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National Poetry Month’s Feature: Poet: Alisa Howard aka A. Howard

Poet’s Bio: Alisa Howard, formerly known in the publishing world as An Howard and most recently rebranded as A. Howard, is the Owner of AHP Writing and Editing Co., previously recognized as An Howard Publishing, established in 2011. Howard boasts a diverse portfolio as a published author, with her poetry collection, "Whispers of Words Spoken," along with her roles as a writer and editor.

Howard's writing journey began in childhood, journaling stories and poetry, which evolved into professional roles including as a Paralegal, drafting legal documents, and later in Public Health, writing for the state of Nevada’s Tuberculosis department and managing an HIV program.

 

Through AHP Writing & Editing, she has edited for B.O.S.S. Magazine and collaborated with figures like Dr. Robert L. Green. Currently, she is currently working on a social impact writing project which will encompass some of her latest poetry and her debut romance novel.

 

Fun Facts: Howard loves to eat, she laughs at inappropriate times and situations, and has super small ears that she still gets teased about to this day.

 

Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to be a poet?


Alisa Howard aka An Howard: After being read books by Dr. Seuss at an early age, then learning to make my own words rhythm, poetry came naturally to me and I instantly fell in love with it as if it were part of my original soul language.

I would tell aspiring poets to just write. Let it flow from your being, from your soul, from your heartbreak, from your happiness, from your sadness...let it flow from every part of you. Your experiences in this life alone are enough poems to fill up a book or two.

 

DL: Is there any particular poet, author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?


AH: As a child I loved Dr. Seuss, Robert Frost, and Shel Silverstein. In my teens and beyond, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes became influences.

 

DL: If you were hosting a dinner party which three poets would be your dream guests and why?


AH: I think having Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes sitting around my table as guests would be a dream come true. Can you imagine the political insights and intelligent dialogue that would come from that gathering in that day and time. I wouldn't offer anything, but would sit with sheer excitement taking notes and listening to the great thinkers of our time.

 

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


AH: Here you go!

 

1. Title: Her Everything 

....And then she was her again

Perfectly imperfected​.

Not needing validation, salutations 

or anyone’s pity. 

She had gone through the fire and 

came out unscathed​.

Bathed.

In grace​, 

and dignity 

Wittingly charming​.

A smile so authentic 

that she could no longer be her worse critic​.

But her biggest fan​. 

She realized that she was her master plan​.

All along.

She had been gifted the goods 

to be who she wanted​, 

​and no longer would she walk around disappointed​.

In herself​.

for others mishandling of her​.

She now knew who she was​, 

and who she was to be​.

She had greatness in her destiny.

Besides her ancestors and karma

would handle her baggage​. 

Taken advantage

Is what she won’t be​, 

​anymore.

Soar.

Rising higher each day​.

Making her mark on the world.

Living authentically​.

Secure in her being. 

Sitting in purpose​, 

and just simply being. 

Not needing or wanting for anything​.

But now knowing 

that all along

she has been...

and forever would be ...

her Everything! 

Copywritten and written By: ​A. Howard 

 

2. Title: It's Called.....      

It's sweet as a ripe tangerine

hangin from a branch from its tree​.

It's as simple as white linen dancing

on a line in the summer breeze.

It speaks boldly, assure of itself

Not needing assurance from anyone else.

It moves you to want to do better

It even gets clever 

at times when it wants to express how it really feels.

It's presentation is beautiful, 

showing differently with each heartbeat​.

It endures and is never defeated​.

It smiles brightly in the morning sun

and winks when the moon rises and

the day is done.​

It laughs often because its never upset​.

So many times its power is easy to forget​.

The fragrance of its soul

is like a mere rose, whose petals never fall off​.

It keeps breathing thru thick ​and thin

It never fails​, but always wins​.

It's unconditional, simply irresistible​,

unselfish & gives its all​,

never wanting to fall.

It puts its full trust in you

making you want to trust it too

It listens like an old oak tree

wanting you to be free​.

Giving back its wisdom in its silence​.

It forgets all wrongs and forgives all pains​.

It's unwavering kindness washes like the rain​.

Peaceful and pure like a dove​.

This wonderful thing​... 

IT'S CALLED God’s unconditional LOVE.


​Copywritten and written By: ​A. Howard 

 

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


AH: Readers can get more information here:

DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.


AH: Thanks again for the feature!















 

 


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