Silas Denver Melvin on 'Grit'
Silas Denver Melvin (2000) is a queer, trans masculine poet from Southern N.H. As an introverted Gemini, he's been writing ever since he learned how to hold a pencil. At 20, he's published poetry with several outlets. Grit is his first collection of poems to be published.
Can you tell us a bit about Grit, the book you just published with Sunday Mornings at the River?
Grit, being my first collection of poems, is going to forever hold a special place in my heart as daring and ultra-personal. I wanted to be raw, honest to the point of ache, while also adding in necessary elements of joy; a break in the waves that gives you time to marvel at the beauty of an unforgiving ocean. I wanted Grit to house my anger, to be home to what I've been told so many times before has no place in the world of publishing. I know there are people out there that need this and will relate to the harsh coming of age story I've told.
What or where inspires you to write?
The desire to write truly feels like a paranormal possession. Something inside me cannot rest until I've gotten my ideas down on paper or typed into a document. Anything can trigger it. Movies, books, music, obscure Wikipedia pages, strangers with bizarre and wonderful outfits at the local record store. That being said, writing comes easiest when I get a break from the mundane. Visiting the mountains, spending a day in Boston, riding the train, all of these provide a creative reset when I'm blocked.
Who are some of your literary or artistic crushes?
An official, abridged list is as follows: Allen Ginsberg, Hunter S. Thompson, Ocean Vuong, Maya Angelou, Hanif Abdurraqib, Sam Sax, Sylvia Plath, Jamaal May, Jenny Holzer, Richard Siken, Jericho Brown, Franny Choi, and Paige Lewis.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Straight Hearts' Delight: Love Poems and Selected Letters (1947-1980) by Allen Ginsberg and Peter Orlovsky. Fantastic read for anyone looking for vintage queer love. Comprised of letters, poems, and typed reports, it's a stunning collection of gay sex, spiritual connections, and largely unedited politics.
Tag three of your favourite IG poets we should read:
What are some common themes you see in your own work?
Blood. Animals. Any emotion I find too difficult to express verbally. Basically, my most primal and intimate feelings turned into the appropriate metaphor.
What influenced you to become a poet?
I think there were a lot of factors at play that got me interested in poetry, but a very strong push was discovering the work of Maya Angelou in middle school. Her poems stirred something in me that hasn't quieted since. I think Angelou is a great starting place for anyone interested in poetry.
Do you take poetry classes or read books on poetry?
I used to. I don't really have the means or connections to attend classes, but I've gone to conferences in the past and attended open mics in high school. I think reading about poetry and how to write it is beyond boring, though. I'd rather read and write it myself.
Do your family and "real life" friends read your work?
Some of them, yes! I've been incredibly lucky to have friends and family that have never wavered in their support of my dreams of being a writer. A little embarrassing at times, given what I write about, but it's never felt weird to let friends read my work.
What does "good poetry" mean to you?
Anything that sticks with me. Anything that gives me chills. It doesn't matter the author or the style.