Journey of the Heart: The Inspirations Behind Rosario Bird’s Story

INTERVIEWED BY DHAYANA ALEJANDRINA

Welcome, Noire Family,

In this interview, I had the pleasure to sit down with the talented and amazing writer, Rosario Bird, as she offers a captivating glimpse into her inspirational journey, delving into her roots, the reasons driving her creative endeavors, exciting future projects, and more.  

Please join me in welcoming Rosario Bird to Afrique Noire Magazine!

Can you share a bit about your background and what initially inspired you to pursue writing/poetry?

My inspiration to pursue writing and poetry stems from my love for music. Growing up in a musically inclined environment exposed me to various artists and genres, which in turn fueled my creative storytelling. Additionally, my own personal emotions and thoughts, as well as a fascination with fantasy and escapism, played a significant role in inspiring my work. I draw inspiration from poets and writers such as Warsan Shire, Divya Adu, Nayirrah Waheed, Nikki Giovanni, Edwidge Danticat, James Baldwin, Ntozake Shange, Ursula Rucker and other captivating storytellers who longed for a listening ear and a seeing eye.

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?

While I may be young, there is still much for me to discover about myself, including my heritage and ancestral lineage. Thus far, my cultural background and identity haven’t played a significant role in my writing, but it’s an aspect I am actively exploring and integrating into my work,

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

My creative process doesn’t require much. Inspiration comes naturally at times, while other times it’s elusive. I find that listening to music, watching movies and interviews, and reading or listening to spoken word poetry help set the mood. I also enjoy taking solitary walks, during which I often stumble upon new ideas or notice words and images that spark my imagination. I jot down these ideas in my notes app to revisit later.

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

Some of my poetic influences include Warsan Shire, Edwidge Danticat, Nayyirah Waheed, and Ntozake Shange. Their ability to convey emotions so beautifully and eloquently is deeply inspiring to me. I admire how they pull readers in with vivid imagery, which has greatly influenced my own work.

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

One of the most challenging things I face as a writer is definitely writer’s block. It can feel like a killer at times. To overcome it, I often watch a movie, listen to music, or use writing prompts to help me out of that rut.

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

This piece I’m sharing is titled “Koyaanisqatsi,” meaning “Life Out of Balance” in Hopi Indian. It holds significant meaning for me as it’s part of an upcoming book I’ve been working on for the past two years, written back in 2022. The name and poem were inspired by Godfrey Reggio’s 1982 apocalyptic film of the same name and Madonna’s “Ray Of Light” music video.

“KOYAANSIQATSI”

How much time do we have between man and the sun, between blue skies and the earthly brown? We’re moving and moving, and stopping and collapsing backwards into stolen stars and airbrushed window sills. Rushing for the same light at the end of an overt chaos in cities where buildings may fall, and in facilities where we may recover or die. Humans deal with strange things and dark days catch us by our tired feet, pulling us to a ceaseless fire. We take civilized wars of our spirits and our skin and of our lives into locked boxes filled with cemented dreams and decorated pillows down to open cavities of the earth. Some of us wake up in fear, some of us time travel, some run into the deep seas of our minds to feel safe as that safety saves us from dwelling in violent reality.

What advice would you offer to aspiring writers or poets aiming to leave their imprint on the literary world?

The advice I have for any aspiring writer/poet is to use the resources that are at your disposal to get your work out there! Post on social media and stay consistent, network with others who share your passions, and most importantly, STAY WEIRD!

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

I am currently working on two books simultaneously, or at least attempting to. However, the primary focus is on a book that delves into themes of femininity and womanhood.

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

I believe that the role of writers and poets in today’s society is to document and record the present moment. This is particularly important in the face of ongoing global crises, including multiple genocides. Through our writing, we create a tangible record of events, leaving behind evidence that serves as a testament to the truth. In a world where circumstances can change rapidly, our words provide a lasting anchor of reality.

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

I take pride in my creative gift, particularly in my ability to evoke emotion and imagery through my writing. It brings me joy to know that readers appreciate my work and are moved to leave kind words of feedback.

ABOUT ROSARIO BIRD

Rosario Bird is a Haitian/American poet, writer, and blooming flower, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Writing has been a passion since childhood. Rosario penned her very first poem, “Day & Night,” at the age of 9 for Poetry Day in Elementary School. However, it wasn’t until high school (circa 2014/2015) that she truly delved into writing.

Introduced to the writing platform “Wattpad” by a classmate, her world of writing expanded, and she began crafting poems and stories deeply rooted in various emotions and feelings that surrounded her.

Watch out for another episode of Noire Poetry Series next week! 🖤

Stay tuned! ✨