Welcome, Noire Family,

In this interview, I had the pleasure to sit down with the talented and amazing writer, add name, as he offers a captivating glimpse into his writing journey, delving into his roots, the reasons driving his creative endeavors, and exciting future projects.

Please join me in welcoming Kryxtian Black to Afrique Noire Magazine. 

INTERVIEWED BY DHAYANA ALEJANDRINA

Embarking on a captivating exploration, we recently connected with a talented and amazing writer, Kryxtian. In the following interview feature, graciously shares his thoughts and experiences, providing a glimpse into his world.

Can you share a bit about your background and what initially inspired you to pursue writing/poetry?
I’ve written since high school, and used it as a means of catharsis. I was greatly inspired by the artistry and life of Michael Jackson, and began making music at the same time I began poetry. I admire who he is, and his resilience. I feel that the most resilient of people bear an innocence that can neither be thwarted, nor spoiled by any of the world’s corruptive ways. I want to inspire people in a similar vein. I want them to know that their innocence and their justice are things that can not be revoked by any power external from themselves. I want to strike the love of love within their hearts, and that is my greatest wish for my poetry (and music alike).

How does your identity, including cultural background influence your writing and the themes you explore? In what ways do you navigate the intersection of your personal identity and the broader cultural context in your work?

The title of my first manuscript is ‘Killer Wails,’ a name that holds deep personal resonance for me. The connection runs
profound as my legal name, Kristian Wilson, shares the same initials as Killer Whale. Moreover, these majestic creatures have frequented my dreams since childhood, imprinting themselves into my subconscious.

As someone of mixed Afro-Latino and German/Ukrainian heritage, I find a profound connection with the monochromatic nature of the orca. Their distinctive black and white coloring, designed to blend seamlessly with both the darkness of the abyss and the brightness of the surface,
mirrors the complexities of my own identity. This intricate connection serves as a poignant reflection of the multifaceted layers that shape my existence.

There’s a depth to this affinity that extends far beyond mere symbolism, resonating with the essence of who I am at my core. While there are countless layers to this connection, these are just a few facets of how the killer whale, or orca, encapsulates my journey and identity.

How would you describe your creative process? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you get into the writing mindset?

I’m drawn to the tranquility of early mornings for my writing sessions. Currently, I’m deeply immersed in crafting an oceanic fiction novel. On the mornings that I can, I eagerly rise with the sun, ready to pour my creativity into the project. Being a father of two little children adds to the whimsicality and dreamlike nature of the book, and I do my best to approach my stories like they would; with a fresh mind and open heart, ready to receive whatever the Spirit wants me to.

Who are your literary or poetic influences, and how have they shaped your work?

Like I said above, Michael Jackson is a big one. Most people don’t know, but he actually released a poetry book in 1992 called ‘Dancing the Dream.’ That book has inspired my literature a lot, as well as Kahlil Gibran and Saul Williams. Recently, after much seeking, I’ve returned to the teachings of Jesus Christ (also known by his Jewish name Yeshua HaMashiach). I have been researching the original Aramaic teachings in order to get a more accurate grasp on who he is and why he matters so much to my life. Neil Douglas-Klotz is a translator who has penned a book called ‘Prayers of the Cosmos’, which shows the original Aramaic Lord’s Prayer, Beatitudes, and other famous scriptures.

When it comes to Gibran’s writings, I’m particularly in love with his book ‘Secrets of the Heart.’ I’ve garnered a deep sense of beauty from his work, and have reaffirmed my own values in terms of faith, reason, and love. . Saul Williams has inspired me to extend the length of my works, and to play more with language in a way that showcases my own multidimensionality through its own multidimensionality. His piece’ Children of the Night’ struck a chord with me on a profound level. I also really love the children’s book ‘Life Doesn’t Frighten Me’ by Maya Angelou, illustrated by Jean-Michel Basquiat. To me, it is such a legendary work of creativity, and Scott Nagatani’s musical read-along on YouTube does it beautiful justice. In terms of storytelling (fiction) I’m heavily inspired by anime and works of animation like Children of the Sea, Princess Mononoke, and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

What challenges do you face as a writer/poet, and how do you overcome them?

Achieving publication and securing a lucrative book deal are pivotal milestones for me. They would not only allow me to enhance my creative endeavors but also enable me to elevate my entire process by incorporating animation, creating video games, and exploring other innovative
mediums. With unwavering faith, I trust in God’s guidance as I diligently seek out literary agents to submit my work to. Also, I try not to take myself too seriously. I know that the books I have within me (of all genres… poetry, fiction, etc.) are one-of-all-kind, and they’ll reach the readers they are meant to! Each submission is made with a heart full of faith, knowing that the right opportunity will manifest at the perfect
time.

Could you share one of your favorite pieces or an excerpt from a project that holds personal significance? What does it mean to you?

Below is a piece from my debut manuscript, ‘Killer Wails.’ A bit of background: Originally, there were thirteen poems in each of the thirteen chapters, totaling 169 poems. Now, I’ve decided to add 184 more poems, one for each of the orca who were killed at the hands of man’s obsession for captivity. My overall aim is to raise awareness of their sentience and advocate for the abolition of their captivity. Here is a poem of the 169:

“EMBARK, KNIGHT”

shower in the dark while I shower my sparks.
on the power lines under my skin.
ice cold whims multiplied by the darkness within
will put the soul in the throes of antarctic sin.
hidden vision unencumbered by the walls
which i have drilled until they fall…
with the fire of thirteen persuasions.
flame which could only spit forth from an African Caucasian,
Caucasian African,
the decision of doubt which you drove the magic in.
contradiction of extremes,
letting older classics in,
pushing old dynamics out,
hopeful clouds will scream and shout,
remembering the cycle,
umbrakinetic phytolenses
read me like the Bible.
aware of the abrasion and integration…
aware of the tides and the shores on which they rise
and descend.
aware of the message that it took so long to send.
aware of infinite longings in the centermost molecule of a
grain of sand…
aware of owning myself and all the pain at hand.
the most gyrified brain could mend all the symptoms and
shock them to the root…
a heart and vagus nerve once so at odds with one another,
hesitate before they shoot.
in final understanding of their epileptic thunder.
a fetish for wrinkles in time
runs so deep that my kind put them in the shallowest brinks.
what do i think when it comes to this equation?
what does not add up must be applied for inflation

do we fetishize the darkness so much we must lock it up
the nanosecond before we can peer into it,
with eyes physically dead and dull,
emotionally aware and bright?
must we ‘must’?
must we ‘must’?
must we… ‘must’?
the very verb which tends to turn the most enlightened and
affable spirit to dust.
the very bird that flew from the flock and ignited their own
feathers,
and the very song which was sung to the Goddess of the
most intense undying weather.
a dance upon the skies own skin,
and a stomping, a clapping,
embracing and tapping upon the highest hymn.
so much more under my skin,
yet mired in time, i float, i swim.
embraced as the hopeless race,
within a man of womb’s intention…
my rawest sutures open themselves with little to no,
to negated apprehension.
demons enslaving the worst of ourselves,
yet left only to thank them,
for without their help,
what would be left but a burst of ourselves…
a memory of the trauma from the most embarrassing
spanking.
a comet rippling throughout the very air that feeds it’s
flames, a phonic language centered around various
show-offy sounds rather than the feelings that remain.
how many can you frame?
my emotions only fit outside the box

and the paint is yet another medium that will ultimately rot.
a fragment of a planet that left me in the dust,
heaven damnit,
if it weren’t for us,
where’d we be but in broken trust?
basket case and broken vase.
flowers face the irony that freed them,
only to die sooner and be reunited with the reason.
coming back once more to the cyclical repertoire
which loved in order to seed them.
eyes express what lips would miss,
brighter than the blackbird’s kiss.
had to chase the fear replaced
‘til i realize my wish, and face
the unspoken broken place.
to be…
in a world of not…
sets emotion free
in a mind of thought.
i love.
i die.
i move on inside.
because…
i was gone inside,
home to come to me instead of i going to it…
never any place to go when i am all that is.
the ocean is the home of saints and sinners all alike. jealous
seas open their arms to hateful, vengeful minds. i shape
mine to be some stone i never could replace, and when i
adjust my heart,
my heart adjusts my face.
just a pawn in the sea of time, i sing of the dark.
you are freedom; diamond of my mind

king of my heart.

What advice would you offer to aspiring writers or poets aiming to leave their imprint on the literary world?
Be yourself. Don’t be afraid to let people see or hear you. Also, don’t hide your voice. This is something that I’m still learning.

Can you share details about your ongoing writing projects? What themes or ideas are you currently exploring?

In addition to finalizing ‘Killer Wails’ by completing the poetry for the whales, I’m currently writing a novel featuring a biracial, intersex protagonist who is bestowed with the powers and memories of the ocean by the spirit of the sea, thus becoming the ‘Oceanheart.’ This character is destined to be the ocean’s next avatar, entrusted with the monumental task of traversing the seven seas to restore a polluted world. Their mission involves collecting the seven eggs of the first sea turtles. My motivation for creating this narrative stems from my deep disappointment with the lack of intersex representation in the media, and also with the general underappreciation people have of the ocean, and also of bothness. Allness.

How do you perceive the role of writers and poets in today’s society?

Healers, shamans, and soul-retrievers.

Give yourself flowers, what is something you feel proud of when you think about your creative gift?

The way that I can let God write the story through me. It’s the same thing with music and with life. When I get out of my own way and become humble, all things can be done.

Kryxtian Black is an emerging storyteller from Rochester, NY, now living in Denver, CO. He and his family, avid travelers, prioritize world schooling their children, drawing inspiration from their diverse experiences. Kryxtian’s writing reflects a blend of spiritual and ordinary themes, influenced by his travels and a deep sense of humanitarianism.

Currently, Kryxtian is crafting a YA urban fantasy novel, “DragonBoy,” where a 13-year-old communicates with dragons, and an adult fantasy project, “OceanHeart,” a redemption tale for the world’s oceans. He is also working on “Killer Wails,” a poetry project featuring 169 poems from his youth and 184 poems dedicated to orcas lost in captivity.

Kryxtian’s storytelling resonates with multidimensional wordplay, weaving beautifully crafted prose that lingers with readers. His work is a testament to his commitment to creating narratives that leave a lasting impact.

Thanks for exploring our second interview in the Noire Poetry Series with Kryxtian Black.

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Our Guest – Kryxtian Black here on Instagram