Cliff Turner on ‘Chewing Nostalgia’

Cliff Turner writes from Alberta, Canada. He enjoys a highly eclectic lifestyle which is reflected in his writing. Delving into the raw emotions found in typical circumstances, Cliff’s aim is to give a strong voice to that which is usually whispered. His chapbook is titled Healing and Other Futile Endeavours.

Where did your poetry journey begin?

I can remember appreciating poetry in high school in the 90s but did nothing with it. I only started to write regularly a few years ago. I don’t remember exactly when or why. I just find myself here, now, wanting to be immersed in it whenever I can.

What is a core theme of Chewing Nostalgia, and what called you to write about it?

With ‘Chewing Nostalgia’ I wanted to touch on the thought that there are both constant change and unchanging constants as we progress through life. Often, we get to decide which we will focus on.

Tell us about the experience of writing this poem.

‘Chewing Nostalgia’ was one of those delightful experiences where a poem creeps up from behind and presents itself with no warning. I was sitting in my kitchen, experiencing a buzz, snacking on some chips while trying to write another poem. I leaned my head on my hand and heard the sound of my own chewing. For some reason, my mind chose that moment to recognize the rhythm and realized it was incredibly familiar, reaching back to childhood. Suddenly memories started to replay. And so I abandoned the poem I was working on and wrote ‘Chewing Nostalgia’ instead.

Where does poetry fit into your life?

For me, poetry somehow fills the gap between what is socially acceptable to say and what truly needs to be said. Much more license is given to art than to daily dialogue.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by people who have transformed their life through resiliency. Those who have encountered pain and somehow grabbed hold of it and turned it into something beautiful within themselves.

Do you have a favourite poet?

I’m not sure that I can say I have a favorite poet. My tastes seem to change like the seasons. Lately I have been drawn heavily to Charles Bukowski but I feel another shift on the horizon. If he is Winter, I must find my Spring.

What advice would you give to someone new to poetry?

Do not deny what grabs hold of you. Poetry can be as rigid or as fluid as you want it to be. It has the power to contain any thought imaginable. There will be people who want to tell you what a poem should or should not be, listen to them only as far as it serves your creative vision. Then, allow poetry to become what you desire. It is a mist and you are the breeze that shapes it.

Why do you write poetry?

I honestly don’t know for certain, and I hope I never do.

You can read Cliff’s poem here.