Nathaniel Wren is a Guyanese-born writer residing in New York. His interest in poetry was piqued during his time as a student of the St. Roses High School, where he was introduced to the works of Martin Carter. This is a Dark Time, My Love by Martin Carter is the poem that captured my heart and inspired me to write poetry,” he says. “My parents often referred to me as gifted when it came to writing. My late dad motivated and coached me on to use my gift. His death caused a great impact in my life and affected my writings,” he adds, while noting that he was unable to write for months following that experience. In many ways a ‘love poet’, Wren self-published his first book of poetry, “Unspoken Words,” last year, and is currently working on releasing a second book in 2020, which will document his younger years in Guyana.
TWR: One reviewer described your poetry book, “Unspoken Words,” as depicting your evolution as an artist. How would you say your work has evolved since your teenaged years when you first began writing?
NW: There is evolution in my writing style; earlier I placed much emphasis on the rhyming scheme instead of content. A bit too much focus on my manipulation of words took away from the depth. It was less authentic and more effort, whereas my work now is quite natural and free-flowing. I would say I am a freestyle writer today.
TWR: Your poem, Women who are difficult to love, is different from much of your other poetry, in that the tone is a bit angry and it does not take on the more romantic, sultry mood with which your work has come to be associated. What led to you tackling this particular subject? Was this piece inspired by Warsan Shire’s poem of the same moniker?
NW: Women are a bewildering species, but many of them have complexities that cannot be easily deciphered by an onlooker. I had just began courting my potential love and I found her to be quite intricate, she was every bit of what I had not experienced before so it added flames to my desire. Through many nights of late convos, I was drawn in by her skepticism [about] love and whether she was deserving. The common question of, ‘why her?’ made my mission a bit more difficult. This is what inspired me; other men were not willing to go to new unreachable lengths to show that woman he loved her. Some women demand a bit more than others and that difference is what drives me to loving them. I see her as nothing less than a woman with great self-worth who knows what she deserves and that is everything. And I show my appreciation for this woman who other men see as difficult by ending it “you’re fine, unchanged, difficult to love, impossible to let go.” It’s more of an appreciation to the women who men see as work instead of a prize; I just want her to know she is worthy of the effort.
TWR: You name Martin Carter as having an early influence in your love for poetry, but rap is also an obvious inspiration in your work. Are there any artists that have been particularly influential on your craft?
NW: I’m happy to say Wale and Kanye’s earlier music are a great influence on my writings. I won’t say I absorb their style but their music sure sets my mood for a good piece. My favorite song is “Love hate thing” by Wale. That is all I need to find my zone and give me that extra drive whenever I am in need. My older brother played Kanye’s music religiously. He had a great amount of poetic play in his earlier music that made me love his work.
TWR: Your journey to a now published author emphasises how creative spaces enable artist development. Any recommendations for the local writing community on creating support systems?
NW: Social media is a powerful tool that I hope more Guyanese artists use to create a healthy and supportive community. I used to post my earlier pieces of poetry on Facebook and tag my friends. The feedback I was given is what also helped me to pursue being an author. A positive community is so important for artistic growth and I believe creating local Facebook groups where poets can share their work and interact will aid in the growth. Upscale’s open mic nights were always a gathering I looked forward to. Attend similar events and make it habitual.
TWR: Where can we find your work?
NW: My book can be found on Amazon.com, it is available for purchase in both digital and hard copies. I do intend on making it physically available in Guyanese bookstores shortly. I also post my favorite works and new snippets on my Instagram @inksoulpoetry.
TWR: Any poem/writer/book recommendations?
NW: “Incarnadine” by Mary Szybist is my go to for inspiration. I also love the works of Rupi Kaur because I feel it’s quite raw and uncensored. I recommend both “Milk and Honey” and “The sun and her flowers” by her. “Salt” by Nayyirah Waheed is in my top five as well.
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