About Kami

Terri D. Staten a.k.a Kami was one of 209 poets published in the book, Promises To Keep—Volume VII. It was designed to revitalize an interest in poetry and recognize deserving novice poets.

Her poem, “From Now On,” was selected from nearly 1,500 submissions. It was also published in the Tallahassee Democrat 's 1997 Mother's Day edition. Her poetry has also been published in Treasured Poems of America, Rhymes of Greatness, and Spirit of a Song . She was awarded the Editor's Choice Award from the National Library of Poetry. She was also the assistant to the Editor-in-Chief of Smoke One Magazine at Florida A&M University. 

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Ms. Staten has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from Florida State University. She has been involved with Nokturnal Escape, a local poetry troop in Jacksonville, Fl.

Personal Notes of Poetry: Pain Is Pink is her first manuscript. Ms. Staten has started a business, Personal Note Poetry which aids in Spiritual Healing through the use of herbs, oils and stones.

Interview with Terri “Kami” Staten by Amani Francis

Amani: Tell me about when you first became a poet. What motivated you to begin writing poetry?

Kami: I began keeping a daily journal for my own self-happiness, and then the daily journal writing turned into writing poetry. I read a lot of poetry books and it helped me hone my art. Writing poetry is an outlet for me.

Amani: You co-edit Venue – a Southern Forum. What made you want to edit an electronic literary journal?

Kami: Being a writer, I felt that other up and coming writers needed an opportunity to have their work posted and published. If Venue had been around when I was first trying to make my mark, I would have jumped at the chance to be a part of it. It really does give you the confidence to pursue your dream when you have outlets to help accomplish your goals and that's what Venue does, supply writers an opportunity to shine and make their mark. Just as well, I wanted quality-reading material that real writers and artists alike in the Jacksonville community and abroad could appreciate.

Amani: How did you transform from a poet to a spoken word artist?

Kami: While attending Florida State University a very good friend of mine dared me to get up on the mike and read one of my poems. Well, I did and the rest is history. I've been reading and reciting poetry now for over 8 years.

Amani: In your opinion, is there a difference between spoken word poetry and literary poetry?

Kami: Yes, there is. Spoken word poetry is more of a performance. You are acting out your words to get the crowd into your poetry piece. Literary poetry is for reading. Literary poetry can give you the same fullness that you feel from spoken word, only by means of reading not hearing.

Amani: Do you feel that literary poetry fits into the spoken word format, which has a more hip-hip feel to it?

Kami: I don't feel that literary poetry fits into the scheme of the Spoken Word format. Spoken Word is an art all of its own that requires an artist to act out their words, for a feeling of accomplishment, for themselves and for the crowd. Literary poetry definitely doesn't have a Hip-Hop feel to it, but Spoken Word does, that's one of the reasons why it is Spoken Word because you can flip and mix your words however you please. Literary poetry is read the way it is written.

Amani: I notice that you put a lot of hooks into your poetry, similar to rap and r & b lyrics. What made you decide to incorporate hooks inside of your poetry?

Kami: The audience can remember a hook most of the time before they can remember the title of a poem. It gives the piece a more lyrical feel that people can relate to while also putting a smile on their face. I just performed in Ocala, Fl and the audience began singing the hook with me and it felt good that they liked it so much to participate with me. So a hook is always good to incorporate into your poetry piece for reciting; it really does amp-up the piece.

Amani: One of my favorite poems by you is your piece about Shirley Chisholm. It's such a rhythmically beautiful piece. Tell me about what inspired you to write that piece.

Kami: Well, I was stunned that I didn't know about Shirley Chisholm. I felt like I should have, so when I heard about her being the first Colored woman nominated to run for the Presidency back in the 1970's, I couldn't resist writing a poem about her struggle and influence within the African American community. It's an ode to her for even having the courage and insight to know that she was capable and deserving despite the odds against us at that time. I love her strength; it represents all African American women.

Amani: Speaking of inspiration, what inspires you on a daily basis to write poetry?

Kami: At this time in my life I don't write poetry on a daily basis, like I used to. It seems that with all my new added responsibilities, I don't have as much time to write, but my inspiration simply comes from my day-to-day activities. Something has to really move me for me to put it down on paper

Amani: How would you describe or classify your poetry?

Kami: I would classify my poetry as inspirational. Most of my pieces relate in some form or fashion to everyday life and GOD. I wrote my deepest feelings so that people would know that they aren't the only ones feeling the way they feel and to give encouragement.

Amani: What advice do you have for poets who may write and want to delve into the spoken word art form, but are either intimidated by the spoken word audience or are too shy to share their work?

Kami: It depends on what they want. If they want to publish a book of poetry, then performing must be a part of their successful equation. If they want to be a part of the Spoken Word community, they simply must dive in and be ready to accept criticism, also confidence must be a big part of them, otherwise they won't last long.

Amani: How did you come up with the title, Personal Notes of Poetry: Pain is Pink ?

Kami: The title Personal Notes of Poetry , evolved from my poems being so personal. Pain Is Pink , describes all the heart-felt pain that comes with the sunshine afterwards. My book is the Pink after the Pain. If most people knew that storms come and go and after each storm is growth then they would understand that storms aren't so bad.

Amani: The cover art for your book is very nice; the woman on the cover actually reminds me of a close friend of mine. Tell me about the cover art for your book and the artist who created the cover.

Kami: The artist who brought my book to life is Raphael Mizzell. He displayed an exhibit at Florida State University where he created 7 paintings on newspaper, and my book cover was one of them. Raphael Mizzell has started his own publishing company and has published his own book of African American Artists.

Amani: Was the cover created specifically for your book?

Kami: The book cover was not created especially for my book. Actually, I had asked him to create another painting for my book, but when I arrived to pick up the painting he suggested “ The Pain Is Pink” Cover because on the newspaper the date solidifies the painting and the painting has pink in it.

Amani: What observations do you think people will be able to make about your life after reading Pain is Pink?

Kami: That it was full of everything.