Khary Jackson, 2009 National Slam Poetry Champion, was the feature poet for March in Peekskill. Performing one poem at the Poetry Cafe, many more later in the day for an audience of 4 classes, then at the Field Library Open Mic, Khary wowed Peekskill students with the power of his words. Check him out… and check out my interview.
DB: What inspired you to write?
KJ: My friend in 10th grade.His poems inspired me to try.
DB: How often do you write?
KJ: I pretty much write all of the time. I don’t have a set writing schedule, but there’s usually something I’m working on.
DB: Is poetry a part time job or a full time job for you? If it’s part time, what do you do in your spare time?
KJ: I split time between writing and teaching with grades 3-12. Aside from that, I make music now and then on my keyboard or laptop.
DB: Do you have any advice for people pursuing a poetry career?
KJ: Have fun. Commit to being honest . Don’t take rejection too hard. Stick with it.
DB: How old were you when you began to write?
KJ: 16, I wrote my first poem for a girl.
DB: I see your nickname is 6 is 9. What does that mean to you?
KJ: It is a Jimi Hendrix reference. He has a song “if 6 is 9”. I made it “6 is 9”. it was just for fun
