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National Poetry Month’s Feature: Poet Buddah Desmond

Poet’s Bio: Buddah Desmond aka BDEZ (he / him / they / them) is an award-winning author, poet, artist, and singer based in the DMV. His writing shares lessons from adversity to triumph and offers messages of hope, love, faith, and persistence. He’s the author of multiple poetry collections, including the most recent releases Everything I Miss(ed) At Home (2023), Coming Up From the Downside: Finding Joy in Our Song (2024), and Exotic Shifter: 11th Anniversary Edition (2025).

 

His writing has appeared in Creative Currents, Rebel’s Zeitgeist, Liquid Cat Quarterly, MelaNation, Mixed Mag, and The Sound of the Collective Pen: A Poetry Anthology by Emerging Voices. He served as a healing leader in the DC-based arts + faith + social justice organization, The Sanctuaries. He’s currently a National Board of Trustees At Large Member (Beta Chapter) for the professional arts fraternity, Gamma Xi Phi.

 

Deliah Lawrence: When did you first realize poetry was a part of your voice or purpose?

Buddah Desmond: I’ve mentioned countless times how much of an influence Maya Angelou has been on me and my work, and how hearing her poetry in the film Poetic Justice blew my mind. I started writing poetry not long after seeing that film. I was 12 years old. I’ve been writing poetry ever since.

I knew that poetry was part of my voice, part of my purpose when my life didn’t feel right or complete without it. I knew each time I was awakened in the middle of the night or jolted during random times of the day with ideas for new poems. I knew each time I was called to the stage to recite or perform poetry. I knew when I was able to find joy and comfort with the discomfort of pushing myself to do new things with the poetry—be it learning and trying my hand with different forms, teaching workshops, or being invited to rooms / spaces / events beyond my imagination. 


I know because even with the many challenges that have come my way, my love for and commitment to the craft has never diminished. And the icing on the cake has been people who’ve messaged me or who’ve come up to me after a reading or performance and told me how much my work resonated with or inspired them.

DL: What does poetry allow you to express that other forms of writing do not?


BD: Poetry is a beacon. It gives meaning, language, voice, power, and impact to things I’m not always able to express in my day-to-day life. It allows me to be as vulnerable and as honest about my experiences, human experiences, and cultural / historical / social / political matters of yesterday, today, and beyond. Being an emotional, intense artist, poetry gives me the freedom to positively channel my emotions in uniquely creative ways. There’s a freedom to and in poetry that I liken only to music.

 

DL: In celebration of National Poetry Month, can you share one or two of your poems with us?


BD: Sure, here you go!


Soul Food

Oxtail

Jollof Rice

Peanut Stew

Pone

Pelau

Gumbo

Greens

Hoppin’ John

Hot Water Cornbread...

 

Intoxicating smells

Heavenly flavors

Sensational feelings

Treasured memories

The love in the food—

You can smell it

Taste it

Feel it

Touches so deep, you can’t help but close your eyes

as you savor each delectable bite

 

Moments that transcend your place in time

are like soul food

They enrich your experience

Deepen your joy

They never leave you

Same can be said for that one (or those ones)

Who captures your spirit

Holds your heart in their hands

And they caress it as if it’s the most precious thing

in the world

Always plenty to gain, even when you lose

They make it so good it’s like soul food

 

Though nothing can replace:

Oxtail Stew

Jollof Rice

Peach Cobbler

Lemon Pound Cake

Rum Cake

Roti

Curry Chicken

Shrimp and Grits

Étouffée

Gumbo...

 

You know you’ve really got something when

they make it so good it smells like

Tastes like

Feels like

Soul food

They make it so good you never want to leave

They make it so good, you don’t feel guilty

asking for seconds

That’s some damn good soul food.

 

~ Everything I Miss(ed) At Home (2023)

My Poetry Reading from Black Voices Through Poetry (February 2023) - https://youtu.be/I5pwYBkeosc?si=IXOkK6GybYOt7xUS&t=2981  

 

DL: What projects, collections, or collaborations are you currently working on?


BD: I’m currently working on my next full-length collection of poetry entitled, Running Towards Love. It’ll contain poems and not quite poems about the quest for love. I’m also working on my next visual poetry series which I’m hopeful will be released later this spring. 


My first visual poetry series, Coloring The Night, was released on my socials in February 2026. Art director / photographer / filmmaker extraordinaire Wole Ajagbe helped me bring this project to life. I’m looking forward to working with Wole on this next visual poetry series and continuing to grow, evolve, and push myself with this medium.

 

DL: Where can readers connect with you and experience more of your poetry?


DB: Readers can connect with me here:

DL: Thank you so much for sharing your voice with us. Your words remind us of the beauty, depth, and power poetry brings to the world.


BD: Much gratitude again for the opportunity. I truly appreciate it.









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