Most months there's a new visiting poet in Peekskill, paid for by the Field Library. They perform for students in the high school and middle school, and then perform and host an open mic at the Field Library. Ibrahim Siddiq, a.k.a. P.O.E.T., came here on Nov. 3rd. He captivated students with poems about being homeless, what it’s like to stutter, speaking up for people who can’t speak for themselves, and falling in love on the train. He is not your average spoken word artist. P.O.E.T stands for putting out eternal thoughts, which is exactly what he does with a whole new style and approach to poetry.
- What inspires you to do poetry?
My father’s passing made me want to write down my thoughts. Life and death also inspire me. I write about the questions I have about life.
- 2. How much do you write a week?
Umm.. I try to write a piece every day but if I don’t get to it then I add a little to a piece I was working on the day before.
- How old were you when you began to write?
I was around 15.
- 4. Do you do anything else besides poetry?
I'm a actor, I make music in my spare time, and I'm a full time student.
- Do you have any advice for people who are pursuing the poetry world?
Umm.. wow… stick with it, never give up your dreams, do writing workshops,
and never think that you’re the best because there is always room to improve.
More of Ibrahim’s poems can be heard on our hig
h school website – hs.peekskillcsd.org – click the left column where it says Poetry Podcasts 2009-2010. He also has a few poems on the Poetry Podcasts 2008-2009 webpage. Listen for yourself and hear his skill to thrill!
