Lenard D. Moore: Celebrating a Haiku Legend's Impact on Black Literature and Poetry
January 21, 2025His poetry often draws inspiration from music genres, leading to unique forms like blues haiku and jazz poems.
In an interview with Crystal Simone Smith, Moore discusses his love for gospel and jazz music, which significantly inspire his poetry.
Lenard D. Moore, born in 1958, is a prominent haiku poet in the United States, recognized for his five poetry collections and multiple awards, including three from the Haiku Museum of Tokyo.
He made history as the first African American president of the Haiku Society of America and has collaborated extensively with fellow writers.
The recently published book 'Conversations with Lenard D. Moore', edited by John Zheng, features sixteen interviews conducted over three decades, offering insights into Moore's thoughts and craft.
This book provides a deep understanding of Moore's literary essence and the broad themes he explores through concise poetic forms.
The index of the book highlights key themes in Moore's work, including African American aesthetics, identity, spirituality, and music, with a strong emphasis on Black literary topics.
Moore views poetry as a means to cope with grief, particularly after the loss of his daughter, and he advocates for its inclusion in various public spaces to positively impact the community.
He emphasizes that poetry is integral to his identity, stating, 'Poetry is a way of life. I am poetry. Poetry is me.'
Moore shares insights into his creative process, including his chapbook 'Gathering at the Crossroads', which pairs his haiku with photographs from the Million Man March.
He acknowledges the influence of poets such as Gwendolyn Brooks, Langston Hughes, and Sonia Sanchez, while maintaining close ties with his writing community.
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World Literature Today • Jan 21, 2025
Poetry as a Way of Life: Conversations with Lenard D. Moore, by Miho Kinnas