Today we’d like to introduce you to Empress Axa The Poet.
Hi Empress Axa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Reading was always a sanctuary, a means of escape into worlds beyond my own. But it was writing that truly became my muse, a passion ignited during my elementary school years. My bonus mother, who worked at a drug store, introduced me to a popular 90’s stationery brand, and Frankie Sue, with her generous spirit, spoiled me with endless supplies. My first journal was aptly titled for dreamers, a symbol of the boundless imagination I poured into its pages. She often joked about how a pen and pad were as common in my purse as my wallet, a testament to my early dedication to writing. Despite her own limited education, having completed only the 9th grade, academics were held in high esteem in our household, and the mantra “Books before Boys” was a guiding principle.
Naturally, my connection to the drug store where my bonus mother worked extended beyond her employment. Her coworkers became my extended family, my village. Among them was Paula Jones, an esteemed author who frequently visited our home. Paula and my mother shared a long-lasting friendship, and in the process, Paula came to know my work intimately. She read every poem I wrote, providing both encouragement and constructive criticism. One day, she asked, “Aren’t you tired of only telling me about this? It’s beautiful. When are you going to take your gift from underneath that basket?”
The idea of sharing my work beyond the familiar circle of family and friends had never really crossed my mind. Parental guidance had always steered me away from pursuing a career in writing, but Paula’s unwavering belief in my talent changed that trajectory. Her persistence led her to pick me up for a Poetry Smash event at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. That pivotal moment marked the beginning of my journey into the wider world of poetry, a chapter in my history that continues to unfold with both mystery and excitement.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It may seem as if I am a maiden, barren of traditional accomplishments, but in reality, I am the mother of many. My godchildren are growing up strong and well, a testament to the nurturing spirit that resides within me. The poems I write have not redeemed my own mother, yet they serve as a beacon of expression and resilience. I had previously chosen homelessness, not out of necessity but as a means to acclimate to a life free from the constraints of conventional walls. Living without a permanent home has taught me to find solace in the natural world, and to this day, I prefer the embrace of sunshine and moonlight, for they keep the walls from closing in.
Public speaking remains one of the most daunting challenges, a fear so profound that it can paralyze even the bravest. Despite this, I summon a nervous courage to lift my voice. When audience members approach me in tears, it is a reminder that my work speaks for those who cannot voice their own struggles. In this sense, my poetry becomes a vessel for the mutes, giving voice to the silent and solace to the suffering.
Much like many veterans, I grapple with survivor’s guilt. Poetry, my purpose and my calling, can sometimes feel like a relentless task. Poetry is a welcomed distraction from any distress. The messenger is not always cherished, and spreading optimism can be seen as antagonistic to a pervasive pessimism. Despite this, joy pulses through my being, and when necessary, I dance myself happy to counter the shadows that may linger.
Optimism is blooming in my personal garden. Patience is my virtue as I await the harvest of hope, knowing that while I am not starving, I am perpetually hungry for positivity. The love I receive from my Imperial Fan-base transforms towering mountains into mere molehills, and I strive to give back this love with equal intensity. Writing, particularly of the wordsmith variety, presents its own set of challenges, yet I embrace them as opportunities for growth. My vibranium—the essence of my resilience—remains ever-present. I have mastered the art of bending without breaking.
Perhaps the most challenging task of all is introducing my worth to others, only to have them question if I am truly aware of it. This struggle, profound and intimate, is a constant reminder of the complexities of self-recognition and external validation.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
A poet, as defined in the dictionary, is an artist who wields words with the precision of a master painter, each stroke of the pen adding depth and clarity to the portrait they create. The essence of poetry lies in this ability to render the abstract into something profoundly vivid, capturing emotions and experiences in a way that resonates deeply with the reader. To me, every moment spent honing this craft—rehearsing, revising, and refining—is a labor of love, each smile and gesture of appreciation from the audience affirming the value of the effort. There is an unparalleled joy in stepping out into the world alone, only to return home enriched, carrying the love and connection found in those poetic moments back with me.
What’s next?
This locomotive knows nothing but motion. Mum is the word.
Pricing:
- $150/per 15 mins
- Willing to negotiate
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/empressthepoetaxa/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empress.thepoet?igsh=MTF5NnoydDJ2YnhhZg==
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@empressaxaassata4574
