National Poetry Month’s Feature: Poet Nanette M. Buchanan

Poet’s Bio: Nanette M. Buchanan is a native of Newark, New Jersey now residing in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She first set her pen to pad, as written expressions of her love for poetry. To date, her pen-to-pad accomplishments include three volumes of poetry, four yet-to-be-published children’s books, one published children’s book, and thirteen published novels. When asked what genre best describes her novels, she teasingly answers, “Reality Fiction”. Her preferred genre is women’s fiction or crime fiction, but readers will attest they all have suspense, mystery and a dramatic twist.

Now retired, Nanette has begun speaking about the realities many must face in life. As a motivational and transformational speaker, it is her goal to open a dialogue that will mend deep rooted issues for many. Her company is I Pen Visions, LLC which hosts many of her ongoing projects. As the CEO, she has launched I Pen Magazine, a quarterly magazine, and I Pen Podcast – Let’s Talk About It which streams weekly.

This diverse author is available for interviews, chats, signings, and speaking engagements. She welcomes all to visit her website www.nanettembuchanan.com or contact her via email ipendesigns@gmail.com. 

Deliah Lawrence: Do you have any reflections on life?

Nanette M. Buchanan:  I've always known to grow you must reflect. You have to look at how you made it through, over, around, without the obstacles in life wearing on you. As an adult, I often look at the positive and not the negative as a part of my becoming. Today, I can honestly say, the negatives played a major role as well. It's the balance that keeps me. I've had good and bad, ups and downs, and yes, I've been turned around at times wondering have I really grown? Do I truly understand my achievements, answers to my questions about goals, the reasons, my purpose? 

Life is complex. You have to love what you do and understand why... how will it affect your growth and the growth of others?  I am a survivor of this thing called growth, life, and all that it has taught me thus far.  I've had success, failure, love, misunderstanding, grief, sorrow, pain... and I've survived. I am blessed, I am a cancer survivor, I am a wife, I am a mother, I am a woman, I have a purpose. As I reflect on life...I see you, others, and me. We live to learn and learn to teach others to live. So much it what I now know is little time for today I am still reflecting, still learning, still growing. 

DL: In celebration of National Poetry Month, can you share with us a few of your poems?

NMB: Sure, I’d be happy to. Here you go: 

PATH OF LIFE

Walking along this path of life, I watch as the world unfolds

Sights and Sounds, year after year, that ever change as I grow old.

Walking along this path of life, I often become confused.

What good am I to you, or you to me if our strengths are never used?

Walking along this path of life is a journey we all make.

Where we pause or when we stop becomes the result of one's own fate.

Walking along this path of life, I have come to know myself

My sorrow and strifes are not forgotten or put on shelves

I use them as my energy, my source, my will to live

I walk along this path of life

And give what I have to give.

(Copyright 1998 Thoughts Nanette M. Buchanan)

 

POETRY

Poetry is caressed and then born

It is the universal umbilical cord to our innermost thoughts.

It is where our verbal consciousness allows us to explore with visual insight that which we dare not pick apart without an open mind.

The poet, or he who births such an art is aware of our weakness.

The poet expresses our thoughts with a melodic verbal blend,

And finds pleasure in arousing the readers and those who may listen.

Poetry is the usage of words that ignite our experiences, emotions, and dreams without our stumbling spoken words.

The poet combines our senses, expressions, and gestures without our evasive shadows or camouflages.

Poetry is a definitive stage of mind.

With closed eye, an audience becomes enwrapped with the life of otherwise ordinary words.

 

Aaah... but the poet's designer's touch has converted such words.

This rare talent, much like the musician with his music,

Or the artist with his paint, has transformed.

Expressed beauty by the poet's pen...

Poetry is an Art.

(Copyright 2000 Thoughts & Reflections Nanette M. Buchanan) 

DL: Where can folks learn more about you and your poetry?

NMB: They can find out more here:

• Website: www.nanettembuchanan.com
• Email: ipendesigns@gmail.com 

DL: It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy reading your poetry.

NMB: Thanks for the opportunity to be featured on your blog!