One glance at Dionna Carter and you’ll quickly see how she lives her life: boldly and full of color. Though introverted by nature, her beliefs compel her to speak loudly for the ideals she champions. She is driven by a desire to use her gift of writing as a megaphone, offering a voice to those who are trying to find their own. Follow her @flyandshyyy and at dionnacarter.com to experience the world through her words.

Where did your poetry journey begin?

I’ve always struggled to verbally express my emotions. Thankfully, I believe I was given an innate sense to write and emote through the written word. I remember being in elementary school and writing a poem to my mom for Mother’s Day - I also remember how she cried when she read it and seeing the power that words hold to provoke emotion is something that has stayed with me.

What is a core theme of ‘Legacy’, and what called you to write about it?

Family is everything to me. As a wife, mom, daughter, sister, cousin, I’m constantly surrounded by those most important and, reflecting on what’s been passed to me, it’s only natural that I would turn around and ponder what it is I’m leaving to the children who will be thriving long after I’m gone.

Tell us about the experience of writing this poem.

I admire so many things about my family, most of all our faith and love. Our faith allows us to be resilient and it drives us in our relentless love for one another and God’s people. When I thought of the legacy I want to leave, these tenets immediately came to mind and were very prominent in the writing of this poem.

Where does poetry fit into your life?

If it’s not part of my every day life, I end the day feeling like something is missing. Poetry breathes along with me - it’s in the exhale as I connect with God and when I inhale, inspiration invades my lungs.

What inspires you?

The hard parts of life; people are yearning for others to connect with them at the core of who they are, where the disappointment, shame, heartache, confusion has been shoved. I want to get down dirty and show that I see them and I feel them.

Is there a poem you read over and over again?

My poem, Mystical, it is the first poem in my inaugural book of poetry, it reminds me of what I’ve endured and what I’ve overcome.

Do you have a favourite poet?

Maya Angelou. Her poetry feels soulful, like you can hear her tenor in each line. And the words feel like they were intended for me.

What advice would you give to someone new to poetry?

Cliches are cliche for a reason so I won’t shy away from them – beware of comparison. Your poetry is not meant to be the best recreation of another poet’s. It should be authentic, original, heartfelt. Don’t feel the need to shoulder the burden of someone else’s style or parameters. Be unapologetically you.

Why do you write poetry?

Without it, there would be no release, no processing, no healing. I would be full of life’s emotions, yet unable to articulate or express what those emotions are and how they’ve impacted me internally.

You can read Dionna’s poem here.