About

I have been writing poetry for roughly 35 years. Many of my poems are influenced from biblical literature, critical studies, social constructs, societal ills, personal reflection, and musical composition. If I need to be contacted, my email is richard at fountain-pen dot ink – I am seeking representation and publication. Please reach out to me.

I have a Master of Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University (mostly philosophy and ethics courses, but not restricted to that. Also digital humanities and history. Master’s thesis dealing with theology.). I also hold an interdisciplinary liberal arts degree from Portland State University where I focused on Women’s Studies, Conflict Resolution, and Literature. Additionally I attended an HBCU, Bowie State University, where I majored in English with a Concentration in Africana. Though I don’t hold the additional degrees I took more than enough classes for a BA in English and almost enough classes for a BA in History. It all started at community college believe it or not. From community college to grad school at Johns Hopkins. It was quite a ride. I went back to school as non-traditional student. I was a first generation grad.

I should also add that 100% of the posts here are written by me and me alone. Nothing written here is constructed, consulted, or brain stormed by AI available systems. Here is the article I was reading that made me realize I should offer that assurance and it is natural to assume AI generated websites will be, or have already started, launching all over the place.

Someone seemed to suggest my poetry is “transgressive”. – This is a complete misunderstanding of my poetry. I am not attempting to be undercutting or impossible to understand. Every word is thought about and put in its right place. My poems are understandable, but I have spent years writing poetry that is meant to be thought about to be clarified. Even my most difficult poems can be clarified into simple summaries. Yes, I am making a statement, but good poetry is meant to teach. Some poems even require study – those have always been my favorite poems, so I am drawn to that style. Not that every poem I write is that difficult. I have also been taught the hard lesson that poetry should sing. When I first started writing, that was the direction I was taking and continued on that path for years, but every path must turn.

This website has moved

Internet Archive: Upon the Written Hours

Internet Archive: By the Journey of Sands

Internet Archive: Carnival Rations and Other Poems

Internet Archive: In The Winds Of The August Maladroit Parvenu

Internet Archive: Book 5 – Poems Postponed

Internet Archive: The Sounds Of Dreams And Your Senseless Soft Touch

Internet Archive: Elephant Snow

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