Lenard D. Moore: Celebrating a Haiku Legend's Impact on Black Literature and Poetry

January 21, 2025
Lenard D. Moore: Celebrating a Haiku Legend's Impact on Black Literature and Poetry
  • His 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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