Several years ago, long before I had anything of note published, Brian Moses was magnanimous to feature a couple of poems by me on his blog. Well now I have a blog of my own, and I'm honoured to feature today a poet whose work I very much admire. Darren Sardelli writes poetry with scarcely a single syllable missplaced. He lives in America, and visits lots of schools where, like me, he helps spread the joy of poetry, performance, words and creativity. I got in touch with Darren to ask him a few questions. Here you go:
How did you become interested in poetry?
Before I was a junior in college, I thought poetry was boring. I didn't want to read it. I had no interest in writing it. If someone told me I was going to write poetry for a living, I would have called them crazy. It was the last thing on my list and I didn't care for it at all. Everything changed when I rediscovered Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein at a later age. After reading some of their stories and poems, I was intrigued and inspired by their humor, imagination, and silliness. These 2 authors are the reason I started writing. Their words unlocked my imagination and helped me find my voice.
What are the best things about visiting schools as a poet?
I love visiting schools! My assemblies and writing workshops have become very popular in the United States. When I perform a poem, I create a unique experience for my audience by generating a particular feeling, reaction, or emotion. I love it when students laugh at my poems. It's one of the best feelings in the world. My most favourite thing, though, when I visit a school, is seeing students enjoying poetry. Many teachers have told me that my poems have helped their students become better writers. It's nice to hear.
You call your website 'laugh a lot poetry', but has a poem ever made you cry?
Interesting question. I've written some pretty emotional poems that I haven't shared with anyone. A few of them have made me cry. When we write about our feelings, we're getting them out of our system. Writing can be a healthy outlet to release built-up emotions. When I write about something that bothers me, I usually feel better.
What advice would you give to budding poets?
If you don't have an Idea Book, strat one right away. Decorate your book, put a pencil in it, and keep it next to your bed. Write down as many ideas as you can each day. If you want to become a better poet, study your favourite poets and write as often as you can. The more you write, the better you'll get. Also, read your poems to teachers, parents, and friends. Use their feedback to make your poems better. No matter what, though, just keep writing!
Do you have a favourite animal?
I'm fascinated by kangaroos. Imagine being a kangaroo for a day. I'd hop everywhere!
If you could go back in time to any period of history, where would you go?
It'd be fun to meet my grandfather, Paul, who passed before I was born. I heard he was one of the most patient, kindest, loving people in the world. We'd have lunch, chat, and enjoy the day.
Fun Fact: My middle name is Paul.
Here is an awesome poem by Darren. Enjoy:
THE LETTER “A”
by Darren Sardelli
The letter A is awesome!
It simply is the best.
Without an A, you could not get
an A+ on a test.
You’d never see an acrobat
or eat an apple pie.
You couldn’t be an astronaut
or kiss your aunt goodbye.
An antelope would not exist.
An ape would be unknown.
You’d never hear a person
say “Afraid” or “All Alone”.
The A’s in avocado
would completely disappear
and certain words would be forgot
like “ankle”, “arm”, and “ear”.
Without the A, you couldn’t aim
an arrow in the air.
You wouldn’t ask for apricots
or almonds at a fair.
Aruba and Australia
would be missing from a map.
You’d never use an ATM,
an apron, or an app.
The arctic fox and aardvark
would be absent from the zoo,
and vowels, as you know them,
would be E, I, O, and U.
There wouldn’t be an A chord
on the instruments you play.
Let’s appreciate, admire,
and applaud the letter A!
