Dispatches from an abrupt ravine: A conversation with the poet Rodney Leonard

We're kicking off Season 2 of Writing for Immortality the extraordinary poet Rodney Leonard.

Rodney Leonard's poetic journey is as vibrant and multifaceted as his verses. From the rich soil of Alabama to the bustling streets of New York, Leonard's life experiences have shaped his voice in the world of poetry.

Growing up surrounded by strong women, Leonard's work resonates with the echoes of his mother and grandmother's influence. Their stories, woven into the fabric of his childhood, now form the backbone of his artistic expression.

But Leonard's muse isn't confined to his roots. His wanderlust has taken him across the globe, each journey leaving an indelible mark on his poetry. From the lavender-scented hills of South Africa to the vibrant streets of New Delhi, these travels have become spiritual pilgrimages, feeding his creativity and expanding his worldview.

Leonard's poetry doesn't shy away from life's complexities. He embraces the full spectrum of human experience - from the joyous to the painful, the mundane to the extraordinary. His battle with COVID-19 in the midst of the pandemic inspired a powerful suite of poems, exploring the concept of human endurance in the face of adversity. His latest collection of verse, Another Land of My Body, was recently published by Four Ways Books and the recipient of a starred review in Library Journal.

For aspiring poets, Leonard offers sage advice: read voraciously, commit wholeheartedly to your craft, and above all, believe in the power of your unique voice. His journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of poetry and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision.

Links:

Rodney Leonard/Another Land of My Body:

https://fourwaybooks.com/site/another-land-of-my-body/Maya Angelou: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/maya-angeloundation

Diane Seuss:

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/diane-seuss

Terrence Hayes: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/terrance-hayes

Find every episode plus articles on how to help you be the best writer you can be over at our website, https://www.writing4immortality.com/

And if you need more help writing your story, visit our friends at DIYBook https://www.diybook.us/ the affordable, online writing platform full of hundreds of writing prompts to help you write your life story. Get your seven day trial for FREE, no code needed! Memberships start at $89/year.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rodney Leonard

02:09 The Influence of Women in Rodney's Family

04:06 Growing Up in Alabama

06:27 The Delight of Work and Writing

08:22 Misconceptions About Writing and Poetry

10:16 The Decision to Pursue Poetry

15:04 The Impact of an MFA Program

17:42 The Practice of Writing and Supporting Other Writers

18:39 A Typical Writing Day for Rodney

19:36 Upcoming Travel Plans and Writing Retreats

22:38 The Significance of Travel in Rodney's Life

24:21 Memorable Travel Experiences

29:58 Exploring Home and Appreciating Cusa County

31:35 The Influence of Place

33:30 Approaching Places with an Open Spirit

35:57 Embracing the Totality of the Human Experience in Poetry

46:57 Poems on Bearability: Reflections on C