Today we’d like to introduce you to Kewayne Wadley. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Kewayne Wadley is a Memphis-based poetic storyteller whose mission is to spread love and inspiration through the power of words. Breathing his first human breath in Connecticut, he wound up spending most of his childhood days in the Deep South and much farther south: Central America.
Distinctly amorous lines infused with sultry overtones, Kewayne’s poetry paints vivid pictures of whirlwind romances and loves as unshaken as placid lakes. The unwavering support of his loved ones, especially his grandmother is what drives him the most. His innate ability to see life through an unconventional lens can be witnessed in his innovative approach to his craft.
Throughout his writing career, Kewayne’s poems have been featured in an array of anthologies and zines, including but not limited to Collected Whispers (2006), For This Cause Writers Unite (2012), The Poetic Bond IX (2019), Porter Gulch Review: 36th Edition (2020), and Who’s Who in American Poetry (2021). He also was recently crowned the 3rd Place Winner for his haiku “Full of Posies” (Dreamers Magazine, 2022) and received Honorable Mention for “Love Sometimes” (The Poetic Bond X). In addition to book number two, he is the father of Listening to Songs at Midnight.
When he isn’t jotting down romantic free-verse on any writing surface he can find, this multi-passionate writer is either drawing, painting, or listening to an eclectic assortment of music.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t necessarily been a smooth road but it somewhat has at the same time. Adversity creates character and there has been a lot of it lol. There’s always something to learn or take away from any situation. As far as writing I haven’t taken any classes or been properly instructed outside of my initial schooling. I’ve had friends, family, and believe it or not professors from a couple of prestigious universities reach out and help guide me along the way and I am very grateful to have not just that experience but that kind of support.
To some degree, there is always the feeling of being inadequate or self-doubt no matter what field you specialize in.
After a series of rejection letters, I really began to doubt myself but that’s when your support system really becomes important. That and juggling a nine to five and trying to meet their needs, the question then becomes where do you find the time as the hours are long. It’s a matter of finding the right balance and not deviating from the plan although you have to find a way to make it work. It’s been fun.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Well, I am most known for my poetry and short stories. I write as well as draw and paint. I’ve been writing for over 15 years now and still find it most difficult attempting to paint a full picture using words. There are so many angles to consider, so many ways you can play and have your words intermingle. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of would be my inclusion in the Poetic Bond X. Going into it, I jokingly said to myself that I am going to be in this volume. I made my debut in the series in its fifth installation (Poetic Bond V) It wasn’t revealed to us until after the submission deadline that this would be the final installation of the series and in my opinion my favorite volume.
Upon receiving the news that my entry was accepted, I was ecstatic as up until that point I would take breaks from entering contests as well as writing. After the Poetic Bond V, I took a long break and was able to have my work accepted into the 8th and 9th volumes, so it became important to be included in the 10th. Volume 10 shares some of the most beautiful poetry I’ve read to this day and with it being the final chapter I think it was understood by everyone that became a part of it that we had to bring everything we had to the project. Most notable, although there is a typo by the poet’s name.
I got my first recommendation for one of my poems and is the volume where I’ve had more than two poems accepted and where I got the inspiration to release my own collection of poetry titled “Listening to Songs at Midnight.” What sets me apart from others as I’ve been told is my ability to visually breathe life into the words I type on the page. When you read my work, you can close your eyes and see everything that’s on the page.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
There are so many lol, I’d say my favorite childhood memory is. Ok, I am a very private person and to reveal this or anything so far is a major step for me. It is also very hard lol. But my favorite childhood memory is well, one of my favorite childhood memories would be riding with my Uncle Snook or my Aunt Poolah. It might not seem like a big deal just hearing that. But keep in mind we grew up in a different time and of course, every time you heard the rattle of keys or someone said they were going somewhere. Naturally, being a kid the first question was can I go lol. They took me everywhere lol. When I am having a bad day at work or just a bad day period I always think back to that and just grab my keys turn the music up loud and just go.
It didn’t matter if they were just running a simple errand or had something important to do, they would always make time for me and would take me with them. Even if it was just going around the neighborhood and dropping me off and telling me that they would be back. That really means a lot in the eyes of a child. Especially when you get older and understand that life moves pretty fast and you really don’t have the time. It puts emphasis on the smaller things, as well as having good friends. I have a lot of memories like that as well as the city of Birmingham
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poeticblues1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Romero.Amour
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCSFijbA407BHaU1784d5RVw
- Other: https://www.poemhunter.com/kewayne-wadley/
Image Credits
Tevin Wadley, Joshua Bivens, Bianca Roundtree, and Keneethia Wadley
