Wildflowers
by Ambar Rivera
University of the Incarnate Word
Ambar Rivera-Pérez is a Music Composition major at the University of the Incarnate Word (with an estimated graduation date of Spring 2027). In their time at this institution, they have earned recognitions for their achievements in the music theory and music history tracks, had their own music premiered, and have been hired by the university as a tutor for the core music classes. Although music is their bread and butter, they also enjoy dabbling in other artistic pursuits in their free time - one of these being poetry. Like the rest of their work, these poems are often inspired by nature and by things that happen in their life.
she is wildflowers to me:
calm, graceful, colorful, serene.
something so pristine it seems almost fragile,
yet resists even the harshest conditions and regrows
again
and again
and again,
blooming ever more beautiful every time.
she is sunlight to me:
dazzling and radiant,
light that hugs the skin in oh so tender embrace,
caressing me with golden rays and gentle warmth
until I’m whole, and healed, and new.
she is rainfall to me:
buzzing, living static,
the sound of sky’s laughter and earth’s rejoicing;
that which
drop,
by drop,
by drop,
wakes the world from wintry slumber and
dresses it in lively hues come spring.
Interview with the Poet
1. What inspired you to start writing poetry? Are there any specific poets or writers that inspire you to write?
My interest in poetry began with music, interestingly enough. I've been introduced to a variety of poetry in different languages through the art songs and choral pieces I've performed throughout my musical education. The poetry I encountered through these works inspired me to write my own poems as a way to express what I couldn't through music. The poets that inspired me the most were probably Christina Rossetti and Goethe!
2. What is the biggest challenge in your creative process?
The biggest challenge is getting good ideas; the second biggest challenge is getting them on paper.
3. Is there a reoccurring or central theme to your work?
A constant theme in my works is nature. Flowers, birds, and the environment often appear in my music and poetry; sometimes they are the literal subject of the piece, other times they are used as a metaphor.
4. What do you think are important elements in effective, thought-provoking poems?
A good poem often captivates me in some way, usually through a poignant subject, or a play on words, or unique imagery brought by the language choice. A thought-provoking poem makes me feel the words as much as imagine or "see" them.
5. What role do you think poetry plays in our society today?
Poetry plays the same role it always has - it is first and foremost a means of expression (often for oneself primarily, but also sometimes indirectly for others). A poet will express her experience through words, and, down the line, one day someone else might read her prose and think to himself, "my gosh, she put it to words!"