The Heel Press - Interview with Poet Manuel Gomez

Manuel Gomez

Firstly, I’d like to mention that you have received your Ph.D. in Higher Education Policy and Organization from USC, your Bachelor’s degree in History from CSU, Hayward, and your Master’s in Social Ecology from UC Irvine. You have co-authored books on education, something you have supported in your work for nearly 30 years. Furthermore, you have been working with the University of California, Irvine since 1972 and you are currently the Vice Chancellor of Student affairs at UCI. In light of such a deep resume, you have also managed to become a published poet, and that is what specifically interests me for this interview.

When did you first realize you had a passion for writing poetry and what were your earliest inspirations? And where do find inspiration today?

I started writing poetry during my first years of college. My turn to poetry was a natural way to express myself initially about the Chicano Movement, which was a very powerful influence in my life. Poetry gave me a way to channel some of that emotion in a creative and articulate way. Later I found that deeper memories and experiences leant themselves to poetry, as well. Writing poetry is like suspending time for a while and writing without creative limits. Many dimensions in my life can inspire me to do that.

Do you have a particular style or pattern to your poems? Is there certain theme that seems to weave itself through all of your poetry? Do you have political or religious motivations? Or perhaps, do you just write something on paper when you are inspired…about anything?

In the early years there was definitely a political bent to my poems: anger, struggle, identity, movement, power, oppression, war, liberation, etc. Now, I am more inclined to introspection; I love the sound and feeling of words strung together to say something from deep within myself, sometimes even against my own will. Time is a persistent theme in my poetry, and struggle, too, although over the years the nature of this theme has changed. Now I’m not as interested in physical or political struggle as I am in the struggle to be at peace spiritually and emotionally, and my poems reflect that. I still like to write poetry that works best when read aloud, though.

Talk about the process of producing a poem. Do you like to be alone? Listening to music? Do you spend hours re-working a line? Do you write over a span of months, years? Describe how you get from nothing on paper to a completed piece.

If I have not committed myself to write a poem for someone or for an occasion, most often for me, a poem just begins to form in my mind. Yes. I must be alone. Sometimes I lock myself up in the bathroom to assure no disturbances from people in the house. I don't take months writing one piece, but normally write several drafts of a poem, until I am happy with the rhythm, sound, and meaning of my words. I use a pen and often just start writing on the clean paper with the first phrase that I have already been turning over in my mind, and from there something more begins to form, at times surprising me. Some of my poems have been evolving over a period of years, while others get written and then put away with a sense that they are finished. Sometimes I think everything I’ve written is basically one long poem.

How do you know when you have finally finished writing a poem? Is there a sense of calm or closure, or do you feel that you never truly finish a piece?

There can be a deep satisfaction when you feel you have completed a poem, while other times I feel restless and want to keep altering the poem ad infinitum. For me poems must be heard, and when I share a poem I often change a word here or there in one reading and change it again in another. For the most part, I see poetry as very fluid and very much of a certain moment. And as the moment changes, so does the poem sometimes.

You are bi-lingual; fluent in both Spanish and English. From your perspective, do you prefer one language over the other in terms of capturing the essence of your thoughts and emotions on paper?

I used to think, and sometimes still do, that I prefer Spanish for the simple poetic power of the words in Spanish. I do believe it is a more sonorous language." Polvo", "dust" I used to definitely prefer the word "polvo", but now "dust" is just as good..

I believe English is just as powerful a language for poetry, it is just different…different cadence, sound, tone, etc. I have had this experience in translating my poems. Sometimes I am not even aware of changing the language and other times I actively search in my mind for the best way to express a certain idea or image. I probably write more in English than Spanish now, though I’m not certain why that is.

Talk about music. What kind of role does that play in your life and writing?

I love music for the same reason I love poetry: the rhythm, the lyrics, the combination of notes and sounds, the flow and feeling a really great piece creates in my soul. I listen to music a lot and I get a great deal of creative inspiration from music as a whole. I don’t, though, think my poetry is specifically influenced by any type of music. My son is a guitarist, though, and I think it would be cool to maybe write something that combined his guitar and my words.

Do you believe that there is a likeness in the emotion attached to all creative processes, like composing music or writing a poem or taking a photograph? What is it do you think that allows a person to produce something original and creative?

I am not sure, but I do think there is a profound similarity to the creative process. A freeing of the mind, imagination, and even body to express one's inner visions or feelings, or movements: the aloneness, the tension, the necessity, the adventure, the connection. In some ways I don’t like to overanalyze what makes me creative because I don’t want to kill the magic; my muse is very illusive; I believe that all creative people have some deep impulse to create, but what drives that impulse might be very different from person to person. And the chosen media is, I think, a part of that individual impulse.

The Heel Press is a place for creative expression. Members can submit anything from pieces of photography and painting to pieces of fiction and poetry. Recently, there has been a growing number of young poets on the Heel. What would you say to all of these individuals who are tying to find their voice and foster their talent? What makes someone’s work worth reading and embracing?

I believe that the value of any creative expression is first and foremost in the expression itself. And as it is made available for others, its value will be different for everyone who reads it or shares in the experience. That’s one of the reasons I think it’s counter-productive for anyone trying to create to do so for a specific audience – you never know how someone will receive your work, so if you have the urge to create, honor the urge without the anxiety about whether anyone will like it. Most artists know this.

How would you respond to the notion that writing for a hobby is a waste of time?

Nothing is a waste of time if you are involved in the creative process, because the creative act occurs outside of time. What is a worst waste is resisting the urge to write because you don’t feel “serious” about it, or can’t make the time.

If we browsed through your personal bookshelf, what would we find?

I like, maybe even love, books! Lots of literature, from Melville to Poe, history from Hofstadter to Balibar, poetry from Pablo Neruda to Brontonski. My musical tastes run to Bob Dylan, Lilia Downs, and as for art I enjoy many artists such as Matisse, Van Gogh, Kahlo, and various kinds of folk art, especially Mexican.

What do you think of the Heel Press’ mission to provide a creative outlet for both artists and writers on the same space?

Since I see writing as a type of artistic expression, I think what Heel Press is doing is fantastic.

Manuel, I’d like to thank you very much for spending some time with us. Much appreciated. Do you think it would be too much trouble to share one of your poems with us here?

The red sun’s sword

Slashes my soul

Black blood flows

From my darkness

I am the son

Of an ancient people

I cry tears of blood

And fire

During the day

I hunt

And at night

I carry mountains

On my back.

Comments

ugg boots

on 09/02/10 at 02:51 AM

UGG Classic Cardy
Uggs Classic Cardy Boots Grey For Women’s
Classic Cardy Ugg Boots In Purple
Ugg Boots Classic Cardy Blue For Women
Ugg Boots Classic Cardy Oatmeal
Uggs Boots Classic Cardy Black
White UGG Classic Cardy Boots
Women’s Ugg Classic Cardy Boots Rose qw123

ugg boots

on 09/02/10 at 02:50 AM

ugg boots

on 09/02/10 at 02:24 AM

timberland chukka boots

on 08/30/10 at 07:59 PM

Purple is a very beautiful color,GHD IV MK4 Purple is a Purple ghd hair straighteners,bright purple,the eyes have moved by the people attracted to purple on the outside with a layer of white decorating,extremely fine.hair straighteners performance,I would like to like to know that hair design,superior performance to attract subjects to buy
These fantastic mini stylers are easy to use,with slimmer ceramic iron plates that smoothes your hair in minutes.Our Ghd mini straighteners are perfect for shorter hair and provide that salon approved shine every time.GHD IV Purple Hair Straighteners
In this day and age, when every woman is trying to find some way to get and keep her hair straighteners ghd there companies like Pink ghd straighteners that are relatively new to this hair straightening trade have come up successfully with some pretty awesome products that surely carries the message of the company and the manufacturer that how promising they are not only in words but also in their performance.The popularity itself is the indication of their efficiency.All of the products from GHD and CHI feature the newest technology that not only aims to GHD IV Salon Hair Straighteners. http://www.ghdhairstraighteners-us.com/

If theres one thing Ive learned working on a bag blog for the past three years, then it is that women take a lot of pride in their designer handbags collections. To most males, therealm of the bag is a ridiculous one, after all it is just a D&G Handbags that allows you to carry your lipsticks around. Guys, wake up and stop being so dense. We all have our cars, ourwatches, our collections of vintage collectible comic books or silk ties. Let the women indulge in the passion of their own. This being said, Ive met a few ladies through tPF whose Best Seller Handbags collections sum up to a combined worth higher than the GDP of a country like Luxembourg. PBC comes to mind, star3337s collection aint shabby, either. It is hardly a requirement to have the worlds most amazing, rare and expensive bags in your closet in order to impress. In our Gucci Handbags Showcase forum, 1100 people have already showcased their Fendi Handbags, ranging from small indi designer collections to the aforementioned cream-o-the-crop. One of the latest in collections was resident Purse Blogger Megs collection, that I shot by the pool a few days ago. You are welcome to check it out and more importantly, sign up at the Purse Forum and post your proud collection for the world to see. http://www.designerhandbags2010.com/

christian louboutin wedding shoesRed shoes which is another advantage is that the female stars free advertising. See the red soles that is Christian Louboutin Libelle Sandals, no need to find logo. Some people say that christian louboutin shoes will never be a popular retreat.Even if you do not agree with Tony Sao pairs of Christian Louboutin high heels worship, but it still is a woman shoe cupboard essential. Models christian louboutin shoes in fashion this year, focusing on heel, the shape is a square or trapezoidal, and walking more trustworthy.Christian Louboutin Peep Toe Suede Brown high heels, red sole trademark at the beginning of a bit vague, but seemed to be his in the design of a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes discount, when he saw his assistant to his nails painted red, he will be inspired by the inspiration for his Tu red soles. He was immediately seized beautiful soles, directly on the chart in the sample soles. Due to good results, he initially wanted all his shoe soles are painted a different color, but have seen a lot of red sole shoes, he dispelled the idea and let the red soles became his signature.louboutin shoes for lady sale high-heeled slender to create beautiful curves Whether positive or have demonstrated pretty side lines. Comfort pad inside texture of leather production.High-heeled shoes for women. http://www.louboutinshoes4lady.com/

air jordan 2010 Spizike Stealth Detailed Images The Air Jordan Spizike combines Jays III-VI in as seamless a hybrid model as the sneaker world has seen. Parts from the Air Jordan 3 Retro of Black Cement Grey for Women III include the unmistakable midsole tooling and outsole, and normally, the elephant print heel and toe cups.On the Stealth Spizikes, though, these sections might appear to be black-on-black elephant print, but a closer look reveals air jordan shoes XX-style laser etching. Its a nice unique touch on one of the hottest colorways of the Spizike yet, so be sure to check out more photos after the jump. http://airjordanshoesol.com/

Just want to buy a pair of nike air force ones shoes 24/7 Glass Blue right now Nike Womens Air Max 24/7 Glass Blue.Lately we have being seen a lot of new colorways of the Nike Air Jordan 24 black white red 24/7 which many sneakerheads and people from the sneaker community have agreed is without a doubt one of the best hybrids to release from Nike Shox R4 blue white in a long time. The latest version to be announced is one that is special for womens, but if you are a man with small enough feet then there is no reason that you couldn’t wear a pair of these.The colorway on this shoe seems to help even more to bring out the best parts of this shoe and uses a shade of blue that Nike Air Jordan 24 red white calls glass blue and mixes it in with shades of gray and black to result in an overall miraculous shoe. If you are feeling these Nike Shox R4 blue white, and there is no reason that you shouldn’t be, then you can pick a pair for yourself now. http://www.nikesbox.com/

air jordan shoes Boom January 2010 Quickstrike Posted on 30 December 2009 Nike SB will continue their dominance of the skateboarding scene in 2010, especially if they continue to deliver as we feel they will with this pair of Nike Mens Air Jordon 1 Retro of Black Metallic Gold . Labeled the Boom nike air force ones shoes , they feature a black/blue/white color scheme along with red and yellow accents. The nickname stems from the design seen on the mid panels, which is one of an explosion. You can expect detailed pictures once they arrive at nike Mens Air Jordan 1 of Black Green accounts. Via HypeBeast. http://www.nikesbox.com/

Nike dunks sb Channel Zero ReviveHere is Channel Zero dunks, inspiration came from a Public Enemy song called She Watched Channel Zero. The song is pretty much about ignorance on television and how majority of it is all BS. Channel Zero Men's Nike Dunk Low comes in a classic particular colorway. The middle panel features the ‘poor television signal’ print and the lateral and frontal have a ‘bad reception’ theme to them, which Revive likes to call “The Salt And Pepper Show”. The choice is yours, but Revive Customs would prefer to work with some other templates so if you have another sneaker you would like the Channel Zero theme to be designed on step right up. After all, channel Zero nike dunk low looks colorful. Each sneaker will be a tad bit different then the original customs which were designed, reason being is that it will keep each pair unique. http://www.nikedunk-high.com/

Women's Nike Dunk High GS RipplesWe saw this Women's Nike Dunk Low GS Ripples a couple of weeks ago, but not a good look. We now get better images, and word is that these Ripples dunks are available at our web. These womens low nike dunk sb come in a very cheery pastel theme. Well Nike decided to change things up a bit with this nike air force 1 ripples as it comes in a white/yellow/pink/blue. Even though this nike dunks doesn’t sport a lot of white, it’s still a summer colorway. The womens nike dunk low sb upper is mostly made of two materials, patent leather and perforated leather. White appears on a big part of the sneaker, including the toe area, midsole, inner lining, and tongue. The best part of the ripples womens low nike dunk sb white yellow though is the Ice outsole that has a multicolored graphic underneath the Ice outsole that outlines all of the different crevasses of the nike dunk low outsole. http://www.nikedunk-high.com/

air force ones shoes White Electric Green Ladies are handily outnumbering mens releases when it comes to Nike Mens Air Jordan 2.5 of White Black Blue this week. The latest is a womens lowtop in the subtle 07 reshape thats been most common at retailers since the nike air force ones Anniversary. And theyre a good indication of why the it has incredible staying power, as the application of lime green on the outsole, tongue tag and heel tab makes for a springy delight when mixed with white patent leather. http://www.airforceonesbox.com/

2010�� PRyour an nfl fan and you love MLB jerseys .perhap you re look for a great nfl jersei for yourself. Unfortunately, NFL Jerseys Buffalo Bills 5 EDWARDS White nfl kid jerseys. austin colli colt jersei ar big business. It is estim that ten of million of dollar ar lost each year to counterfeiters.ndash; Jun 27, you should alwai store your antonio cromarti jersei in a dry closet space, displai case,MLB jerseys, or pictur frame. unfortunately, austin colli colt jersei ar big business. it is estim that ten of million of dollar ar lost each year to counterfeiters.ndash;, nfl kid jerseys,, in debts, have decid to start afresh with a debt consolid loan, At thi time, the last thing, Lo Angele Angel Reebok Baltimore Ravens Kyle Boller Team Color Jersey, need is unfavor term that will keep, in debts, even longer time, Be sure to check out the follow aspect be, e, yanke pink jersei womens, commit, finalize, astro jerseys, NHL Hockey Jerseys from china, r debt consolid loan, boston red sox youth jerseys, Upfront Fee Small upfront fee like process fee, common in most debt consolid loans, Avoid loan with expens upfront fees, ny yanke Reebok NFL Jerseys Baltimore Ravens 74 OHER black, compani that offer to charge, larg commiss to help reduce, r debts, Interest Rate Your interest rate should be much lower than that of , r credit card rates, A debt consolid with high interest rate will onli slow, down in clearing, r loan off, Get,Cheap jerseys, comp, as mani loan quotat as possible, It would be best to get a fix interest rate loan such that, r monthli payment do not ge over time, It will be easier,, to plan, r budgeting, Repay Period, r loan repay period should not be too long as it will increas the amount of interest paid,, can even find,Giants Jersey For Wemon, rself pai more than be, e, consolidate, r debts, As far as possible,, should aim, the shortest repay period to save, on the interest,NHL jerseys ,replica jersei Sale, Try to work out a repay period, amount where, can manage, Effect on Credit Rate Underst , r debt consolid loan procedur be, mlb angel basebal cheap jerseys, e, sign, r loan,Cheap wholesale jerseys, Ask if it is go to affect, r credit rating, scores, Avoid lender who, not clear on the issu as these, phoenix sun throwback youth,NHL jerseys from china, most probabl the on that will mess up, r credit rating, Local Consum Affair or the Better Busi Bureau It is in, team hockei Reebok Atlanta Falcons Matt Ryan Team Color Jersey. http://www.nfl-sportsjerseys.com/

timberland roll top boots month PlayNetwork sorts through music by more then 70 special mbt shoes characteristics to assemble a unique blend of branded music for Timberland specialty stores and Timberland mens work boots 6 inch cyan outlet stores. In addition, PlayNetwork coordinates with timberland roll top boots marketing team to create music programs that support monthly in-store promotional themes in the specialty stores. Timberland mens work boots 6 inch black numerous false starts the past two decades especially with the dramatic breakup of

DaimlerChrysler after nine years some analysts are skeptical that alliances can deliver as promised. Today, as everyone knows that Timberland mens work boots 6 inch blue not only protect the wearer from cold feet, who play vital role in the style of fashion. Someone may worry about this brand of shoes can take more attention on the role of shoes and neglect in the number of timberland outlet fashion style.A great Timberland mens work boots 6 inch chestnut in the market.but if you want to buy a good pair, designed strong and comfortable shoes. Who has the timberland outlet store coupon for xmas, i think it's from Dec 22 to Jan

I threw mine away thinking that i won't be able to visit the outlets in the near future. But maybe I will stop by tomorrow.All timberland work boot for men are branded with the familiar timberland chukka boots logo, and most maintain the rugged styling of their roots. http://www.timberlandworkboot.com/

Air Jordan Ol School III 5/8 Spring 2010 Jordan Brand changed the Flight 45 from a low/mid slice to its new hightop configuration, and is now going in undo for to the Ol School III. The Air Jordan Big Fund 5/8 will be distributing next leap in a two population of the colourways youd expect. First up is the pitch black nubuck couple pictured atop that benefits the correct shade of colour plan of the brought up Air Jordan Big Fund UJG Edition 310003 110, added to a translucent outsole segment that peaks up Triax-style to uncover a heel Air cushion. The other couple is in addition pitch black, but moves with Carolina sky-blue accents. Last but not slightest is the obligatory white metallic bright nod, which lets depart in March. Expect those sprayed Uni-blue connections in February, along with the pitch black red pair. http://www.nikeairjordansshoes.com/

zxvxcv

on 08/20/10 at 06:14 PM

If you are archers, this is an easy and good way for you to hunt and get some [url=http://www.lvinn.com/Final-Fantasy-XIV-GIL/]FFXIV GIL[/url]. There have huge [url=http://www.lvinn.com/Final-Fantasy-XIV-GIL/]Buy FFXIV Gil[/url] in our stock. Make order when you need please. And always, always, ALWAYS! Pick up what the monsters drop; this gets you a nice sum of [url=http://www.lvinn.com/Final-Fantasy-XIV-GIL/]cheap ffxiv gil[/url] to use on skills and potions and all other necessities needed. So it is very important for you to own much [url=http://www.lvinn.com/Final-Fantasy-XIV-GIL/]FFXIV Power leveling[/url]. Remember you can [url=http://www.lvinn.com/Final-Fantasy-XIV-GIL/]Final Fantasy XIV Gil[/url] in good price from our company.

Anonymous

on 07/26/10 at 08:33 PM

Step around burgers, put away chicken; to grills something that could be genuinely rapidly foodstuff, think portable charcoal bbq grill about that fish filet within the filet mignon.

A lot of chefs forget fish whenever they take out their own charcoal barbecue grill, favoring the actual classic beef and pork. Unfortunately grilling fish releases fillets which might extremely kamado grill flaky along with flavorful, a person wouldn't think twice about barbecue grill not often known the very beer batter or maybe typically the profound baking.

Grilled fish is actually healthful - virtually fat-free outdoor barbecue grill help save a little brushing of vegetable oil to prevent it from inserting -- plus making that at real wood cedar planks can kamado grills certainly add full flavour free of improving unhealthy calories.

Karen Adler along with Judith Fertig, the making duo by Kansas referred to as typically the kamado ceramic grill Queens, reported ample at home cooks, particularly landlocked Midwesterners, skip fish relating to grill together with are usually surprised to find out barbecue grills how very easy it is without question.

With every, Adler plus Fertig bbq grills possess created much more when compared with 20 cookbooks, primarily on grilling in barbecue grill accessories addition to barbecuing, this includes the particular recently launched "Techniques with regard to Cooking charcoal bbq grill Fish" and also "Skills intended for Planking"

"I consider the way to grilling fish is to cedar plank this," Adler kamado ceramic grill stated. Planking, or maybe making on a fabulous cedar planks of savoury solid wood which has been grill bundles soaked in water, helps to continue to keep fish succulent plus reduces the call to turn the actual fish filet over, extremely firmly sticking isn't a concern. Fish with the latest planks chefs by means of portable outdoor grill roundabout temperature. You need to soak the exact cedar in cold water for not less than one hour before putting this about typically the grill so the plank doesn't burn during cooking.

Planking occurs in convenient pertaining to extremely thin fillets of water fish, this sort of since perch, which in turn can certainly sink while outdoor bbq grills. Whenever it's done preparing food, the fish bbq grill smoker is good straight out of the cedar.Aluminum foil likewise helps out lining the particular bbq grill grates and also generating packets to get fish.

While with regard to the time to barbeque grill fish, Adler charcoal smoker grill as well as Fertig advise a very simple "10 minutes of the inch of thickness" rule, turning over at the particular halfway point. A good salmon fillet that calculates 3/4 -inch-thick will likely barbeque smoker grill need to barbeque grill about 7 to 8 minutes, or simply bbq grill approximately 4 minutes upon each side over high, direct heat.Nearly every type of fish and also shellfish may be
bbq grill smoker cooked upon the exact grilling.