These 15 powerful pieces of poetic prose will be a delightful addition to the literary arena. Hayes’ collection of poems speaks to the twists and turns of life. The author delivers history lessons with African Burial Ground, which tells the story of the graveyard in New York City, which was excavated in 1991. There are also messages for black women in, Hold Your Head High Nubian Sister, and Blessed Second Chance. We here at Blackrefer.com requested an interview with Linda Hayes, and it’s found below.

DT:  Please give the readers of Blackrefer.com a biographical sketch of Linda Hayes. Where are you from? What do you like to do in your spare time? How long have you been writing?
LH: Hello Delores. I’m a native New Yorker, born in Brooklyn, New York. I grew up in the Red Hook housing projects, but I now live in the East New York section of Brooklyn. In my spare time, I enjoy writing poetry and working on my website at http://welcome.to/blackfaces

DT: Who or what inspires you? Do you have a support network? Did you have any mentors?
LH: I’m inspired by everyday events that take place around me. I have very supportive friends at my place of work and online.

Life Is A Roller Coaster by Linda Hayes

DT:  Who are some of your favorite authors? Why?
LH:  My favorite poets are Turiya Autry & Walidah Imarisha better known as Good Sista, Bad Sista. I like their free style, in-your-face type of poetry.

DT:  How long did it take to write Life Is A Roller Coaster? Is this your first published work?
LH: Life is a Roller Coaster is my first published work and it took 8 months for me to write.

DT:  Since poetry has been called the jazz of literary offerings, do you attend any of the open mic events in your community?
LH:  I’ll be attending my first open mic event this month, on April 29th at Barnes and Noble, 267 Seventh Avenue in Brooklyn, at 6:30pm.

DT: We are certain that many people have seen your website which includes various awards. What else have you done to promote yourself and your book? Any chats, book signings, discussions, online interviews/reviews, or radio and television interviews?
LH: Well, being rather shy, I haven’t done much, but I’m trying to overcome my shyness. I did an online book interview with AnuTwistaFlavah. And now yours is my second online interview.

DT: How much time do you set aside each day to write? What type of environment do you prefer?
LH: Actually, if I try to plan or structure my writing I come up blank. So I just sort of go with the flow and just write as the feeling hits me.

DT:  What's next? Do you have any other releases coming out? What are you currently working on?
LH: Funny you should ask. I just released Life is a Roller Coaster 2, this month. This one only took 2 ½ months to write. It practically wrote itself. Personally, I like this second book better, because the poems are a little more fun and upbeat.

DT: Do you have any pearls of wisdom to pass on to aspiring writers?
LH: Writing poetry is something that I always loved doing, but I gave it up years ago when someone told me that I was making a fool of myself. My advise to others, regardless of what it is they are in to, singing, dancing, writing, etc., is to have faith in their God given abilities and do not let anyone deter them from their dreams.

DT: On behalf of Blackrefer.com I’d like to say thanks and God Bless!

Searching for food scrapes in garbage cans
like rodents that plague the street.
Cardboard boxes in alleyways
provide shelter from harsh cold and heat.

Disregarded, disrespected, disillusioned,
it's enough to bring anyone to tears.
Begging strangers for loose change,
their plea often falling on deaf ears.

Aimlessly wandering the city,
pushing belongings in old shopping carts.
In danger of being mugged, rapped, or beaten
by foolish people with hate in their hearts.

Unloved, unwanted, unemployed,
unstable, unable to provide.
Desperation sometimes to the point
of attempting suicide.

This is the life of the homeless,
struggling to make it through.
But for the grace of Jesus,
it could easily be me or you.

© Copyright 2003 - Linda Hayes