Extremely talented poet and self described "artivist" (an activist / artist) Darrell Herbert sits down with All Black Entertainment Magazine Online for a quick one on one interview about his poetry, inspirations and more! Read all about what this young, gifted individual has to say.....
Hey Darrell Herbert, how are you doing today?
Darrell Herbert: I am fine. Thank you for asking.
How would you describe yourself as a poet?
Darrell Herbert: Real, legitimate game-changer, outspoken, and emotional.
What are the topics and subjects that usually inspire you to write?
Darrell Herbert: I write whatever comes to mind. If I feel sad, I'll write about it. If I feel rejected, I'll write about it. If I feel angry, I'll write about it. Topics and subjects that I usually write about in my poetry include suicide, depression, diseases, anxiety, drug dependency, isolated, abuse, alcoholism, abandonment, homelessness, among many others. Someone has to be that voice for the voiceless. What's the point of caring for those who are careless? Because someone is always fighting demons that you are not in the ring with. I want to bring topics and subjects such as these up into my poetry because nobody is really talking about it. And even if they do, they will just deny it, even through it is very realistic and problematic.
Where do you perform your poetry pieces live?
Darrell Herbert: I perform my poetry pieces live in a variety of different places. Places include Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Harlem, and many others. My favorite place to perform my poetry pieces is at Live from Underground is because the crowd is non-judgmental. And I can say whatever I want without having the fear of rejection or ridicule.
Could you describe to the readers what a live poetry session starring Darrell Herbert is like?
Darrell Herbert: If I were describe to the readers what a live poetry session starring myself is like, it is very funny, there's a lot of cursing, and you won't leave the same way as you walked in. Hopefully, readers will really grasp what I am saying. We all go through pain. Some hide it. Others are still hiding from it. I want them to feel my pain, and realize that it is okay to feel these things. It is what makes us human.
Who are some of the poets that have influenced you?
Darrell Herbert: There are so many. But, some poets that have influenced me are Sylvia Plath, Li Young Lee, Marie Howe, Chris Abani, Maya Wegerif, Ayi Kwei Armah, Abayomi Ogunniyi, David Ishaya Osu, Adam Levon Brown, and Kurt Cobain.
What does Darrell Herbert do in his spare time, aside from writing?
Darrell Herbert: I mostly volunteer, or I will try to gain inspiration from other artistic people like break-dancers, graffiti artists, painters, and many others alike.
What plans do you have for the rest of 2016?
Darrell Herbert: I want to continue to be an inspiration for those who feel lost, misunderstood, lonely, isolated, and/or different through my poetry. I also plan on earning more publications of poetry, as well as gaining more recognition, awards, and prizes for my poetry.
What are some of the recent places readers can check out some of your material?
Darrell Herbert: Readers can check out my material in the "Best Teen Writing of 2014," by Hannah Jones, Writers- Black Artists Connected Blog, Yellow Chair Review, Poetic Treasures Magazine, Section 8 Magazine, Media Blast Press, as well as in HangTime Magazine and The Lemonade Stand Magazine.
