Paco

I've heard you perform quite a lot on campus and I've come to the conclusion that you have unique style. Could you explain your style of writing?

Well, I think you could say that my ideal style is somewhat quirky and weird. I like using weird metaphors in my poetry. I typically don't like to write on topics that are performed on often. Instead, I like using subject matter that most people don't write about and make it sound different and new. One of my pet peeves is when other poets recycle topics or lines about the same old thing just to get a high score.

Would you say that you use more concrete images in your poems? Do you find it hard to do so?

Yeah, I do tend to use more concrete images. I actually find it difficult to use abstract images like love or God. I try to stay away from these images and find other words to explain what I am thinking. I guess I don't find it difficult because I think logically from my mathematical training.

How long have you been writing poetry?

I have been writing for about 5 years now. I got started because of Jeff Kass, like most of the poets in WordWorks. Jeff started The Volume Youth Poetry Project and through it I began slamming. My senior year of high school I was able to compete in the national slam. Thankfully the poetry slam on campus is largely inspiring and full of students that I've known for a while now. They are my structure, that keeps me focused and writing.

Would you say that you have learned more about yourself through writing?

Yes, more so because when I'm interpreting and putting ideas to paper, I realize how much I've learned and know. This separate process has brought new understanding to me. I feel that through my writing some topics and subjects become clearer and focused. I force myself to explore more interesting and difficult issues when I write. It seems more like a form of meditation.

Are there any artists that inspire you to write?

There are lots of artists that inspire me like Roger Buneiur-Asend, Scott Bill, and anybody that writes something I enjoy. I get inspired when I hear material I like and get my energy going. Billy Collins is another artist that inspires me.

How would you define poetry slam?

It's a poetry competition that started out as a way to get people involved in the poetry scene. It's a form of entertainment where the audience gets to score poets and work that impress them. There are no experts and you can get away from academics and just enjoy yourself. Also, there is a difference in writing for slams because most poems are either to make the audience laugh or complain about a problem like "killing babies," but there are other aspects to it as well.

So did the competition attract you?

No, it was more about getting a chance to share my writing with others. It was exciting and difficult. For instance, there is a difference from reading Shakespeare or seeing it performed as a play. When you're involved more it brings it to a whole new level. Slams are lively and anyone can do it.

You're majoring in Actuarial Mathematics and that seems so far away from spoken word, but do you see a connection between them? Also, do you plan to continue poetry after college?

Actually, I don't think that math is that far away from poetry. I feel that they are very close to being the same thing. However, society has made it seem that if you are into writing and grammar math is too hard or math is nothing like grammar. I don't think they are far away from each other, instead they complement one another. I also plan to continue my poetry. If all goes well I will be moving to New York and the poetry community is huge there. However, I have recently been moving away from the slamming aspect and concentrating more on my writing.

Are you ever unsatisfied with any of the poems you produce?

Yeah, sometimes I am. Some parts of my poems I go back to and try to rewrite; there is always some part you aren't satisfied with. Though, overall I am usually satisfied with what I produce.

Do you write everyday?

Not really. I won't write a whole piece, but I have a notebook that I jot down ideas and random thoughts in. I usually just scribble down words that I may use later for a poem. However, most of it doesn't get used at all.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming poets?

Just be as real as possible with yourself. Don't write for the audience. You can still receive descent scores with topics you want to write on. If you are honest with yourself the audience will respect you and your work. The goal is to share your writing with people and let them respond to you.