Norman’s love for poetry began in his youth when he encountered Louise Bennett, affectionately known as Miss Lou. She ran an educational program every Saturday that featured her poetic and engaging way of speaking. Although Norman didn’t initially realize it was poetry, her words left a lasting impression. Around the same time, he was influenced by Mortem Boca, a poet on the radio, whose work helped Norman recognize and connect with the art form. These experiences were the foundation of Norman’s deep appreciation for poetry, which became a medium to process and express his feelings, especially those he didn’t feel comfortable sharing with others.
Norman began writing poetry as a personal outlet to express himself. When he shared his poems with others, they encouraged him to continue, recognizing his talent. Although writing was more for his own catharsis, this support inspired him to take his poetry more seriously. His early influences included poets like Claude McKay and Emily Dickinson. Their work motivated him to read widely and teach himself the craft of writing poetry.
For Norman, writing poetry is a deeply personal and meticulous process. He writes regularly, aiming for at least one poem a month, though some poems take weeks or even months to perfect. He often revisits his work, editing and refining until he’s satisfied with the way it sounds and feels. The process of creating poetry allows him to escape his current reality, especially during challenging times, providing him with moments of peace and freedom.
Norman has been seriously writing poetry for the past ten years. Over this time, he has developed his voice and experimented with various forms and styles. Although he sometimes questions whether he is truly a poet, the positive feedback he receives has kept him motivated to share his work. He often participates in workshops and online platforms, where he shares his poems and connects with other poets.
Writing poetry is more than just a creative outlet for Norman—it’s therapeutic. He describes it as a way to share his inner self, exploring emotions and memories he might not feel comfortable speaking about aloud. Poetry provides a space for him to confront and process his childhood experiences, as well as other deeply personal thoughts and feelings.
Norman has thought about compiling his poetry into a book, with the idea of using the proceeds to benefit organizations he supports. However, he hasn’t yet found the right time to pursue this project. He has been involved in workshops and events, collaborating with other poets and creators. Despite these efforts, he feels he still has more to achieve in the poetry world.
Norman has engaged with other poets and participated in workshops, where he continues to grow as a writer. He recalls collaborating with individuals who encouraged him to share his work further. One notable memory involves a workshop with a woman whose guidance helped him deepen his understanding of poetry and refine his writing process. Writing poetry brings Norman immense peace and fulfillment. He sees it as a way to pour his emotions and thoughts onto paper, creating something meaningful. Even when it takes time, he enjoys the process of crafting his poems, experimenting with language, and finding the right words to express himself.