We just showcased 6 poems from writer Donald Carroll. All unique in nature. Take a look at them here on his own YouTube channel playlist:
Submit your own poem today and get it performed:
http://www.wildsound.ca/poetrycontest.html
Get to know Donald. 7 Questions with the poet:
1) What is the theme of your poem?
1. A Little Help Required – Introversion and Social Awareness
2. Shaping It Sexy – Dating and Love
3. Retreats In Sustainability – Healing, Recovery and Social Awareness
4. Her Chorus Is All That Matters – Romance, Passion, Love and Loneliness
5. Stagnation And Starvation – Self Development, Social Awareness and Goals
6. Drunk On Ambrosia – Passion, Love and Romance
2) How would you like people to respond when they read or watch your poetry reading?
I want people to feel them in an universal sense. To unlock doors for those that are introverted. The creative element needs to be brought into the schools early so that students can have a sense of individuality and not have to feel like they have to fit into the collective and sacrifice on the cuffs of mainstream.
3) How long have you been writing poetry?
As to writing poetry. My early indoctrination started in high school and primarily influenced by Rush in the late 70’s but it really didn’t start until I reached the age of 32 when a series of tough life events and filling voids with the use of alcohol and getting nabbed in one of those kind of roadblock kind of things. I didn’t have any positive reinforcements as to the way I was developing as a person of which added extra layers of introversion. But that can be a good thing as it protects you because you know how to retreat when things get difficult. It was when an uncle provided me a tip on my genealogy research is when I found Zane Grey as a very distant cousin on my mom’s side of the family. I knew at that point that was an identity that I wanted and that it gave me the positive reinforcement that I needed to pursue what I had felt inside all along because I knew I was good with words as being able to see them metaphorically.
4) Do you have a favorite poet?
It will probably come as no surprise to you that my primary influence is Charles Bukowski. I’ve got a considerable large library by the man. I flat simply identified with the man.
5) What influenced you to submit to WILDsound and have your poetry performed by a professional actor?
First off, Wildsound followed me on twitter. That would give a writer a good indication and to get some really great exposer. Also, the fact Wildsound is out of Canada and Rush is from Canada. I saw those guys when I was in high school. I had to sneak to go to that concert in 76 or 77. It was my first ever concert and absolutely loved it. A small reflection on how impacted I was by them.
6) Do you write other works? Scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?
I’ve written a couple small prose pieces of which aren’t very long. However, I’d be inclined to think they could be developed into something much bigger. I do have a piece a poem that is actually a plot for a script for the paranormal/ horror category. That’s a big big project. I do have the final draft software and I do have some samples on how to create it.
7) What is your passion in life?
My passion Mathew is simply to be a writer. That Whitney Jitney I operate for my day job has simply got to go. I want to be around the right people that get me and know how I function.
– Matthew Toffolo
WILDsound Festival 