Interview with Poet Erle Mutz, (Whadya Think Dad?)

Watch the Poetry Reading of WHADYA THINK DAD? by Erle Mutz

Interview with Poet Erle Mutz:

Matthew: What is the theme of your poem?

Erle: My “missed” opportunities of my Dad’s guidance and experience. Because my Dad died while I was in HS, I never got the opportunity to discuss life’s pitfalls, “ups n downs”, and most of all – his company and bonding while maturing.

Matthew: How would you like people to respond when they read or watch your poetry reading?

Erle: I’m hoping that there are “many more people” (out there) who have experienced the same vacancy and desire. Maybe they can ‘avoid’ some of the pain and anguish I have, and NOT waste their time while ‘he’ IS still around.

Matthew: How long have you been writing poetry?

Erle: Off and on for over 50 yrs.

Matthew: Do you have a favorite poet?

Erle: I don’t really have any specific poets to reference or follow.

Matthew: What influenced you to submit to WILDsound and have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

Erle: I have written many poems since I’ve been in HS (back in the 60’s in NJ) and while I never had a tremendous amount of confidence about how good or bad they were, I’ve always enjoyed writing them! I have been strongly encouraged (over the past 5 years) to go back to school, finish my education, and use my ”experience, strengths, and hopes” with others, to help them with their life (“past & present”), and future. My writings are an example of mine, while publishing them is another “outlet” which may: ease their burdens, express their ‘inner feelings’, and enjoy a “somewhat” happier life.

Matthew: Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

Erle: I DO! I have written many “professional letters”, short stories, reports, summaries, training manuals, and I’ve begun writing a book.

Matthew: What is your passion in life?

Erle: enjoy “helping people”!! My “major” (in college) is Chemical Dependency Counseling, which I intend to use to help Veterans (specifically but not ‘only’) who have experienced the stress and discipline of the military AND the horror of war and it’s multitude of physical and mental disorders. “Been there done that” BUT – I can help!!