When did you start writing poetry?
I officially wrote my first poem around three years ago.
Do you remember what your first pieces were about?
My first few pieces were about topics
I was frustrated about at the time,
my experiences of being biracial,
working 8-hour days and sexual assault.
Why do you write poetry?
I write poetry for various reasons,
to express my frustration in issues
affecting me or the community,
to connect with others
through shared experiences
and as a form of healing.
What is your favourite thing about it?
When it comes to your own work, how would you describe it?
My favourite thing about poetry
is that it allows me to express myself
in a healthy and constructive way.
It is such a powerful tool
to emit social change and to bring people together.
I would describe my work as direct,
hard hitting and in your face.
I don’t tend to beat around the bush
with the topics I discuss.
My poems are quite straight to the point
which I think makes them easy to understand.
What themes inspire you?
I am inspired by the community,
the struggles that I see around me.
As well as by what is happening
in the world and in the news,
although I often avoid tapping into this
for the sake of my own mental health.
Tell us a little more about your work, and what moves you.
I am moved by the world around me.
My own personal experiences
whether traumatic or comical
as well the experiences of those around me.
As I grow as an artist,
I want to be able to connect to more people
that tend to be overlooked by society
and be able to tell their stories.
To bring awareness to their struggles
in turn creating more kindness and compassion.
In Leicester we are trying to unite the poetry scene,
in collaboration with other poetry nights.
How would you describe the Leicester poetry scene,
and what, in your opinion, could be improved upon?
I think Leicester poetry scene is fantastic,
it is a safe and supportive space
and I have met some lovely people
as well as had the pleasure
to see such fantastic talent.
I am so happy this is where I started my journey.
In terms of improvements, I think it would be great
if there were more workshops ran
especially targeted at young people.
Do you have any favourite poets,
both locally and further afield that you would like to share?
Locally there are so many talented poets
I really wouldn’t be able to choose
without listing them all.
Outside of Leicester I really like
a poet called Simply Sayo.
She is one of my inspirations
in redefining what poetry is.
I also look up to poets
such as Maya Angelou and
Rupi Kaur.
If people want to follow your social media,
where can they find you?
My Instagram is poetrybynakeisha
If you have any other things you would like to say, feel free to add it.
No, except I wanted to thank you
for creating such an important space for me
and other poets and to keep doing what you are doing
because it is making a huge difference.
