Poetry professor Geoffrey O’Brien shares his love of writing with San Quentin inmates as a volunteer English teacher for the Prison University Project.
O’Brien is the professor of creative writing at the University of California at Berkeley. His poetry has been published in UC’s 2002 anthology, “The Guns and Flags Project.” He is also a member of the Poetry Society of America.
He considers the ‘70’s and ‘80’s old school hip-hop to be the original form of “rap poetry.” O’Brien has introduced his U.C. Berkeley students to this idea and has invited them to analyze the lyrics of conscious rappers such as Africa Bombatta, Rakim, and Public Enemy.
In an interview, he made these comments:
How does one become a poet?
I think that becoming a serious writer requires reading just about everything that has come before you. Otherwise, you might just reproduce what’s already been done rather than contribute something new.
Poetry apparently has a large and diverse readership with a wide range of preferences for different styles of poetry. How can a poet stand out and appeal to readers? What are people looking for?
People are looking for poetry that’s partially familiar and partially surprising.
How can a prisoner who is not a part of society get his poetry voice heard by people on the other side of the wall?
Obviously, publication is important because it allows you to be in many places at once. Literature is a form of remote communication. Publication is a great tool for making inmates voice audible in a culture that mostly tries not to hear them.
Why do you think people are attracted to poetry?
I think people go to poetry to find relief from social speech instead of commands and small talk you encounter rhythm and shocking metaphor.
What do you suggest San Quentin poets do to stay abreast of the latest trends in poetry?
Learn what the state of the art is from poetry journals and then submit your pieces.
O’Brien, said a writer must write every day He continues to write poetry and enjoys analyzing the writings of his San Quentin and UC Berkeley students.
