What got you interested in writing poetry?
I was in my teens when I first got interested in writing poetry. During English class, there was a unit on poetry. I don't recall which poets we read, but I do remember having assignments to try writing poetry. As a visual artist, it really struck how writing poetry was like drawing or painting. When I could take what I was feeling — all that comes with being a teen — painting with words to convey my experiences really took off for me. It helped me get in tune with myself during difficult times, especially struggling with bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. Though my writing ebbed and flowed through the years, I have been writing poetry ever since.
What does your writing process look like?
Ideas come to me at random times through experiences either sensory or emotionally — sometimes both at the same time. A word or phrase will appear and I will write that down right away. Sometimes the poem will come to me in the moment or I'll come back to that word or phrase and work on it. I like to get the initial idea of the poem down first, and then come back to it at different times to change words or fix a line for flow until I feel it is finished. Sometimes the poem works well in the first draft, but I'm usually editing further so that I can get the feeling of the poem just right.
Do you have any favorite themes you tend to stick to?
I tend to stick with nature, emotion, and mental health themes. Usually, I like to combine them.
Do you have a favorite poem or a favorite poet?
It is difficult for me to pick favorites. Instead, I'll say that I love contemporary poets and everything they're creating today. Everyone painting with words, experimenting with different forms, and pushing boundaries are my favorites.
Do you have any advice for new poets?
Never compare yourself to other poets. You have your own voice and experiences. Experiment — play with words and sound, form and function. Mimic poems and poets you like, but never steal or claim their work as your own. It is perfectly fine if your poetry is private and only for you, but if you ever decide to share it with the world, know there is an audience for every poet. Your poetry may not resonate with everyone, and that is okay! Keep writing.
Why do you love poetry?
It is so expressive and such a beautiful way to communicate. As mentioned earlier, I like to compare writing poetry to drawing and painting. Like brush strokes, each word conveys feeling and adds to the whole painting of the poem. It is as much visual as it is analytical.
Where can readers find more of your work?
My debut poetry collection, Between The Dark and The Light, can be found almost anywhere books are sold. My work can also be found on my website, rwilliamparmenter.com and on SubStack @rwilliamparmenter. You may also find me on Threads @rwilliamparmenter and Bluesky @rwilliamparmenter.com