Life experiences are meant to be shared as lessons. Sometimes they help prevent pain or bring untold joy. For local poet, Franchot P Moore Snr, life experiences are the windows to his soul which, he openly and willingly bares through his poems. These poems will soon be available in stores as Moore, 57, of Bryans Gate, Palmiste, San Fernando, formally launches his first book of poems later this month. Entitled Re-inventing Poetry—A collection of Poems and other Metaphysical Discussions, Moore’s book of poems seeks to take the reader deep into his subconscious and unleash the beauty within. “I am hoping that the book delivers primarily inspiration and positive change in the lives of individuals and that each poem would touch on some issue relating to the experience of an individual irrespective of who are, what culture or nationality. You will always find something which relates to your experience,” he said.
The US war veteran and father of eight returned to Trinidad six years ago after living in New York for 37 years. He said upon his return he made a commitment to have his work published in a book and after long hours and soul bearing moments his work of art was completed this year. Smiling proudly, Moore displayed a sample of the book, which is expected to hit bookstores before Christmas. A hypnotherapist by profession, Moore hopes his poetry “will inspire the individual to question the beliefs which they have come to know and expect and take action to change some those limiting beliefs.” He said since the age of four he has been writing poetry, and it is his passion. Moore said he wrote his first poem, entitled Ants, in primary school and it moved his mother and aunt. The book, which has 235 poems, also features vivid illustrations from talented artists, locally and foreign. Moore said the cover design was illustrated by 55 year-old Tony Ryals of the US. Ryals, whose photo is on the inside jacket flap of the book, was born with a condition called, Arthrogryposis, which affects the use of his arms and legs. “He cannot use his arms and legs. He does everything with his mouth.
He draws with his mouth. It is amazing to see him work. He drew the cover of the book themed Caribbean tranquility. The effort of Tony is depicted in the book on the inside flap,” Moore said. Another artist, whose work Moore’s book features, is Dione Christopher, an accomplished African American airbrush artist. “In the US, his realism in unsurpassed. He is responsible for seven paintings in the book,” he said. Illustrations from Pleasantville artist, Darryl Carter and Gasparillo based artist Nizam “Jazz” Aziz, both of whom he described as “brilliant” also form part of the book. Moore said one of the major impetus of the book is to show the reader that “at any phase in your life it is your beliefs, your thoughts and your expectations in life which ultimately combine to create the experiences which you come to know.” He said during his teenage years in the US he was exposed to and influenced by a variety of American poets including, Leroy Jones and Gwendolyn Brooks. He was also involved in a small Caribbean group of poets which included Leroy Clarke, Dawad Phillip, Cheryl Byron, Mervyn Taylor and Ha Tiwoni.
