction Block
At 14 years of age
As she watched
‘Dat’ Auctioneer’s
gavel drop!!!
SOLD: TO THE
HIGHEST BIDDER!
He’d say
To her dismay
ALL WAS AT LOST
Down to her
family;
Just given away
‘FREE’ of cost
Were you there?
As she picked a
bail,
O’ COTTON
Were you there?
When sorting out
the bushel’s
That rotted
Were you there?
As she picked
All through her
midnight
Were you there?
When she couldn’t
give ‘Massa’
Any fight
Were you there?
When she warmed
‘Massa’
Anytime ‘HE’
wanted both day and/or night
Were you there?
When she ‘HAD’ to
cast ‘ALL’ her cares
On a ‘god’
That she was
‘TOLD’
didn’t care
Were you there?
As she entered
those back doors
Were you there?
When she was
called a wench
and then some
more…
Were you there?
When she was
kicked
to the ground
Like Christ,
Got back up
And never
made a sound
Were you there?
When she had to
eat
slime and hogs
Were you there?
To watch her
treated
less than a dog
Were you there?
When mixed babies
came from her
Were you there?
When she begged
‘Massa’ to keep ‘do’s’ chillins’ in ‘dat’ dear dirt
Plus for ‘da’
one’s
not belonging to
her
Were you there?
As she watched
So many
‘HUNG ON HIGH’
Were you there?
When she stood
tall
At it all
Never allowing
to cry
Were you there?
While she couldn’t
tire,
sleep
nor snore
Were you there?
When she polished
silverware
Plucked string
beans
While
Cleaning on hands
and knees
O’ those
‘HATED’
hardwood floors
Were you there?
When Missy lied
on her
Were you there?
At her foul
treatment
Far less
than dirt
Were you there?
At her rape(s),
beatings
and cries
Were you there?
As she wondered
‘IF’
God even cared
Let alone
was alive
Were you there?
When she prayed
to just die
Were you there?
When she ate
Humility pie
Were you there?
At worship
While sitting
in ‘dat’ balcony
Asking permission
To use
‘BLACK ONLY’
facilities
Were you there?
When ‘dat’ slave
girl
Was KILLED
The day
they stole her
away
And
You have nerve
to wonder why???
You don’t get
that right
To understand
‘Our’ plight
I’ve been there
‘CAUSE’ SHE LIVES’
In ‘da’ ‘STEAL’
of my nights!!!
Dedicated To: Black History
Month
A B.A.D. Poem
(Authored: “A B.A.D. Poem”, “The
Power of the Pen”, “SOLD: TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER”, “Renee’s Poems with Wings are
Words in Flight-I’ll Write Our Wrongs”
and e-Book- “Renee’s Poems with Wings are Words in Flight”)
No part of this poem may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without
written permission from the author. All Rights Reserved@2016
OPA What has been your favorite part of being a
poet or and author? What has been your least favorite?
RENEE DRUMMOND- BROWN : My favorite part
of being a poet and or author is the freedom that comes with being your own
boss. Writing requires being creative and according to Merriam Webster’s
creative is defined “marked by the ability or power to create. Having the
quality of something created rather than imitated” (Merriam-Webster's
Collegiate Dictionary (11th ed.). (2012, pg.293). Springfield, MA: Merriam
Webster Inc.). With poetry there are no boundaries and/or academic rules (if
you will) therefore, I have the freedom and ability to use the power of the pen
the way I see fit. The least favorite part of being a poet and or author is the
time spent away from family because of the extensive hours that are required to
write.
OPA Did
you get to quit your day job and become a writer and/or author, or do you still
have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day
job, what is it?
RENEE
DRUMMOND- BROWN : I am retired and a full time college student;
studying creative writing in the fall.
OPA Besides writing and reading, what is your
most favorite thing to do? What genre are you most looking forward to explore
during your writing career? Why?
RENEE
DRUMMOND- BROWN :
Besides reading and writing the most favorite thing
that I love to do is spend ‘alone’ time with my immediate family. I also look
forward to the return of college in the fall where I will study literature and
creative writing with a concentration in the poetry genre. Why poetry? Because
as previously stated in my book: SOLD: TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, “WRITING IS MY
OXYGEN” (Drummond-Brown, R.,p.xii).
OPA: Do you
think literature or poetry is essential in our life? If so why? How does it
relate to the general history of mankind?
RENEE
DRUMMOND- BROWN :
Literature and/or poetry are essential in our lives because it has been here
since the beginning of time, which directly relates it to the history of
mankind. The Bible actually opens with poetry at its best “In the beginning God
created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1 KJV). Through God’s word, He
also gave us 5 poetical books in the Bible which are the book of Job, Psalms,
Proverbs, Song of Solomon and my all time favorite Ecclesiastes. Collectively
these books are ordained by God. Therefore, God gave man Wisdom Literature and
poetry to provide us righteous instructions in dealing with justice and equity.
Furthermore, He instructs us to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2
Timothy 2:15 KJV). Literature and poetry is extremely essential to the history
of mankind according to the word of God.
OPA Our readers would like to know your own personal experience regarding
the importance of literature and poetry in your life.
RENEE
DRUMMOND- BROWN :
The
recurring theme running through the vein of my writings could be viewed under
the spiritual genre lens, but…it is safe to say, that I am not boxed into any
particular category. I am extremely versatile in my writing prose (free verse,
if you will). I can write on love, nature, romance, comedy, politics and social
issues (just about anything). However, with respect to all writers, I
personally would not write “Dark” poetry.
OPA Do you think
people in general bother about literature in general? Do you think this consumerist world is
turning the average man away from serious literature?
RENEE
DRUMMOND- BROWN :
I
think that literature has its place as it relates to education and I also think
that it is extremely important for Literature, English, the Humanities and
creative writing be taken more seriously within our classrooms/school system. I
do believe those consumerists are taking over our way of critical thinking by
distracting us with social media as oppose to the importance of literature in
general. We are so technological savvy that we no longer know how to cogitate
for ourselves thus using critical problem solving and/or analytical thinking in
our writing skill set. Generally speaking, I do believe that literature,
especially the genre of poetry, if not careful, will fall by the wayside in our
classrooms.
OPA If humanity tries
to understand tradition and modernism, do you think literature can play a
pivotal role in obtaining understanding?
If so, how? Again, how can an individual writer relate himself or
herself with the tradition and modernism?
RENEE
DRUMMOND- BROWN :
Literature can play a pivotal role in obtaining understanding as it relates to
traditions and modernism. For example, I believe that Author Alice Walker’s
book The Color Purple, captured the very essence of traditions for that era
because of her writing style and prose; which, made a huge impact in our
understanding of what life was like during that era. Nonetheless, the intention
of a good author (like Walker) should be able to have his/her writings
understood for the era in which they are writing, as well as their work being
able to be applied in today’s time; which is, in and of itself, tradition and
modernism at its best.
OPA Do you think
society has a factor in shaping you as a poet, or your poetry altogether?
RENEE
DRUMMOND- BROWN :
Because our society is an organization or club
(if you will) formed together for a specific purpose, I do believe that the activities
that surround me daily plays a huge role in shaping my thoughts as a poet;
which ultimately affects the way I cogitate and write.
OPA We would like to know about any influences
that has inspired your poetry and writings.
RENEE DRUMMOND- BROWN : As a woman of color; I am a very
compassionate writer of poetic injustices that reflect periods in time relating
to slavery, Civil Rights Movement and linking it to the plight of the 21st
century children of color. The oppression over time of the African American
people has influenced my writings as well as the African American poets who
have been crying out for justice and freedom within their poetry. My poetry
connects the dots to the legacy of poets such as Dr. Maya Angelou and Paul
Laurence Dunbar’s appeal for freedom.
OPA We would also like
to know; how do you relate the present literary trends with the literary
heritage of your country?
RENEE
DRUMMOND- BROWN :
Because I am a woman of color, if truth be told, I personally cannot relate to
the present literary trends with the literary heritage of this country because
people of color (like myself) have not been afforded the proper education of
our own literary heritage to make a fair assessment as it relates to these
types of questions.
OPA Do you believe
that all writers are the product of their nationality? Is it an incentive or an
obstacle in becoming an international writer?
RENEE
DRUMMOND- BROWN :
Anyone can learn to become an
international writer; however, there will definitely be obstacles and mountains
to climb. On the other hand, I do believe that writers are the product if you
will of their own nationality because of the status of belonging to their own
particular nation. You are more proficient when writing about your own
nationality and what you know to be true. Who can write about Ethiopia better
than Ethiopians?
OPA What 7 words would you use to describe
yourself?
RENEE
DRUMMOND- BROWN :
“Poems with Wings are Words in Flight”
OPA Is
there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read
this interview?
RENEE
DRUMMOND- BROWN
STILL I WRITE
(The Answer to:
Dr. Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise”)
By: Author Renee’
B. Drummond-Brown
Maya,
Of course they
wrote you down
in history.
You proved them
wrong
in truth.
But,
you planted for me
calligraphy,
so,
I’m heard on paper
all the way
to God’s
celestial roof!
My passion for
writing
does upset them.
But,
I can’t be
concerned.
Cause,
you left
for me
a gift
from God,
and
it’ll be
forever writing
that I yearn.
Just like
God’s Raven
leaving
the Ark;
‘she’ flew
to and fro.
Until
the waters
were dried up;
from off
the earth.
Because of you,
I’ll forever write
in the skies,
seas
and dirt;
for certain
this
I do know.
I was
that broken soul,
and bowed
so low
to Satan’s pit;
with nowhere
to get;
but up,
I allowed my pen
to place me
within
God’s Script
(ure).
I know
my writings
excite you,
and with God
for you,
who
can be against us,
in giving me
that nod?
I finally hear
your words
loud
and clear.
The poems you left
behind
are messages
of truths,
minus
the facades.
Some
have shot
my writings
to pieces.
While others
have damaged me
over time.
But God,
sends
a ram in a bush,
ink,
a quill,
and wrote for me
Ecclesiastes 3.
He Author’s
the time
and place
with limited
‘seasons’
for their
hurtful rhymes.
From the shame
you told me
to write.
I write.
From the pain
you told me
to write.
I write.
I am
that Raven
Blackbird,
with
a large wingspan.
“Renee’s Poems
With Wings Are Words In Flight”;
flying all over
God’s land.
I too
want to leave
behind
my
unhealthy fears.
So,
in the dark,
I write.
But in the light,
I see the imagery
our ancestors
gave to you;
which you
passed on
to me.
Maya,
you
are the dream,
Barack Obama,
was
the hope,
and
I am the slave
set free
(to write).
Still I write,
I write,
I’ll write.
Dedicated to: The memory of Dr.
Maya Angelou
A B.A.D. Poem
(Authored: “A B.A.D. Poem” “The
Power of the Pen” “SOLD: TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER” “Renee’s Poems with Wings are
Words in Flight-I’ll Write our Wrongs” and e-Book-“Renee’s Poems with Wings are
Words in Flight”)
Dedicated To: A Tribute to Dr.
Maya Angelou
Published with WestBow Press
Publishing Company
All Rights Reserved@2015.
No part of this poem may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without
written permission from the author.
RENEE’
DRUMMOND-BROWN, Renee’ Drummond-Brown is an accomplished poetess with experience in
creative writing. She is a (Summa Cum Laude) graduate of Geneva College of
Western Pennsylvania and graduate of The Center for Urban Biblical Ministry
(CUBM). Renee’ is still in pursuit of excellence towards her mark for higher
education.
She is working on
her sixth book and has numerous works published globally which can be seen in
cubm.org/news, KWEE Magazine (Liberian L. Review), Leaves of Ink Magazine, New
Pittsburgh Courier, Raven Cage Poetry and Prose Ezine, Realistic Poetry
International, Scarlet Leaf Publishing House, SickLit Magazine, The Metro
Gazette Publishing Company, Inc., Tuck, and Whispers Magazine just to name a
few.
Civil Rights
Activist, Ms. Rutha Mae Harris, Original Freedom Singer of the Civil Rights
Movement, was responsible for having Drummond-Brown’s very first poem published
in the Metro Gazette Publishing Company, Inc., in Albany, GA. Renee’ also has
poetry published in several anthologies and honorable mentions to her credit in
various writing outlets. The Multicultural Student Services Office of Geneva
College presented her with 2nd prize in the Undergraduate Essay Contest. Renee’
also won and/or placed in several poetry contests globally.
She was Poet of
the Month Winner in Our Poetry Archives, 2017, and in the prestigious Potpourri
Poets/Artists Writing Community. The author has been interviewed by Urban
Heroes Blog Talk Radio and her poetry aired on Fifth Wall Radio. She has even
graced the cover of KWEE Magazine in the month of May, 2016. Her love for
creative writing is undoubtedly displayed through her very unique style and her
work solidifies her as a force to be reckoned with in the literary world of
poetry. Renee’ is inspired by non-other than Dr. Maya Angelou, and because of
her, Renee’ posits “Still I write, I write, and I’ll write!”
The editorial staff of this project:
Stacia Lynn Reynolds and Deborah Brooks Langford; sincerely thank you for your
time and hope we shall have your continued support.
