Recently, 2 Pens & Lint's own, Henry Duncan, had a chance to ask Micheal Conner a few questions concerning his goals as a poet, literary influences and what sets him apart from other poets.

Henry Duncan: How would you describe your writing style?

Micheal Conner: I enjoy writing free verse, as well as structured meter, In addition to style, what I write about is socially conscious matters and love.

HD: What originally attracted you to poetry?

MC: Intitially I was a rapper. I did alot of writing and performing at local talenet shows, then I went on and recored a single, it was recieved though not widely so then I elevated my status into spoken word and started writing more poetry. I've been writng and doing spoken word ever since.

HD:  How do you plan to separate yourself from other poets?

MC: I have always had a particular sytle that stood apart from other artist that is recognizble in its individual sound. Something you may have never heard before.

HD: Could you describe the concept of your cover?

MC: In my life time, I have said some controversial things not in a degrading or defamatory manner, but in an opinionated manner that most people would not examine or explore; but often times the taboo subjects are more note worthy than the frivilous subjects. Depending on what they are.

HD:  Who are your literary influences and why?

MC:  Richard Wright, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Broooks, Sonia Sanchez, Amiri Baraka, Gil Scott Heron, Nikki Giovanni, and of course Dr.Maya Angelou. The distinguished people I mentioned influenced the way I write about black people and poetry for all people. But they had a greater grasp on black writing which I infuse in my writing to the nest of my capability.

HD: In your poem Ashes to Ashes you write about Faheem Childs. Who was he and why did you choose to
write about him?

MC: Back in 2005, Faheem was a 10 year old child who was a victim of two rival drug dealers beef that they decided to settle out in the streets of North Philly, they never cared about the people around them during the shoot out and as a result, Faheem got caught in their violence. Faheem was more prolific to me because, at 10 years old, he never  had a chance to fully experience life in it's totality. It is disgraceful that these two murderers never cared enough to think about nobody else except themselves. This occurs too much in our communities and we must fight relentlessly to take our neighborhoods back.

HD: What are your goals as a poet?

MC: I hope to continue to write and perform as long as the LORD GOD gives me breath to speak and strength to write. I am working on another book of poetry,and soon a poetry/jazz cd. Writing is an ever evolving process and I am still growing in this aspect, so I hope with all sincerity that what I write and speak about reaches people in a heartfelt way, as it comes from the well springs of my heart.