Poet Interview: Elsie Mayfield
Elsie has always had a love of the written word, spending many hours reading the marvellous works of inspiring authors. She has been writing since elementary school and recently has been putting work out for others to see. She has had work published in two online magazines, now joining others in print with this COVID anthology.
When did you become a poet? How did you know it was the right medium for your stories?
I’ve been writing for most of my life, but poetry became my favourite medium about ten years ago. I found that it flowed well, and I loved being able to have a finished product that conveyed bits of my heart and mind in those pages. It was when others told me they could find a semblance of themselves and their stories in my words that I felt most like a real writer.
What inspires you to write?
Sometimes it’s a mood or feeling that I have to put on paper to think through, sometimes a word or phrase gets stuck in my head and once I have it written other words come to build the poem. Sometimes it’s people in my life that I want to paint a picture of, who they are or dreams they have. I’ve had literal dreams that have inspired poems, too. I have some stories I’ve had tucked away for many years that I’m excited to start pulling out to see what will come of them.
Tag three of your favourite IG poets we should read and why should we read them:
Morgan Harper Nichols is one artist I admire for her honest words and use of words and art together. @Barefootandink, @Barry_happy and @Topherkearby are other writers I follow on IG that always have words that resonate with me.
What are some common themes you see in your own work?
I find that time, breath, and seasons find their way woven into my work. I like the foundation strength of an inhale and exhale. The passage of time conveyed in the pictures of seasons and chapters are reoccurring- I think it feels very relatable as everyone is either entering or exiting a different season in life.
Do you believe in writer’s block, and how would you deal with it?
Yes, I’ve gone through many stages of writing. It’s difficult to sit down and face an empty page or blank screen, especially when you don’t feel ‘inspired’. I find it best to go over work already written, work on editing, and that often helps get ideas and motivation flowing.
Do you feel that sharing your poetry is a vulnerable process?
I feel I can be vulnerable to share my poetry, often because it really is a page out of a journal that has pieces of my heart and dreams put down to paper. Allowing others to view this, with the potential to reject or judge it, can feel very scary. But over time this feeling fades, but never really ceases altogether.
Do family and "real life" friends read your work?
I show my unfinished work to a select few. These people know me well and can tell me if something doesn’t read quite like ‘me’ or offer helpful suggestions. When someone can relate to a piece of work, even if it’s not exactly the idea in my own mind, it feels very fulfilling. When others may feel they can’t understand when I am writing, that allows me to try different ways to express the thought.
What does "good poetry" mean to you?
Poetry should evoke strong feelings, painting pictures that seem familiar and heartfelt, even if it’s a thought or experience I’ve not gone through myself. I think good poetry is when it can feel relatable, and the flow of words should feel as if it was an extension of thoughts I have had before.
What is your writing process like?
Mostly it’s going through the many unfinished pieces I have, making edits until they fit the way I like. I’ve found I compose the first drafts on my phone, and I’m able to work on them at odd moments and later put them down on paper.