From the Grave With
Paul Laurence Dunbar Paul Laurence Dunbar's life is one that all other poets should take note of. He is one of the first nationally recognized poets and, perhaps, the first poet to do a world tour. I would even venture to say that he was the first poet to hustle chapbook purchases while at work. If you were to look up "full-time poet" in the dictionary, his picture SHOULD appear next to the definition. He performed his works whenever he got the chance. He was so talented that those who read or heard his poetry couldn't resist pouring into his life—financially.
He is one of the greats and a pioneer of the art form. So, it is with our great pleasure that we introduce Paul Laurence Dunbar as July's feature From the Grave. Grab a cup of coffee, tea, or whatever it is you drink—and enjoy the conversation.
Thank you for taking the time to visit us From the Grave this month, Mr. Dunbar. I reckon I didn't have much else to do, right Nah. So, the pleasure is all mine. I appreciate you all taking the time to think of me over a century beyond the time I produced my work. You are a great poet, Mr. Dunbar. It was just a matter of time that we connected with you. Yes, indeed. And please, you can call me Paul. We can ease the 'Mr.' part. It makes me feel like my father is nearby Well, Paul, it is then! So, do you think writing chose you? Or did you chose writing as a way to express yourself? Well, I'd say that—(pauses and looks to the left for a moment before reconnecting with me) – writing chose me. I think I was around the age of six when I wrote my first poem. I can't recall the title, but I remember writing it, and Ma took a liking to it. She thought I was messin' around at; first, ya' know? But once I continued with it and showed her more, she was completely invested in my talent. Was she an integral part of your foundation as a writer? She was key. I mean, I'd say that it was me that picked up the pen on account of my own will. But, once ma recognized my gift, she was all in. She assisted me with my schooling, you know? She helped me learn how to read better. I remember the days we sat up at the kitchen table, goin' over the bible. She'd read a few verses and then pass it to me, and I'd read a few. For a kid in those days, the bible wasn't the easiest thing to understand. The language was a bit different from the way we spoke, ya' know? Our dialect was different. But, she taught me the best she could, and I held on to what I could. And um (he looks to the left for a moment again), I believe that I kept reading and writing from there, and by the time I turned 9, I gave my first public reciting.
