KRISTY RAINES INTERVIEW

 

NILAVRONILL TALKING WITH

POET OF THE MONTH

KRISTY RAINES

NILAVRONILL: Why does literature and poetry, in particular interest you so much? Please give us some idea about your own perception of literature or poetry in, general.

KRISTY RAINES:  Thank you for inviting me to your wonderful publication, OPA.  It is truly an honor to be asked to be interviewed by you. First of all, the possibility that I would ever be a poet or a writer never entered my mind when I was younger.  But my mother was an avid reader and took me to the library every week when I was a child.  She read to me before I could read. which is one of my fondest memories.   I have no other real literary background, nor did I ever study it in school, although in high school I did enjoy the sonnets of the late Elizabeth Barrett Browning.  Music and dance were where my talent lied growing up, like my mother, who was a wonderful singer and dancer.  My whole family could sing.  My sister’s gift was in acting, and both my sister and my brother did some writing of poetry for their own pleasure. The arts were truly incorporated in our lives one way or another.  It wasn’t till around 2012 when I began writing a children’s book for my Granddaughter, and I would write poetry now and then, mostly fantasy with a mixture of reality, but it wasn’t until about five years ago, that I became very engaged in writing, particularly in poetry.  The more I wrote, the more I fell in love with it.  It has become a beautiful obsession; a release of all of my emotions and thoughts. I was surprised many times how much of me was in the poetry I would write.  Bits of my life came alive and became poems, as well as songs I would hear, other people’s pain, pictures, and thoughts that would come to me out of nowhere, and my spirituality has grown which I now also write about as well.  Writing poetry is now just like breathing.  It is so deeply seeded into my everyday routine.  I believe literature and especially poetry is an extension of what needs to come out.  It is like a healing, and I believe it affects every part of our lives. It is a lovely way of communicating.  Poetry touches live and also tells the real story of the spirit who writes the poetry.  But literature doesn’t stop there.  Without literature, there would be no account of important moments in history, nor would there be books of spirituality.  Both, The Bible and The Quran are recognized as great masterpieces of literature.   Children’s literature is very important for imagination and growth.  I can’t even imagine such a world without books, stories and poetry. Literature is probably the most important tool we have for communicating.

 

NILAVRONILL: We would like to know the key factors and the people who have influenced you immensely in the growing phase of your literary life.

KRISTY RAINES: I believe that things I have seen or experienced in life, have been my greatest teacher and influence.   My childhood, my children, lessons I’ve learned, good and bad, life, death, loss and also my faith.  All those life experiences have formed and shaped me as a writer and poet.  I feel deeply and I write passionately.  My life has transformed in so many ways.  Though it was always part of my personality, I have a greater love for people from all over the world and have an abundance of empathy.  I fight for change in the world with my pen. I would have never done that years ago. I have a great love for people and  have formed wonderful friendships with people from countries I never even heard of until I started writing. Some have taught me about living through tragedies, through traditions and cultural differences other than my own. It is exciting. I have also learned about other's faiths and religions. I am open to learning and not afraid to see things through their eyes. Poetry and literature became a true awakening for me, and I love my life so much more now. I have become very accepting without judgement, and many accept me in the same way.

When I was first introduced to online poetry groups, I felt like a fish out of water.  I had never attempted to go into groups from other countries or my own as a novice poet, but then I met many popular international poets who accepted me in their groups and challenged me to stretch my limits in poetry. Matloob Bohari was my first literary friend from another country and has been since before I started writing seriously. We have been friends for about twelve years. He wrote beautiful poetry and would share it with me from time to time. Then I met Sajid Hussain, whose poetry was like a puzzle that I would often have to dig deep to figure out at times.  He writes excellent, metaphoric poetry.  And taught me a lot.  At around the same time, I met Anwar Rahim, who like me, enjoyed fantasy poetry and who was always  very welcoming.  All three were from Pakistan.  About the same time, I met Shikdar Mohammed Kibriah from Bangladesh, who was more like a mentor to me.  He was strict in what he taught me, but encouraging at the same time. Each helped me grow as a poet in their own way.   In 2022, Shikdar nominated me and a poem I wrote titled, “Beautiful Man”, for an award. I was shocked when I became a finalist.  That is when my poetic journey really took off, and since then, I have earned many awards and have become internationally known. I never thought that would happen to me.  I launched my first book of poetry in 2024.  Though there are so many more people too numerous to name who influenced my poetry, one Poet really stands out.  He became a dear friend and is the gentleman I now write with.  His  name is Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai, a romance poet/writer from India.  Before I met him, I never considered myself a romance poet.  But, as we collaborated together, we became a successful literary duo who have written 242 epistolary poems together and have recently published our first book together called, “I Cross my Heart From East to West”. We crossed cultural borders. Through this metamorphosis, I also became a successful romance poetess as well, which I am truly grateful for. 

I have also been very influenced by the Rohingya poets/writers, and photographers who I have gotten to know and care about very much.  I have watched them on their very long and difficult journey. Their story is a heartbreaking one, but they are some of the kindest and deserving people I have ever met.  Their poetry and love for education are amazing. I often now wish I would have been able to travel when I was younger to meet the many online friends and poets that had such an impact on me.  I think that is my biggest regret.  But just meeting people from other countries online has made up for some of that regret.  I am so blessed to be surrounded by other people, poets, and writers with different ideas and customs. Through all of our differences culturally we have been brought together.  There are no differences between any of us when we come together as authors and poets.  Yes, literature

is something that can bring people closer together.  There is no doubt in my mind about that.  My heart knows no borders.

NILAVRONILL: How do you relate your own self existence with your literary life in one hand, and the time around you, in the other.

KRISTY RAINES:  I think that the many things I have gone through in life effects the way I write, and what I write about.  Many times, the poetry I write has nothing to do with me, but may be about someone else’s circumstances.  And at other times, it does. But I do believe that a part of me is in every poem I write in some way.  Poetry helps me express my emotions to other’s and it also helps me understand their lives as well.  It is a way of communicating my feeling without just coming out and plainly saying how I am feeling inside.  Since I have become a better poet, I have noticed that poetry is very healing and that it can also heal others. So I will continue my journey of writing and learning. There is always something new to learn.

 

NILAVRONILL: Do you think society as a whole is the key factor in shaping you as a poet, or your poetry altogether?

KRISTY RAINES: No.  I believe that society has a very small role in who I am and the fact that it is not society that shapes me, but other poets who have helped shape, me and a lot of dedication on my part.  I have always had my own ideas and know who I am.  I am not afraid to speak out on whatever I choose to write about and how I write.  I hope never to let the influence of our society shape me as a person or change my poetry. The only thing that society’s role plays in my poetry is if it is a subject that has to do with current times and I decide to write about it. I believe that letting our society rule what a poet writes, or if you allow it to change you as a person, takes away your true identity as a poet or writer.  Always be true to yourself…

 

NILAVRONILL: Do you believe creative souls flourish more in turmoil than in peace?

KRISTY RAINES: I believe that it depends on what the poet likes to write about.  A well-rounded poet can flourish in both.  It just depends on your mood at the time.  I do notice though that in times of turmoil, my poetry get’s very deep and maybe even depressing, whereas, in peace, my poetry is more on the happy side and definitely more positive.

 

NILAVRONILL: As a poet does socioeconomic and politics in general influence your literary visions? If so how, and if not, why?

KRISTY RAINES:  I really try not to let economy and politics into my poetry most of the time.  If I did, I truthfully think that I might offend someone who doesn’t hold the same views as I do.  And that one moment could affect the rest of my career as a poet.  Unless it is something that I feel very strongly about politically, I don’t see a reason to write something that would not only hurt someone else, but that could cause animosity between me and my audience or peers. Poetry can be a strong tool for peace. So let there be peace. My political opinions have little value in a world we are all trying so desperately to find peace in right now.  Opinions may cause more division.  Though, like everyone, I do have strong political opinions. Poets are the peacemakers and our pens have more power than we think. So, though it is important to have an opinion, it is even more important not to cause more division in a very fragile world.

 

NILAVRONILL: Do you believe that all writers are by and large the product of their nationality? And is this an incentive for or an obstacle against becoming a truly international writer?

KRISTY RAINES: Maybe some, but not all, in my opinion. I can’t speak for all writers, but as for myself, I don’t see myself as the product of my nationality, but as someone who looks beyond nationalities and who sees others as equals. As long as you are a well versed poet with good writing skills with a unique style of writing, who is willing to listen and learn, has a genuine love for others, has a good poem subject, and does not get offended easily, you can be a successful international poet.   I take every advantage to communicate with people who are not my nationality.  It is part of my purpose as an international poet.  I enjoy talking to people.  It really doesn’t matter who they are or where they are from.  Look beyond your own nationality and beliefs, because those are things that will hinder you as a writer/poet.

 

NILAVRONILL: Do you think literary criticism has much to do with the development of a poet and the true understanding of his or her poetry?

KRISTY RAINES: I think you have to be willing to listen to the criticism with an open mind, and if the criticism makes sense to you, be able to try it out to see if it will enhance your poetry.  But you can’t lose yourself in other people’s opinions at the same time.  Poetry is such a personal thing.  It is your feelings and your emotions.  But take into considerations things to enhance your poetry and leave what is not helpful behind.  Dare to be better…

 

NILAVRONILL: Do you think people in general actually bother about literature?  Do you think this consumerist world is turning the average man away from serious literature?

KRISTY RAINES: It depends.  I think that people who either read a lot or write, very much appreciate literature.  But in an age of AI, I believe that it is ruining true literature.  I do not respect the poetry or writings of other’s who use AI to write. It is like a slap in the face.  Many of us work hard to write something beautiful and meaningful.  Why should someone be able to cheat by coming up with a poem or story without putting the work into it?  I see so much of it now.   I’ve spent time running poems through AI detecting software, and I can’t believe how many poets and writers are using AI to write poems.
AI poetry comes out without mistakes and seems more polished, but it is fraud, to me.  It also lacks the emotion of a true poet. I now even worry that someone will use parts of other poet’s poems to write one of their own.  Also, the younger generation and even some of the older are turning more towards technology for entertainment.  That may very well replace reading a book in the future.  I buy as many old books as I can, especially history books, for the very reason that I do not want to see any history disappear.  It concerns me for sure.

NILAVRONILL: How would you evaluate your contemporaries and what are your aspirations for or expectations from the younger generation?

KRISTY RAINES: I think right now, we may just be the last generation to love and respect literature as we know it, though I hope I am wrong.  Our children need it.  And the generations after we’re gone may not realize just how important keeping literature alive is.  My aspirations and expectations for the younger generations are that something will click in their or their parent’s minds that will make them realize, until they put down their phones, start having deep conversations and have true outdoor and play time, their future will lack social skills and they will not be able to problem solve.  It would be a very lost generation who would not have their own ideas.  They will be easily lead without a thought of their own. I am concerned for the children of the future…

NILAVRONILL: Humanity has suffered immensely in the past, and is still suffering around the world. We all know it well. But are you hopeful about our future?

KRISTY RAINES:  I see the suffering in our world, but who knows the future, but God Himself?  At times, what I see disturbs me.   Especially the hate that is being spewed towards each other. It needs to stop.  But with sound leadership who hold good moral values and determination to be honest and love the people they lead, it may be possible.  We all need to realize that we have to be willing to help each other.  We have too much corruption in our world and until the problems are weeded out and the corrupt officials in every country are replaced with people who want to do something good for humanity, I fear for our futures.  But I am a person who has witnessed miracles, I have to believe that there is hope.  Who knows?  It may be through poets and writers with a message of peace all over the world, that helps change this very damaged world. We all need to strive for change in our writing.

NILAVRONILL: What role can literature in general play to bring a better day for every human being?

KRISTY RAINES:  Through literature, we can keep producing inspiration in our writing, with a message of hope and love, and one with respect towards human life.  We also need to help where we can, and educate ourselves on other’s belief and cultures so we understand each other.  We also desperately need to have wholesome literature for our children so they can just be kids and grow up with quality books.  I would love to see children just being children again. Our world needs a new message to squash out hate. It will be through literature and the people writing it, who will help sustain this new message.

NILAVRONILL: We are almost at the end of the interview. I remain obliged to you for your participation. Now, personally, I would like to know your honest opinion about Our Poetry Archive. Since April 2015 we publish and archive contemporary world poetry each and every month. Thank you for sharing your views and spending much time with us.

KRISTY RAINES: I have followed OPA for quite a while now, and I am impressed with your publication and your dedication to publish our works.  You undoubtedly spend countless hours to make this a highly respected and enjoyable online magazine.  Thank you for all you do for poetry, literature and the arts in general.

 

KRISTY RAINES was born Kristy Rasmussen, on April 9, 1957 in Oakland California, in the United States of America. She is a poet, writer and an advocate for human rights and genocides; namely, The Rohingya refugees living in Cox's Bazar Bangladesh. Kristy is a former Civil Servant who worked for the United States Naval Reserve Readiness Command and later retired from the medical field. Kristy has published two books. One with a prominent Poet from India, Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai titled, "I Cross My Heart from East to West”, and one of her own books of poetry titled, "The Passion within Me".  She has a few children's books she plans on publishing soon. Kristy has received many literary awards for her unique style of writing and has been recognized for her humanitarian work. She enjoys time with family, is married,  has two children, three granddaughters and one great grandchild on the way.