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On The Table Read, “The Best Book Reader Magazine in the UK“, poet Alicea Davis shares details of how healing from the trauma of racism inspired her to write her new book, From Hatred To Healing.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed poet Alicea Davis about her life, what inspires her to write, and the creative work that went into her new poetry book release, From Hatred To Healing.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I was born and raised in Detroit decades after the rebellion or riots. With degradation all around me still. I knew that either I had to change locations or change my location when I grew up. I asked God what He wanted me to do and I was compelled to work on the soul wounds of fatherlessness and racism through poetry first. I grew up semi-fatherless.
I saw my father on Sunday and he had very little to do with the drama and abuse we experienced growing up. I forgave my father, which makes it easier to forgive society when I turn on the news and see racism across the world. Poetry helps me heal immensely!
When did you first WANT to write poetry?
I first wanted to write poetry in 4th grade when I read about the work of Maya Angelou. I wanted to become a poet from that moment on and I am blessed to live my dream.
I started writing poetry the year before that out of a way to express the traumatic pain we were going through, my siblings and I. My poetry is happy and heavy because it is filled with so many resolutions that quiets the soul.
When did you take a step to start writing poetry?
I wrote a love song when I was about seven. So, I feel sorry for those kids who start looking for love in all the wrong places because they are not finding love at home. It happens young when you see drama and sex on tv and romance in commercials. I wrote about it YOUNG. I started writing about adult matters young.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
It took me two years to complete my first book from idea to release though I started healing before I wrote the book with healing poetry.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
From Hatred to Healing took me 10 years to complete because it is a deeper healing chapbook. Though small like a pill this permeates the soul with soothing lyrics of change.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write From Hatred To Healing?
I wanted to write my latest release because people needed a book that just focused on healing from racism. Something short and quick that they could grow from it without wallowing in the truth of the evil it stems from. But by coming out of the oppression that racism desires of souls on both sides. You can’t hold someone down without being down yourself, as so many great people have said.
What were your biggest challenges with writing From Hatred To Healing?
My biggest challenges with writing it was to have a healed disposition as I was expressing the pain. From the hindsight of conquering while remembering the pain of being under the soul wound.
Do you keep to a theme with your poems, or just go where the mood strikes?
The theme in all of my poems are soul wound healing or Christ centered work whether it be racial reconciliation or family trauma, I aim to heal.
What is your favourite poem in From Hatred To Healing about and what inspired it?
My favorite poem in the book is “Unite and Conquer” because I imagined what I would say to the most racist person and get them to heal in the most positive way and I wrote it.
Does music help you write or is it a distraction?
Sometimes music helps me write but when I am in pain I need silence so I can process and hear what the Lord is trying to tell me.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did From Hatred To Healing need?
I received support with editing though it needed little editing because English is a subject that I am strong in.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write poetry?
Think with your heart. Solve with your mind and heal with your spirit if you are a child of God.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
There is a MAJOR book of poetry on the horizon. My biggest one yet! It reveals solutions to some of my deepest soul wounds that I know I must share with most of humanity.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I am proud of it. When I read my reviews from Amazon, I know it was well worth it!
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
- My website is www.AliceaDavis.com
- My book can be found at: https://bit.ly/FromHatredToHealing
- My Instagram is @aliceajoydavis
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