When you require renewal, is there a particular poem or book that you return to? A particular author?
The book I return to for renewal is Ka Makani Pa’akai by Hawaiian author Brandy Nalani McDougall. Even though this book was published in 2008, it still resonates in its moving portrayals of Pacific culture and ecologies.
What other poetry books have you been reading lately?
I have been returning to a book by Hawaiian poet, Joe Balaz, entitled Pidgin Eye. This book explores Hawaiian culture, environment, politics, and history and is written entirely in Pidgin (Hawai’i Creole English).
What poets changed the way you thought about writing?
Since I teach Pacific Islander literature, many Pacific writers from older generations have deeply inspired me, including Albert Wendt, Haunani-Kay Track, Hone Tuwhare, Konai Helu Thaman, Epeli Hau’ofa, Grace Molisa, John Pule, Peter Onedera, and many more.
How do you know when a poem is finished?
Instead of trying to know when a poem is finished, I prefer to experiment with different types of endings. Sometimes a poem ends in a declarative epiphany and sometimes in a question. Sometimes a poem ends in clarity and sometimes in ambiguity. Sometimes a poem ends where it began and sometimes a poem ends in a new beginning. Sometime the poem closes and sometimes it opens.
What are you working on?
I am currently working on my sixth book of poetry, entitled from unincorporated territory [åmot], which is part of an ongoing series of books about my homeland of Guam and my indigenous Chamoru culture. The book explores themes of colonialism, militarism, environmental injustice, migration, and healing.
