Minneapolis
by Emily Leaming
Emily Leaming is a UIW alum from Fall 2024. She graduated with a double major in Philosophy and English, a Creative Writing minor, and a Women’s & Gender Studies concentration. She is a previously published poet in Voices De La Luna for her poem “Time Is of the Essence (And There Is None Left to Spare).”
Working on my brain like a trauma—an entry,
forced entry, not leaving me. Only leaving devastation —
devastated at the terror—
the terror in these streets—
streaks of trauma, horror, and chaos live around every corner of the mind—
every mind that bears witness to the souls—
the souls leaving this Earth or bits of one’s soul every time they
point
aim
shoot
POW
POW
POW
POW
Push
Punch
Kick
Point
Aim
Shoot
POW
POW
POW
POW
POW
POW
POW
POW
POW
POW
Take another life
What happened to empathy? Why do people act like it’s a bad word?
How can it not ail you? How can you see a soul taken and your reaction is to counter argue?
Was that your reaction when it was this idol or that idol? But not now when it’s “regular” people, civilians—we’re all civilians who line the streets—
all corners of the earth walk people, just people,
because in the end we’re all just civilians–Of where?
Not just of this neighborhood or that one.
No?—No!—of Earth, our home, a collective that shares a home.
Interview with the Poet
1. What inspired you to start writing poetry? Are there any specific poets or writers that inspire you to write?
I didn't know it at the time, but I technically started writing poetry when I was 10 or 11-years-old. I have always had a very active imagination and have had the desire to express it. When I was around 10 or 11, I started writing some of my creative thoughts in the form of what I would later learn were stanzas. I was careful with diction and emphasized a great deal on the visuals and emotions the narrator was experiencing. I don't particularly know what influenced me to do this, but I don't think I would have leaned on writing as early as I did had I not done this.
2. What is the biggest challenge in your creative process?
Feeling stagnant. I find that I get most inspired when I'm in the depths of intense feelings, emotions, and life events. I use writing almost as a way of processing and making sense of what I'm going through. At times, it's quite challenging to focus on creating a new poem when I'm not in some sort of deep, intense situation or emotion.
3. Is there a reoccurring or central theme to your work?
It's cliche but love, heartache, and loss/ grief.
4. What do you think are important elements in effective, thought-provoking poems?
I would say the care and intentionality the poet has when writing the poem.
5. What role do you think poetry plays in our society today?
Not only as a means of processing what's going on, but I believe poetry remains an outlet for those who want to connect with others, whether it's through experiences, emotions, or the interest of creative expression. I believe it also stands as a powerful form of activism and reshaping people's lives and perspectives.