Note: We are in the process of moving all our winning poet interviews to the website. Please be sure to bookmark it at yecheilyahsannualpoetrycontest.org/.
Introducing Adariyah Ysrayl
Instagram: @adariyahysrayl
Adariyah, welcome and congratulations!
Please, tell us, what is your name and where are you from?
My Name is Adariyah Ysrayl and I am from Chicago, Illinois.
Beautiful. What does your name mean?
My name “AdariYah ( A- dar- ree- Yah) means to give respect or Adornment to The Most High.
When did you first fall in love with poetry?
I fell in love with poetry in 4th grade. We used to have free time journaling, and I wrote poems outside of drawing as a safe place to express my thoughts and create stories from my reality. I didn’t feel like my voice was heard as a kid, so writing poetry was a great hobby at the time. I loved it so much that I could’ve entered into a contest of writing but unfortunately didn’t from moving so much.
What inspired your poem?
What inspired my poem was I gravitated to the title. My poem is also inspired by my life experiences. This year (2023) was the perfect example of how well I was able to relate to grace.
Adariyah is a MUA artist and entrepreneur
I love that. In your own words, what is grace?
It means that the way we can extend more grace is by getting to the root of certain situations and understanding that you really never know what a person is experiencing behind closed doors. It means not to take things so personally, and to give ourselves grace is to know everything will not be shiny and beautiful, and when it isn’t, don’t be so hard on yourself.
What are you hoping to achieve with your poetry?
Writing poetry is intimidating in ways. To be that vulnerable and open about yourself, especially to an audience, has caused a bit of anxiety for me. Poetry is one of the intimate forms of writing, and I am very much a student of soaking up information. What I am trying to achieve in poetry is to encourage and communicate to people who are overthinkers. At this time, I am writing again as far as my poetry is concerned.
Adariyah’s beautiful family
Where do you see yourself one year from now?
A year from now, I see myself being more in tune with my inner voice, more adventurous, exploring new experiences, and adding new skills to my belt, and this is one of them!
And without further ado, I introduce to you “Grace,” by Adariyah Ysrayl:
Photo by ATC Comm Photo
The fact The Most High made an executive decision for me to wake up and breathe. Overlooking his inhabitants, including me. Grace is something shown through a glimpse of what we cannot see. It is forgiveness minus the strife. It is something I’m constantly learning how to do and it’s an ongoing fight. Before I gave Grace to anyone, I had to see within myself. I had to lose myself to gain humility, and some of my mental health.
My mind got so loud, and I didn’t know which way to go. Then my Heavenly Father said to me, “I’ve always had the navigation of which way you need to go.” I cried because I knew the destination was right in front of me. But because I didn’t let Grace lead, I let my ego get the best of me.
I would take two steps forward just to get pushed back three. That yoke of iron called life would get the best of me. That is until I finally overcame the battles and pain.
Start giving others and yourself Grace a day and watch your life change.
Adariyah is a Freelance Makeup Artist in the DMV area. She uses her creative skills to help people feel confident and provides a safe space for people anticipating a special event or moment. Adariyah is committed to helping her clients feel beautiful so they can “stand on business.” She is a mother and wife and hopes her brand will help others to see the beauty within themselves. She currently lives in Delaware.
Note: We are in the process of moving all our winning poet interviews to the website. Please be sure to bookmark it at yecheilyahsannualpoetrycontest.org/.
Introducing Samuel Olopade
Instagram: @_olops_
Samuel, welcome and congratulations!
Please, tell us, what is your name and where are you from?
My name is Olopade Samuel, im from Lagos, Nigeria.
Nigeria in the housee!! When did you first fall in love with poetry?
Poetry/writing had always been my sort of remedy. Growing up with a speech impediment made me value writing as the best way to express myself when words failed me.
What inspired your poem?
You know the saying, “You don’t know what you have till you lose it?” It’s synonymous with “You don’t know what you really want till you have it.” I see Grace in the same light. Being from dark places or places of just basic wants, the same wants everybody’s after, but then you find you’re getting things in an unparalleled manner. I see that as Grace. Basically, it’s an unparalleled favor.
In your own words, what is Grace?
Unparalleled favor, lol.
Lol. In what ways can we extend more grace in our own lives and in the lives of others?
In understanding, we’re all in similar races, on different fronts, but in the same cycle. As a volunteer and a fervent altruist, I believe in giving. Someone somewhere needs that unparalleled favor to get to the point they really need to be at, and you never know who your act of kindness could affect via a series of chain reactions you’re not even aware of.
What are you hoping to achieve with your poetry?
I am hoping to be a voice for the voiceless, a way to express and share feelings and emotions that are not easily seen.
A voice for the voiceless. I like that. Where do you see yourself one year from now?
I see myself thanking the past me for not giving up.
Now that’s a poet thing to say! I love it.
And without further ado, I introduce to you “Grace,” by Samule Olopade
Photo by TUBARONES PHOTOGRAPHY.
In the crucible of pain, we find our Grace, A journey from the depths to a higher place. From sorrow’s grip, we rise to happiness’s embrace, A transformation beyond what words can trace.
Beyond physical exertion, it’s the strength of soul, Grace, like a river, making wounded hearts whole. In every stumble, in every broken pace, Grace is the warmth of a loving, forgiving space.
Accepting our shortcomings, embracing them with love, We find Grace showered from the heavens above. In this masterpiece of life, we all play a part, Grace, the melody that harmonizes every heart.
So let Grace be the bridge that carries us through, From pain to happiness, from old to the new. In this tapestry of life, a wondrous embrace, Grace binds us all with love’s enduring Grace.
In the realm of Grace, we find our way, Where kindness and love forever sway. A gentle touch, a whispered word, In Grace’s embrace, our hearts are stirred.
Through trials and storms, we often roam, Yet Grace is the light that guides us home. It’s the hand that lifts us when we fall, The sweetest voice, a comforting call.
In Grace, forgiveness finds its place, A healing balm, a warm embrace. For in our flaws and in our fears, Grace dries our tears and calms our tears.
It’s the beauty of a sunset’s hue, A gift of love from me to you. In Grace’s dance, we all take part, Uniting every soul and heart.
So let us cherish Grace’s art, A masterpiece from the very start. In kindness, love, and blessings too, Grace shines on all, both me and you.
I’m Olopade Samuel, a proud Nigerian volunteer, engineer, and upcoming politician. As far as I recall, my whole life involved humanitarian activities with clubs like the Red Cross, Rotary, and Lions Club. My interests lie in observing nature, human advocacy, and wishful thinking to be a better artist. My life goal is to be that person others look up to, that model person who rises above stereotypes.
Note: We are in the process of moving all our winning poet interviews to the website. Please be sure to bookmark it at yecheilyahsannualpoetrycontest.org/.
Introducing S.R. Graham
Instagram: @thesensualgenius
S.R., welcome and congratulations!
Please, tell us, what is your name and where are you from?
My name is Shakeitha Graham. I am from Salters, South Carolina.
When did you first fall in love with poetry?
I first wrote poetry when I had to write a poem as an assignment in my first-grade class. I didn’t know much about poems, but I’d write them occasionally without really understanding what I was doing. I never thought I was good at writing them until I started posting my poems on social media and getting compliments on them. I first fell in love with poetry when I went to college and started learning about it extensively. That was when I was exposed to more black poets like W.E.B Dubois, Nikki Giovanni, Toni Morrison, and James Baldwin.
Excellent! Tell us, what inspired your poem?
I used to be a perfectionist, so I would give myself a hard time about everything. I always wanted things to be perfect or I wasn’t able to recognize the value in it. I’ve grown from perfectionism a lot, but I still have my moments when I am hard on myself. It has always been easier for me to extend grace to others than it is for me to do it for myself. That’s what inspired my poem.
I can relate to that! In your own words, what is Grace?
Grace is the empathy and compassion we have for ourselves and others even when we fall short. It’s the space we hold for the imperfection within us since we are human.
In what ways can we extend more grace in our own lives and in the lives of others?
We can extend more grace in our own lives by recognizing our inner critic as the young version of us that doesn’t approve of the things we may be doing in the present. We should nurture that inner child and help it to understand that we are no longer in that stage of our lives. We can extend more grace to others by being more understanding and not judging them based off our values and principles.
Well said! What are you hoping to achieve with your poetry?
I am hoping to inspire people to feel the hard emotions when they read my poetry. I also hope to make people feel seen, heard, and felt.
Where do you see yourself one year from now?
One year from now, I see myself being an established poet and performing spoken word poetry on small and big stages.
I believe it!
And without further ado, I introduce to you “What I Lack,” by S.R. Graham
Photo by Karolina Grabowska.
I offer it to those who pluck sin from between their teeth, and pass down trauma like family recipes. I offer it to those whose chests are desolate like coal mines, but their eyes are brightly lit when love comes with a prize. I offer it to those who take pain religiously, like daily vitamins, but still implement hope and faith in their regimens. I offer it to those who serve destruction as a three-course meal, and make friends with drugs because they’re too afraid to feel. I offer it to those who are at odds with life. They are the ones that need it most because their intrusive thoughts hold them hostage with a knife. I offer it to the ones who are addicted to the light, even though they pull foolish stunts to remain in the public’s sight.
I offer it to women who wear their burdens like pearls around their necks. The ones who hide from their reflections to dodge the secrets they want to forget. I offer it to men who are spoon-fed large helpings of responsibilities but are always thought of last when we are serving reciprocity. I offer it to children who are forced into adulthood too soon. Their inner beauty is sometimes stagnant like butterflies who aren’t ready to leave their cocoon. I’d offer it to the tired eyes looking back at me in the mirror, but sometimes my vision is too cloudy to see the value in me clear.
So, I give offerings of grace to those whose sins are severe, hoping that what I lack rewards its adherer.
S. R. Graham was born in October 1990 in South Carolina, where she still lives. She has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and English attained at Southern New Hampshire University. She is a versatile writer, creating anything from poetry to novels and novellas. She is the author of the Two Monogamous series and the Pretty Privilege series. You can visit her website at srgraham.org to learn more about her and find all her works in one place. S. R. Graham is also a podcaster, a cosplayer, an advocate for sickle cell disease, and a sickle cell warrior.
Note: We are in the process of moving all our winning poet interviews to the website. Please be sure to bookmark it at yecheilyahsannualpoetrycontest.org/.
Introducing Our #1, Chandra T. Mountain!
Instagram: @musings.from.my.younger.self
Chandra, welcome and congratulations!
Please, tell us, what is your name and where are you from?
My name is Chandra Tyler Mountain. I am a NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) girl living in Northern Alabama.
When did you first fall in love with poetry?
I’ve been in love with poetry practically my entire life. Poetry first came to me through song. My family has a strong musical heritage, so music reverberated throughout our home, especially Sunday mornings. The crackling of vinyl records followed by music from the 50s, 60s, 70s. Jazz, Blues, R&B, Soul, Funk, Pop, you name it.
I can hear them ole school jams now!
I sat, listened, and sang my heart out. Even though music [singing] was my first love, I was keenly aware of the lyrics and how the combination of words, rhythm, and sound created meaning that could also make me feel. I “wrote” my first song at 5, a song with strange lyrics by a kid trying to process something she heard or read. Reading and writing poetry came a little later.
As a preteen, I was moved and inspired by the poetry I found in youth magazines. I began to dabble with writing my own poetry at age 11 or 12. I later borrowed my older siblings’ poetry anthologies and literary journals. I devoured the poetry. Gwendolyn Brooks, Langston Hughes, Mari Evans, Claude McKay. I loved the way poets succinctly expressed a potent moment or feeling in just a few words and could leave me staggering. I wrote profusely as a teen and in my college years. My hubby rediscovered those earlier works five or so years ago, and I self-published two books just last year featuring the writings of my youth, Musings from My Younger Self (April 2023) and Into the Garden (September 2023).
We got another poet author in the building ya’ll!
Sorry. Sorry. Go on, lol.
Creative writing slowed down to zero productivity while I worked on my master’s and doctoral degrees and as I focused on research and writing in Africana and women’s literature and theory. I wrote a poem here and there for a couple of decades but returned to [consistently] writing poetry about five years ago–after losing my second sister to cancer and trying to cope and make sense of devastating losses.
Oh no. I am so sorry to hear about your sisters.
Tell us, what inspired your poem?
“I’m Living” was inspired by a brief conversation with a former student. I knew she had been struggling with her mental health and trying to process emotional traumas. One day she called to thank me for a gift. When I asked, “How are you?” She responded, “I’m living.” There was such candor and weight in her brief response. Most people would either commiserate or move on, but this individual lost a sister to suicide, so I knew “I’m living” was more than just words. When we ended our conversation, I penned the poem to lessen the weight of her grief and trauma on my own heart.
Oh wow. See, that’s why you are #1!
In your own words, what is grace?
So, the “textbook” answer is grace is “unmerited favor.” I’ll remain in that lane and try to steer clear of the theological nuances. We don’t earn grace. Can’t buy it. Can’t extort it. It’s a gift from God. Grace does not come our way because we are better than or worked harder than or are smarter than anyone else. Why one cancer diagnosis ends in death and another in 50+ more years of life has nothing to do with goodness or pedigree or wealth. A brief glance outside ourselves will reveal there are others who work harder; there are others who, by our flawed human standards, deserve more. There are certainly others who are good good—absolute angels walking on this earth—who have less of our comforts and less of our fortunes but more in intangible ways that matter.
A line in my poem is “life is grace.” We are in the land of the living not because of our merits but because of grace. What stopped the “knife held at my throat” from being plunged deep inside? Only the grace of God. One of life’s greatest mysteries is this thing called grace, and once we acknowledge all our comforts, privileges, fortunes, and gifts are grace, only then will we begin to get a little insight and understanding of grace as a concept and a reality.
Beautiful. In what ways can we extend more Grace to ourselves and others?
Can we just cut ourselves some slack? Can we cut everyone else some slack? It’s become cliché, but can we acknowledge life is hard, and everyone is going through hell? Everyone is grieving. Everyone is trying to heal from unspeakable trauma or suffering in one way or another. Extending more grace is not difficult. Just do it. Exercise more kindness, more patience, more acceptance for ourselves and others.
How do we show more grace in our own lives? Accept ourselves for who we are, where we are in life, and the journey we’re on. Stop comparing. Stop striving for perfection. It’s elusive. We are amazing for just being here and staying in the fight.
How do we extend grace in the lives of others? Acknowledge their humanity and let others be who they are and who they’re becoming. It’s not our job to craft people into our own image. I actually have a poem about that!
What do you hope to achieve with your poetry?
Poetry is my space to process big emotions and haunting questions. I listen, observe, feel, and write. I am not writing for a Pulitzer, but I hope my poetry allows people to see themselves, gives them courage to wrestle with the questions, and shows them there is hope even in the darkest moments.
That’s beautiful, Chandra.
Where do you see yourself one year from now?
I am a one-day-at-a-time kind of woman. I’m not sure I can think that far in advance. 😀 I have a rich and full personal and professional life (as a professor and dean), but I am writing all the time. I maintain a blog, Pics and Posts (iamchandralynn.com) to take care of my immediate need to write and share. I write every morning and at least 30 minutes per day. As a result, within the last few years, I have drafted [by hand—gasp!] not one or two but five books—poetry, inspirational writing, and a “semi” children’s book.
My goal is to push at least one of them to publication by the end of this year. Two, if time allows. I have a lot of “other” writing, so I plan to submit to more journals and magazines. Thankfully, placing first (squeals!) in Yecheilyah’s 6th Annual Poetry Contest encourages me to put more work out there. Confession: I have used creative writing to avoid work on an academic title, so as much as I don’t want to, I have to put a pin in the creative writing just for a little while to complete that work—which [for me] takes a lot more time, intention, and energy. I’m amazing (right?), so I’ll finish it and get back to creative work!
I love this for you and we are looking forward to reading more of your work!
And without further ado, I introduce to you “I’m Living,” by Chandra T. Mountain
Photo by Josh Sorenson
for those who answer “How are you?” with “I’m living.”
To say “I am living” is to say much. It is to say: Life is grace. Unearned. Gifted. It is to say: I have survived those who went to the grave too soon and the grief that would surely engulf me. It is to say: I have survived the knives held at my throat, clutched by my own hand. It is to say: I have clawed my way out of pits of despair and have learned to dance in the rain. It is to say: I choose to keep breathing keep fighting keep moving. In light. In truth. In love.
Chandra Tyler Mountain is a native New Orleanian living in Northern Alabama. She whines when work gets in the way of fun and wakes up in the wee hours to spend time with God, write poetry, short prose, and inspiration. When she is not with her guys (hubby and son), in meetings, or in her sunflower-brightened office, you might find her roaming–camera in hand–shooting beauty and capturing light, or sitting quietly in the shade of a tree doodling flowers. By day, she serves as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Professor of English at her alma mater, Oakwood University. She maintains “Pics and Posts,” a weblog about snail mail, photography, and the beautiful facts of life (iamchandralynn.com). Her recent publications–Musings from My Younger Self (Chandra Lynn Tyler) and Into the Garden—are available through Amazon in ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats.
From my eighth-floor window I could hear hope bounce back and forth on concrete loitered with crack vials.
Dirt-caked Nikes were like hands reaching for revolution in the air.
It didn’t get them out of the projects, but Jordan would have been proud the way these boys balled.
It kept their bodies distracted from the hunger of not eating for three days. Here, many children raised themselves. Forced to grow up without grownups.
It’s a strange thing not to have parents strange the way these kids parented themselves.
Adults in small bodies swallowing their pride for one more game.
They might not eat today, but boy, how they balled.
This was inspired by the real events of growing up in The Robert Taylor Projects as a kid in early 90s Chicago. Head over to my TikTok @yecheilyah to listen to the poem.
You are fourteen, and despite the childish laughter— the one smoother than the fresh coat of love on a baby’s skin— your mothers must warn you that certain skin tones won’t allow you to flash open innocence.
You are not allowed to purchase candy, tell jokes, or ring the wrong doorbell.
Certain histories won’t let you forget the present or permit childhood to take advantage of your fingertips.
Responsibilities follow you home in warm booties, blankets, and prophecies. If you had known that your existence would give birth to a movement, long before your feet hit the ground. Before your mother’s pelvis danced against your father’s, and his kiss brushed upon her skin…
Did they tell you that you were born for this?
Did they tell you about the cries of Israel when they reached into the heavens like hands just as heavy as your parent’s hearts, knocking against the doors of heaven because too many of their prayers ended in question marks?
Did they tell you that you were destined for this?
That you had the freedom movement stamped to your backside like a receipt back to the soil.
Like your fathers had to spit their seed into a melody, an Amazing Grace and Birmingham Sunday, carving its lyrics and your names into the history books of our yet unborn.
And while you rest they march scripture on the bed of your misunderstood self.
Your written content your voice copy blog posts texts, captions the way you capture feeling on the page contextualize thought empower us through emotion breathe life into the human experience remind us what it feels like to live to remember minister to our memory and most sacred truths the way you poet your words, spoken or written is, power.
A historical document your grandchildren will one day cherish resist the urge to withhold words hold them like you once held your babies precious and true their bodies snug in the crook of your arm and the warmth of your chest Wrap your arms around this text: Your intellectual scholarship has merit.
Let it be a legacy for the next generation Gift them this birthright. So we may have a right to a better future. Let no one censor you into silence.
The PBS Blog 