Kimberly Peterson began her nursing career caring for chronically ill and/or dying people. Rich loam for a budding poet. After several unfortunate promotions, she spent much of her time writing dry policies. Once rescued by retirement, Kim applied her passionate quest for precise language to verse. Her favourite website remains Merriam-Webster.
You can read Third Ear Acoustics in the April 2024 issue.
Would you like to tell us a little bit more about your poem? For instance, how or why you wrote it, or perhaps provide some extra context?
This poem began with me watching the wind comb a knot of leaves out of a maple tree. I noticed each leaf followed a circuitous path to the ground. This led me to reflect on the many ways my senses interact with the natural world when I slow down and take a moment to marvel.
Why was the poetic form the best fit for this particular piece of work?
The poetic form is essential to this work because the spaces between words and their shape on the page are as important as the words themselves. My hope is that each stanza reads like a mini haiku, that the reader takes time to reflect before moving on to the next stanza. Also, the sound of each syllable carries extra weight in a poem of thirty-five words. In a piece that contemplates the senses, poetry is the form that conveys this elegantly.
Do you have a collection of poetry or even a single poem that acts as a touchstone?
I have two collections that speak to each other and I return to as touchstones: The Quiet in Me by Patrick Lane and After That by Lorna Crozier. Patrick and Lorna are beloved Canadian poets who were married. The Quiet in Me was Patrick Lane’s last collection, published posthumously and edited by Lorna. After That was published many months after Patrick’s last collection. Both reach a depth of meaning, a raw honesty, and a reverence for that natural world that I humbly strive to convey in my poetry.
If you didn’t write poetry, how do you think you might access the same fulfillments that poetry offers in your life?
I use poetry as a vehicle for mediation, reflection, and discovery. I don’t know how I would process the uncertainty, grief, and awe that surrounds me without it.
How do you revise your work?
Revision is a slow process for me. My first few drafts are often written in pencil with an eraser always available before I save an electronic draft. Then I try to recite the poem from memory. I may delete the lines I forget, or I may edit them. Next, I share a draft with a trusted colleague or writing group. Finally, I record myself reading the poem. I am always amazed by the number of minor changes I make in this last step.
As a poet, what does creative success or achievement look like for you?
I release my words into the world hoping to connect with someone asking the same questions or facing similar challenges.
We love the artistic underdogs, the experimentalists, the lovely weirdos — who or what might you get creative joy or energy from that others might not be aware of yet?
In my family of scientists, I was considered the “artsy” weirdo. In my career as a nurse, I studied the hard science of biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology as well as the softerscience of psychology and sociology. I continue to strive towards integrating my scientific observations with my artistic ones.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a collection of poems that begins with the birds that surround me in my rural community and reflects on what I have learned about myself by observing them.
How or where or with what does a poem begin?
My poems begin in several ways. Perhaps an image strikes me as particularly interesting. I may read an article or listen to a podcast that sparks an idea. A line of poetry may spontaneously pop into my head.
How do you make space for poetry in your daily routine?
The greatest reward of retirement is having time and space to dedicate to poetry. I set aside time after breakfast to read and write.
What are you reading or watching or listening to lately that intrigues or inspires you?
I am currently listening to Secret Heart Broadcasting ( Secret Heart Broadcasting ). I found the first episode intimate and inspiring, and look forward to the next one.
Have you ever received advice (or has there been something you’ve learned on your own) about writing or revising poems that has made you a better poet? What was it?
The best advice I ever received was these are your words, own them. Although I seek advice and feedback, I weigh each comment against what I am trying to achieve.
Do you belong to a writer’s group? If not, where do you find poetry community and feedback?
I belong to a couple of groups that began after a particularly rewarding course or retreat. I also have a few poetic friends whose advice I rely upon.
How did you begin writing poetry? Was there a specific inspiration or reason?
I began writing poetry in elementary school. My first publication appeared in the church bulletin when I was ten years old. It was about the insanity of war, a theme that unfortunately continues to be relevant today.
In terms of poetic style or craft, is there a big question you are trying to find an answer for?
How can I hone my craft so I can squeeze out more meaning and add layers of connection for my readers.