Award-Winning Writer Delights Others With Her Rhyming Poems

I’ve always admired people who can write good poems that rhyme. My attempts at rhyming have been juvenile. About a couple of years ago, I met Lorraine Brown through a poetry critique group, and I was very impressed to see her large portfolio of rhyming poetry. She’s so prolific that she makes rhyming look easy to do–which it’s not.

I recently interviewed this multi-talented person, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy hearing about her and reading a couple of her poems.  Incidentally, Lorraine has a delightful blog, http://www.lorrainelorrainelorraine.blogspot.com, where you can learn more about her and her poetry.

1) Tell us about your professional background.

My professional background is multi-dimensional. I’ve been an actress for many years (mostly commercials for t.v. and radio). I’ve done  corporate training videos as the voice of instruction for employees and for customers.  I have been fortunate to work with many different companies as their representative both on-camera as well as a live presenter/narrator at various trade shows and corporate training events.  I’ve been a model since childhood.  I was co-owner of Cheerleaders, Inc. and Co-Founder of The Chicago Luv-A-Bulls (Bulls NBA Cheerleaders). We began the squad in 1979, managing and performing at the NBA games.  I am also a licensed real estate broker. I guess my blog is appropriately titled “A Multi-Dimensional Life.”

2) When did you start writing poetry?

I started writing poetry when I was a child, probably around ten years old.  I remember my first poem.  I came home from an “exhausting” day of sledding (wink) and jotted down a rhyme about the events of the day.  It wasn’t bad, and friends and family found it quite humorous.  From time to time, I’d think of a rhyme, usually after some observation I had made and the poems began to multiply.  Prior to poetry, I began to take an interest in writing short stories after my fourth grade teacher wanted to publish one of my stories.  It was her encouragement which ignited the spark inside me to write more.

3) What do you love about writing poetry?

Writing is therapeutic.  It expands my imagination and keeps me searching for new ways to express life’s experiences or observations.  I can get lost in the words if I’m not careful, meaning that I have to manage my time effectively or the writing process might carry me away for hours.  I find that when I create, I’m most fulfilled.  It gives me joy.

4) You write a lot of poetry that rhymes, and have won awards for it. Could you share two of your award-winning poems?

I’d love to.  Below is “Cheaters,”  my First Place winning poem in the Highland Park Poetry.Org’s 2010 Funny Poetry Contest:

Cheaters

My husband calls me four eyes,
How rude of him to say.
It reminds me I’m getting older,
Along with all the gray!

The lenses change my point of view,
It’s amazing how well I can see,
Of course, when I don’t wear them…
He looks better to me!

Now I carry these cheaters everywhere with me,
Except when I can’t find them…
Am I also losing my memory?!

It’s uncomfortable to face the facts I’ve tried desperately to deny,
But the time has come to just give in ‘cuz my vision doesn’t lie!

I’d rather see what’s in front of me,
Than trying to pretend
That I’m still the girl I used to be…
A fib I can’t defend!

The day I gave in to the specs
Was the day I found liberty,
‘Cuz it was more than simple text that I was finally able to see!
Even though I still struggle with carrying them around,
It’s not as monumental as the freedom I have found.

So he can make fun of my cheaters,
His day is coming too,
When he’ll have as many eyes as me
And a clear point of view!

Even though when I don’t wear them…
My hubby looks better to me,
With two eyes or with four,
I still love what I see… Oh sweet liberty!!!

And, below, on a serious note, is  “Looking Back At Me.” It took First Place  in Highland Park Poetry.Org’s contest (Summer 2011) in the Reminiscing Category:

Looking Back At Me

I thought I heard her voice today,

I thought she called my name,

Like a melody, a familiar tune just steps away,

As each year passes I see more of her in me, in little things I do or say.

 

My brother said I sounded just like her on the phone,

I laughed and said I see her in the mirror,

He chuckled and he sounded just like dad,

Then we cried together as we wished they were still here.

 

Mom’s antics and humor made everyone laugh,

Dad giggled at his own jokes and his made up words,

We tell the stories again and again,

As if they’ve never been heard.

 

It’s our way of holding onto

The precious times we knew…

Guarding these moments, we hang on tight,

Clinging to the memories, preventing them from flight,

 

Their laughter, their voices, their joy, their songs,

The sounds of their lives are for which we long,

And though we are missing them with all our hearts,

There is nothing that can tear our bond apart.

 

For I thought I heard her voice today,

I thought she called my name,

Like a melody, a familiar tune just steps away,

As each year passes I see more of her in me, in little things I do or say.

 

I thought my brother sounded just like dad on the phone,

He laughed and said he sees him in the mirror,

I chuckled and he said I sounded just like mom,

Then we cried together as we wished they were still here.

 

In addition, I’ve been published in Poetry Cram Volumes 9, 10 & 11, sponsored by ChicagoPoetry.com.

5) Besides rhyming poems, what other types of poetry/writing do you do?

I do enjoy the style of haiku because of its connection to nature, and senryu really energizes me because I love humor. The creative process of these two forms of poetry really stretch me.  Actually all types of creating give me joy…from writing poetry or short stories, song lyrics; and motivational stories, both fiction and non-fiction; cooking and creating original recipes; designing for the home; acting; photography.  When I create, I feel God’s presence….I consider it all a gift which I thoroughly enjoy. My blog features my writing, photography and recipes.

6) What inspires you to write poetry, and how often do you write it?

Sometimes I am inspired by a life event, whether personal or something I’ve observed around me.  From time to time, something jumps out at me and I have to quickly write it down.  I keep my micro-cassette recorder handy for those times when I can’t write things down and it helps me to capture a thought.  I may be driving or walking my dog, sitting by the lake or just having a quiet time at home, gazing out the window.  I might be at work and hear something profound and register it in my mind for later.  All of life’s observations lead to my creative process.  I might reflect on happy times and want to record it in a poem or short story.  I might also reflect on sad times or a difficult situation and a song lyric might develop.  We all have a story…our very own unique tapestry… and our story can provide a wealth of material to draw from.

7) What advice would you give to poets who’d like to write rhyming poems?

I believe that rhyme, just as non-rhyme comes from a personal style or talent that we each possess.  If you are not sure if rhyme is your style, you’ll never know unless you try.  A good way to become inspired is to read as much as possible of the style of poetry you are drawn to.  If you begin a poem and become stalled, leave it alone for a while then go back to it later.  You might be surprised what happens when you pick it back up.  The words, the rhyme, the flow might come easier to you after being away from it for a short (or even long) time.   If it is your desire, don’t give up.  Keep trying.  Keep writing.  Be kind to yourself and enjoy.  If you find that you are forcing it and not finding pleasure in it, then remember to be yourself…find your own personal style.

Great advice, Lorraine! Thanks for sharing.

Copyright 2012 by Charlotte Digregorio.