2 Pens & Lint's own Henry Duncan had a second oppportunity to interview Adeke Rose. This time Henry asks about her future projects, how she has grown as a writer since her last release, and of course He asks about Her newset release: She walks in Faith. Our first interview immediately follows the one below.

Henry Duncan: Some of the poems in your new collection, She Walks In Faith deal with personal experiences. How is this collection different from Autobiography of A Rose?

Adeke Rose: All of my poetry comes from a personal place, though it's not necessarily always about me. I write about what touches me. This book is different in that Autobiography of a Rose is a collection of poetry from over thirty years designed to let my children, family, friends and fans understand my history and have something to serve as a part of me. I was very ill when the book was written so it was and still is very special to me. I did not anticipate how many people would demand it and recommend it to others. It was simply a love offering.

She Walks in Faith was compiled to give inspiration and hope. Each piece was selected for that purpose. No matter how difficult life is you can make it better; for yourself and others. Although it comes from a faith-based place it does not promote one specific religion. My photo on the cover was difficult because I have a visible physical disability, among other reasons. It was necessary to give a message that though my challenges are great, my faith is greater.


HD: She Walks In Faith includes the poem, “Until Heaven Cleanses Hell” which gives us a run down of the history some prominent women in history and how love is their driving force. Are you suggesting that love is what is going to cleanse hell?

AR: I believe God is love; a God of love. I am suggesting that the lack of love for God, self and others creates or leads to "hell" depending on ones perspective. Every act that would be considered a crime or sin is fueled by lack of love of one or more of the above. If we truly loved how could we act in a way that harmed others? I believe lack of love or emptiness leads to apathy, and that leads to the ability to hurt others. Genuine love without expectation is contagious. It can touch others and transform them in time. This transformation through loving can cleanse "hell".


HD: You are working on another collection that is tied to a fundraiser for survivors of trauma. Could you tell us more about this project?

AR: Yes this project is a tool for trauma survivors called the Survivor's Manual. It is a combination of prose and poetry designed to help survivors affirm themselves, cope with triggers, and address many concerns common to survivors. It is not a substitute for counseling but is a useful tool or adjunct. Since I am licensed as a clinical professional counselor, and work as a psychotherapist; this manual benefits from my professional training and experience as well as the personal insight and honesty of my poetry. All proceeds from purchased copies help to defray the cost of the copies that I am giving free to survivors who need this.


HD: Have you grown as a writer since your last release?

AR: I've grown immensely since my last release. Most of the poems in Autobiography of a Rose were written many years ago. This new book She Walks In Faith reflects my growth, connections, and experiences. Though I strongly encourage the use of poetry as a tool for self understanding and healing; I am older, wiser and much more focused on helping others, rather than healing myself at this point.

HD: In our last interview with you mentioned a mini-documentary named “Living Life In Full Bloom“. How is that project coming along?

AR: We've applied for funding and are awaiting a decision. We have identified several spoken word artists who are overcoming the challenges of disabling conditions and are thriving in this artform. We plan to interview, film performances of these artists, and illuminate barriers and how they address them. Whether or not we are funded we will complete this project. Funding will allow us to compensate the artists fairly, use better equipment and make this available to nonprofit groups at a nominal fee.


HD: You will be releasing several projects this year. Are you making poetry your full time job?

AR: Poetry is my lifestyle. It has become a full time venture. I am a traveling poet, I teach workshops entitled Healing Hearts; Poetry as a Tool for Healing, I feature regularly as a poet and I write in my spare time. I will be on the road, traveling across the country, much more in the upcoming months.

Purchase She Walks In Faith

Our First Interview with Adeke Rose

Henry Duncan: Why do you write?

Adeke Rose : Writing keeps me sane. Being a rather shy, introverted person; writing has allowed me to validate my experiences, tell my secrets, ventilate my feelings, and provide the opportunity to dream.

HD: You have traveled extensively, what are some of the places you’ve been that have affected you the most?

AR: Turkey was probably the country that had the most impact. I lived there three years. Because there was no television, and we lived in a small Turkish village, reading and writing were the primary means of entertainment. I also learned to love the beauty of nature and the healing properties of water. In Japan I learned to experiment with Haiku and to appreciate the way the culture encompassed nature in the writing.

HD:  In your new book Autobiography of A Rose, you make many references to roses. What is the significance of roses in your life?

AR: Roses have thorns, painful aspects that may keep some people away. However thorns are necessary to protect the rather delicate petals. Roses possess a beauty that is incredible, but one must proceed cautiously. I identify with roses because I am a very caring, giving person, a kind of inner beauty. My thorns are that I am hard to grasp. I tend to stay out of reach, at a distance around people I don't know. I also get hurt easily. Sometimes people find it easier to go elsewhere rather than try to hold onto me. But if they stick it out they find that I am a loyal and devoted friend.


HD:  You also make mention of a physical condition you developed. What happened and how has it affected your life?

AR: I have a rare disease usually found in Asian populations, that causes bone to grow in my spinal column. This disease grew to such an extreme that it damaged my spinal cord and made it necessary to complete surgical reconstruction of my cervical spine. Complications have caused weakness and decreased sensation in my arms, hands and legs, weakness in my shoulders, chest, back leading to respiratory and balance problems. I was forced to accept medical retirement very early in my career. As a result, I walk with crutches or a walker during the day and wear leg braces at night. Every aspect of my life has been affected, but it has not changed my spirit of adventure, nor my love of writing and performing.

HD: What should people take from your new chapbook Autobiography of a Rose?

AR: There is something there for everyone. I hope that people will find strength and a spirit of survival, love for others, and faith and hope.

HD: Who is Dr Acklyn Lynch?

AR: Dr Lynch was my favorite professor at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He had a love for culture and the arts and was an inspiration to me. He made me promise to publish my poetry one day. Autobiography of a Rose is my promise to him.

HD: There are a few poems in your chapbook that mention very sensitive subjects such as rape and domestic abuse. How do you find the courage to write about such things and why do you choose to write about them?

AR: When writing about very personal or painful matters, I remind myself that the most difficult part was surviving the actual experience. Writing about it helps release some of the pain and can be healing. Many trauma survivors struggle with shame and embarrassment. My hope is that by sharing my experiences with my head held high, they will also be able to let go of the shame. After all, the perpetrator is the one who is responsible and deserves the guilt and shame. Trauma survivors need to validate whatever they had to do to survive and know they deserve to have all the joy that is to be found in life.

HD: You are a published author, you have traveled to many places, and you have released a CD. What’s next for you and what are you trying to accomplish with your poetry?

AR: I hope that my poetry will educate, inform, illuminate, provide release and acceptance, soothe and validate. I hope in some small way my poetry can bring about positive change, enhance relationships and/or promote healing. I have several upcoming projects. I am in the early stages of a mini-documentary called "Living Life in Full Bloom" which is designed to be inspirational/motivational. I have another chapbook I want to publish with a more socio-cultural focus called "Cry a Blk Tear", and I am working on a full length book of poems. I also have another CD which will come out after the new year. This CD is unique in that I am collaborating with other artists to develop play-like segments through spoken word. Finally I have a community service project in which I have developed a free pamphlet for trauma survivors that is filled with techniques to manage triggers, has calming exercises, and recommendations for symptom management. Much of this booklet is in poetic form.