Poetry Corner with Ivy and Friends: Poet of the day is Jesse Batista
GETTING TO KNOW THE POET
Tell us a little bit about yourself, Jesse.
I was born March 11, 1994 into a situation that was less than desirable and we'll leave it at that. I was given a new start at life when I was 13. It was this new start that introduced me to journal writing and and music. My love of music turned into lyric writing and poetry. Much of what I write is heavily over toned in darkness but, on the occasion, the light of contentment shines through. Writing and other forms of art, including drawing, painting and photography, has helped me find my way. While I have music out in circulation, I have only just started to release my poetry.
What inspires you to write poetry?
People are under the impression that PTSD only affects people in the military. PTSD is actually caused by traumatic event including childhood trauma like abuse. I started writing a journal to help get thoughts out of my head. Initially, it was a journal, then it became lyrics and then my writing morphed into poetry. It's not much of a stretch to go from lyrics to poems. What I write is usually from intense feelings, its dark due to the darkness in my past that still holds on to me. People will tell you to not let your past dictate your present and future however when you have PTSD, you don't have a choice. And this is one of the ways that I try and deal with those memories. April is child abuse awareness month, so I'm glad you chose my poems for the month of April. Part of the reason I write is to let other people know that they're not alone.
When people read your poetry, what is it that you would like or hope they understand about you through your words?
I don't particularly care if they understand me or my words as far as what I meant. Understanding me doesn't really matter. I barely understand me. I want them to take away from whatever I write that which they feel it means to them. I don't know if you've ever noticed but people ask me what it means and I don't answer the question, because it's not what it means to me it's what it means to them. I guess if there's anything I want them to feel a sense of camaraderie I guess. Dealing with the Horrors in your life is much easier when you realize you're not the only one who went through it.
POETRY BY JESSE BATISTA
As the moon casts shadows on the cold dark of night.
The wicked winged demons spread their wings and take flight.
Vermin wander in the midnight hours, the nocturnes hunt and the scavenger scours.
A mist lays lows and glistens like snow, stirred by the breeze as the light winds blow.
Sorrow infiltrates and loneliness expounds. Eyes leak tears and the skull, it pounds.
Driven from the warmth to walk this path, a mind-set oblivious; thoughts of the aftermath.
Heavy is the burden, immense is the loss, barren is the passing to which he's to cross.
The winds now whip heavy and the debris sets sail, the portal is open, the winds now gale.
Drifting through weightless, no feeling or sense; leaving the contemptible without defense.
Waves of lights and ripples of sound, splatters of blood confusion abound.
Standing in the shadow now without any fear, it had to be done, that reality made clear.
All in the end, no stillness attained. No peace or tranquility, no harmony gained.
Retribution, however is the youthful sight giving rise to the wisdom that comes forthright.
3rd Morning Hour by Jesse Batista
Peace, a nighttime blessed with blissful silence.
Sounds resonate in the head, the screams, the violence.
Restless, efforts to refocus are met with defeat.
Anger and frustration bring me to my feet.
Time, the days all mangled and unsorted
The mind, concentration, thoughts all distorted
The clock ticks deafeningly to the 3rd morning hour.
Madness will consume me; manipulate and over power.
Sitting in the darkness listening to the rain
It cascades peacefully but, doesn't wash away the pain
The world undrapes as the morning sun rises
The battering of the souls as the conscience scrutinizes
Another day elapses, a new moon has come
The torment relentless, just want to be numb
Can't run, can't hide, can't put it aside.
Desperately sought harmony perpetually denied.
Memories of sorrow happiness deprived
Ironic, I think, that they say I survived
I cannot bear to watch you fall
You are strong enough rise above it all
The reality is, you're stronger than me,
Open your eyes, allow yourself to see
I failed to protect you in the early years
I watched you drown in your river of tears
The pain we suffered, the unstoppable conclusion
We can't pretend it wasn't real, it wasn't a delusion
I swore to protect you, but, I was a child
I did what I did, its forever reconciled
Now, I can't stop the madness, I can't stop the pain
But, you have nothing to lose, only life to gain
You must understand, there is no way not to feel
To be numb to it all would surely be ideal
I have fallen and I've made the mistakes
Stop what you're doing, put on the brakes
It's all been done, tried and true.
The mistakes that I made, I made them for you
The sickness has crept in; it has taken its toll
It has consumed me completely and eaten my soul
Your course in this life is different than mine
Please don't do what I've done, you have to be fine.
THE POETS FAVORITE POEM
Poet Jesse Batista was asked to share one of his favorite poems and he chose to share The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe. Here is whyWhat is it about, The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe, that makes it your favorite poem?
It kinda reminds me of a reoccurring nightmare I have. It's like he pulled it from my subconscious before I was ever born.
To read The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe click here
THANK YOU!
I would like to Thank Poet Jesse Batista for giving us all a glimpse into your world of poetry. It has been refreshing to read your poems. I hope to see more of your work in many poetry books. May your journey in life bring you more words to share with all of us.
If you enjoyed reading Jesse's poetry and can't seem to get enough, follow the Wattpad link and you'll be introduced to so much more.
Poet Jesse Batista as labestia9 on Wattpad.
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month 2018
Show your support for the children.
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