September 2001, Marylene Bauza ("Maieh") Interview sections you may visit (click)
The Interview with Poet selected poem "Once and Again" featured poem "Love Sonnet - Manana XVII" By Pablo Neruda Q&A - questions asked & answers	Other poetry by Maieh In My Eyes Leaving Fear You Let You Go Death of a Dream Beyond Dreams In Slumber and Wake Too Late Heart and Soul The Smile Survival Empty

Questions and Answers with Maieh:

(09/03/01 Sally, Ridgewood, NJ)
Question: Maieh, I am very excited that you are the September featured poet. You are one of my favorite poets on poetheart.com. So many of your poems have touched me. Sometimes I have even had tears in my eyes as I was reading them. My two favorites are "Once and Again" and "Empty" as well as "In Slumber and Wake" probably because I can much relate to the feelings you express in these. Being from the Philippines you may speak a few languages, do you also write in your native language? By the way, your English is excellent and you have a great vocabulary. Thank you for answering my question and the very best of luck to you in school. Sally, Ridgewood, NJ

Maieh: Hi Sally! I'm so glad you like my poems, and if you can relate to it, ...Wow, I don't know what to say but sometimes it hurts so much doesn't it? Do I write in my own language? I did, once. (I can send it to Jay if you like). Even though Filipino is my native language, it is very hard to learn. A lot harder than English, actually. There are a lot of terms that even now I can't understand. Some terms date back to the 1500s that are still very much alive even now. (I believe my classmates share the same belief). By the way, thank you for the compliments and I hope I was able to answer your question

(09/04/01 J.T., Baltimore, MD)
Question: I just read your (incomplete) interview and noticed that you like Pablo Neruda. He happens to be my favorite poet also. Do you see any similarities between your poems and his? Perhaps in the way you both write so passionately about love? Thanks, J.T.

Maieh: Hi J.T., about Pablo Neruda's works...mmm...yeah, maybe,.. I guess. Maybe, somehow, I was lucky to see love and some things in a certain perspective he saw it.

(09/05/01 Maria P., Philadelphia, PA)
Question: Have you ever had any of your poems published? That question was not asked during the interview - although I notice the interview is not done yet. Maria, Philadelphia, PA

Maieh: Hello Maria! My poem "The Smile" got accepted in the International Library of Poetry, and they said that it shall be published in their new book, "The Silence Within". But, other than that, none yet. I'm not yet sure if it is really worth publishing, although I wish I could have that opportunity.

(09/05/01 Joe T., Silver Spring, MD)
Question: I have just read your interview, as I like reading all of the poet interviews on this site. I notice that your interview is labeled as "INTERVIEW INCOMPLETE" and this is September 5th already. Is there some reason why you are reluctant to complete this interview? Since many of the interview questions are posted but not all of your answers, I gather there is some reason for reluctance. Can you share what it is? Did you not want to do this? Why did you agree to be interviewed? Joe T.

Maieh: Hi Joe!...Well, the first email I got from Jay had this subject:Prelimenary Questions. I think he had sent me some basic questions first then he developed more questions based on my answers. Was I relunctant? Nah. I was more than glad to do this. School was just so hectic this week because it's the 'School of Arts and Sciences Week' (or SAS Week) and we were the ones assigned to manage all the activites. No biggie, really What else...I agreed to be interviewed because it didn't seem harmful in anyway. Besides, I also wanted to know what Jay and site visitors think of my work.

(09/06/01 Lakota, Denver, CO)
Question: I was happy to see that you were selected to be September's featured poet. I have read all of your poems and think you are a very deep and introspective poet. When I read your poetry I feel it in my heart and soul. Much of your work is very sad but it is also about loving and feelings and emotions - and it is not weak or despairing. How long does it usually take you to write a typical poem? Do you make many revisions before you decide a poem is "complete"? Thanks, Lakota, Denver, CO.

Maieh: Hello! First, thanks for the compliments...I am glad you see my poems in such perspective. With regard to your question, it usually takes me about 10-15 minutes to write a poem. The more depressed I feel, the faster I tend to write. And yes, I make some revisions before I decide it to be "complete" just so the poem delivers the message I wanted it to convey. Thanks, again.

(09/06/01 F.B., Cherry Hill, NJ)
Question: I also like Poetheart's poetry (as well as Dona Lou Pearson and Matthew D. Ward). I have many favorites but I especially like "Fork in the Road" from his early work and "Aged" from his current work. Are there any Poetheart poems you consider favorites? Which ones and why do you like his poems? I thought this question would be included in your interview when you said you liked Poetheart and Matthew D. Ward. You were asked which of Matthew's poems you liked but not which Poetheart poem. Thanks. F.B.

Maieh: I like "Someone"...I have a poem somewhat like it, which was entitled "At First Sight"...I like the thought of meeting a total stranger and being caught in such a moment that a concocted future starts to draw up in your mind. "Adieu" is something...so true. Some people make you out to be someone you're not. It's quite something to be able to just walk away without any regrets. Oh...I also liked "Where Did You Go?" for no apparent reason. Actually, I just liked it.

(09/07/01 Sara Chapin, Islip, Long Island, NY)
Question: I have enjoyed your poems on poetheart.com. Do you have your own website as well? Is your poetry posted on any other poetry site? A majority of the poets found on this site seem to be exclusively here. Is there some sort of agreement that you will not submit poetry to any other poetry website? Sara Chapin

Maieh: Hi Sara! No there is no agreement of any kind. You just send Jay an email, and I think he'll be the one to decide...and I don't have my own website yet, although I'm planning to. My other poems are posted at Poetry.com, but what I submitted there can also be found here at Jay's website, with the exception of "Away From You". Good day.

(09/07/01 Larry J., Newark, DE)
Question: In a previous question about whether or not you're published, you answered that one of your poems ("The Smile" which I think is an excellent poem!) was accepted by the International Library of Poetry. What is this "International Library of Poetry"? Did they pay you for the inclusion of your poem in their book? Are they one of those publishing companies that tries to sell you their poetry book at a high price (and which many poets will buy just to see their name in print)? They are a sophisticated vanity press, in my opinion. If they didn't pay you they played you. Is this the case? Don't you lose your amateur poet status by being "published" now? Won't this disqualify you from entering amateur poetry contests and submitting your work to be published by a real live publisher who might want to give a break to an amateur? Larry J.

Maieh: Hi Larry..well, it's in Poetry.com, a friend recommended it to me. And, I've heard about those scams. But since they did not ask any money from me, I just went on...What have you got to lose anyway, right?

(09/07/01 Hallie, Pittsburgh, PA)
Question: So much of your poetry is very personal and expresses very intimate feelings. I like it very much. It is refreshing to read the work of a woman who is so candid. Even during your interview you were very candid in revealing your Lesbian tendencies. I admired you for just a second but for only just a second. When you answered the question about your poem "In My Eyes" (the first poem published on this site) you revealed that you had written it about a woman. Then you turn around and state that your poem "Fear" was written for a "not a guy but a girl" and then you go on to say you "made the mistake of falling in love with one"! I want to tell you that if loving is a "mistake" it has nothing to do with the gender or race of the object of your love. It would seem to be some other deficiency in the relationship if it doesn't work out. As an African-American Lesbian woman (and proud of both) I know that when my relationships don't work out or if they left me wanting for something I felt I was lacking, it had nothing to do with my Blackness or my being a Lesbian. My question is WHY did you ever make such a statement in your interview? I want to add that Mr. Poetheart maintained his ever constant professionalism and let you off the hook much easier than I ever would have. Why did you do such a thing? Do you feel guilty about having any Lesbian inclinations? Do you think it's wrong? Hallie, Pittsburgh, PA

Maieh: Hi Hallie! Hmm, how do I start? Well, it's not that I'm ashamed of it - all of my friends are aware of it. I said it not because of that reason but because of the situation I was in. The girl was a close friend, a very close friend who happened to be very 'straight'. When she learned about it, I almost lost the friendship we had. Things then became awkward (adding the peer pressure and everything). Having her as a friend is one of the best things that ever happened to me. Loving her, comes on the same level...but it came with a price...or better yet a consequence. And in all honesty, I still am not that sure where I stand because I also still get attracted to guys. I don't know, I guess I also said "I made the mistake..." because I was seeing something that was not really there and it had only caused me to fall rock bottom. I have no prejudice againts lesbianism, or being gay. I just am not sure I am one...in the totality of it.

(09/07/01 J.S., West Palm Beach, FL)
Question: I've read all of your poems and like the way you write. Your poems have a certain style and I can easily recognize your work. I did find one exception - your poem "Survival" which was recently posted on this site. I can't put my finger on it exactly and maybe you could help. I'm not sure if it's the choice of words or the tone of it or what. What makes this poem so different than the rest of your work? I like this Q&A thing - a great idea. Gives us all a chance to ask what we want to know about the featured poet. How does it feel on your end? It must be very exciting to be interviewed and answer questions. J.S.

Maieh: Hi J.S., How are you? You know, in Tagalog, we say it as "kumusta?" Well, when I wrote "Survival" I did not use any pattern, the words came in and I wrote it. As much as possible, I try to use different styles. Whatever comes to my mind. I still have poetry of the same sort I haven't yet passed to Jay, but I will soon as I have the time. (By the way, I also like answering this Q&A. It's quite fun to know people want to know more about you and your work).

(09/08/01 Fran, Newport, RI)
Question: Maieh, Congratulations on becoming the featured poet on this site. You certainly deserve to get the attention this must bring to you, as your work is wonderful and you seem to be a very nice person. I just read your interview and enjoyed it. Then I went back and read your poems again. One poem stands out for me (it's called "Too Late") because I can so totally relate to it. This guy and I were together for two years and we decided that would each start seeing other people. It was originally my idea. I felt the exact things you said in your poem. I take it that most of your poems are written from your own experience. Do you feel any better after you write about these things? Is it something of an outlet to express in words (poetry) what you think and feel about something? I am not a poet but wonder lately if there is therapeutic value in writing things out. What is your opinion? Thanks, Fran

Maieh: Hello Fran! Whenever I finish writing a poem, somehow the pain is lessened. It does not exactly leave me - it's still there...but somehow, it's a lot easier to deal with after I've let it out. (It's the same feeling as when you're so angry and want to scream.) Is there a therapeutic value in it? For me there is, yes. The truth is it depends upon the person. In my case, instead of crying my eyes out, I'd rather write. But try it...the pain will be a lot easier to deal with. (I hope things will work out between you and your man.)

(09/08/01 K.S., Marshfield, WI) Question: It's great to see the younger poets like you and Matthew get to be featured along with the more experienced poets. How did you manage to be so favored on this website and ultimately become the featured poet being interviewed and your work recognized? I liked your interview and like your poems. Will you continue to contribute your poems to this site after the interview or was getting interviewed your goal for being a part of this site as you have the past four months? K.S.

Maieh: Hi K.S., You know, it never occurred to me that Jay would feature me on his site, especially for the monthly interview. I only wished to have my poems posted for other people to see. But then again, when he told me about it, I was more than glad to do such. How did I manage to get favored? I don't know, either. Jay just told me that a lot of people like my poetry (and I'm really happy you're one of them), and I guess it started from there. After the interview, I'll still send more poems. So long as I continue to write something of sense and value, I'll continue to send them to Jay. Thanks.

(09/09/01 Karen C., New Haven, CT)
Question: Maieh, love your poetry. It has the universality and depth I think true quality poetry must have to be appealing. How long after you write something is it before you will allow it to be shared and read? I am curious as I know writers and artists who feel very possessive of the work they create and some time must go by before it can be shared. What is your time line? Do you allow it to be read immediately or do you sit on it for a while? How long? My best wishes for continued success. Karen

Maieh: Thanks Karen. Actually, after I finish writing a poem, I will pick up the phone and call up my friend, Judy. She will be the first to know of the new things I write. The next day, I'll go to an I-cafe and send it to Jay. I don't feel any need to be possessive of my work (Well, so long as no one will claim it as theirs) because it's poetry. It's the one thing you can share with anyone.

(09/09/01 Ceilie, Clearwater Beach, FL)
Question: Hello Maieh, Your poem "In Slumber and Wake" is beautiful! I love it and it's my favorite poem of yours. Am I right that it's a love poem and you wrote it about someone that you're deeply in love with? It just sounds like what I would feel if I ever found that lasting love I'm looking for. I printed out a copy and keep it in my purse. "In Slumber and Wake" is a very great poem, Maieh. Have you thought about publishing this poem? Thanks, Ceilie

Maieh: Hi Ceilie (You know, I really like your name. How do you say it?) I'm glad you liked That poem. It's one of my favorites too. And yes, I wrote it for someone I'm deeply in love with. It was during this overnight over a friend's house and we were finishing a project, and that person was sleeping a few inches beside me, looking so peaceful and so serene, that I had to pick my pen and write "In Slumber and Wake" - all the while looking at that person.

(09/09/01 John B., Seattle, WA)
Question: I haven't heard you mention your having read the work of last year's poets. What do you think of their poetry? Do you think your poems are the caliber of theirs? Why or why not? John B.

Maieh: Hi John, About the other poets' works...well, I haven't yet read some of them. Do mine stand in the same level or quite higher? It's not my place to say. After all, we are different writers, each with our own distinctive quality and uniqueness. The readers would be the one to judge and not me.

(09/10/01 Stephen Butler, New York, NY)
Question: Maieh, Why did you think doing this interview might be a good idea? What did you hope to gain from doing this? Thanks, Stephen Butler

Maieh: Hi Stephen! Well, I hoped to gain nothing from this actually. I did want to see and know how people react to my poetry - and to me, too. I thought there could be no better way of knowing except through doing the interview. Plus, it's fun - I've never had anyone interview me about my poetry and this is actually a refreshing change.

(09/10/01 M.Z., Berlin, NJ)
Question: Dear Maieh, I enjoy your poetry so much. My favorite poems are "In Slumber and Wake" and "Let You Go" and I have even made a copy of "In Slumber and Wake" and taped it on my dresser mirror. I was wondering just how many poems have you written? Is everything you have written posted on poetheart.com? Thanks, M.Z.

Maieh: Hi M.Z.! First, thank you. I have about a hundred more poems written in my journal. I haven't submitted them all to Jay but maybe I will submit more very soon.

(09/11/01 Max, Nashua, NH)
Question: Maieh, You gave a pretty good interview. I enjoy your poems a lot. I was wondering if you have taken any creative writing classes or any courses on writing poetry? Pablo Neruda is one of my favorite poets also. How did you first hear of him? How familiar are you with his work? Thanks, Max

Maieh: Well Max, I didn't take any creative writing classes nor did I took any course on writing poetry unless you count the world literature class we have (which is a pre-requisite). About Mr.Neruda, I first became familiar with his work when I saw the movie Patch Adams and became enchanted by the poem Robin Williams read. Ever since then, I have searched the Net for more of his works since his books here in the Philippines cost so much.

(09/11/01 Barbara, Ridgefield, NJ)
Question: Dear Maieh, Your poetry is beautiful. I enjoyed learning more about you and your poetry in your Poetheart interview. So much of your poetry seems to be taken from the very pages of your heart - your feelings and emotions. I was wondering...Do you ever write "light hearted" poetry? Poems about happiness and things that are less "deep"? It would seem to me that a poet as talented as yourself would create poems about other things than the affairs of the heart and soul. Am I wrong? Barbara

Maieh: Hello Barbara! I did once, but I haven't since (not yet). And yes, I write what I feel at the moment, I guess. I'm not feeling really light-hearted - though I do hope to be someday. At the moment, I'm in so much pain and I write about that. Thanks.

(09/12/01 Joe, Aurora, IL)
Question: Maieh, Do you think you will write any poetry about the very recent attack on the United States by terrorists? Joe, Aurora, Illinois

Maieh: Yeah Joe, I will. But I think I'd mostly focus on the upcoming war that seems to be the talk of the world. I wish to write something that would not support such notion. It's just that I don't think a retaliation is the best possible solution. Plus, a lot more casualties will then again occur. We are already mourning for the huge loss, do we have to add to the numbers again? Even our own president here in te Philippines seems to agree with retaliation. I can't even begin to tell her we haven't yet solved our own terrorists issue back in Mindanao.

(09/12/01 M.P., Boston, MA)
Question: Dear Maieh, I was glad to see that you are the featured poet this month. Your poetry is very good. You always manage to express your thoughts and feelings so well and so passionately. Do you think you will express any thoughts and feelings about yesterday's nightmare in a poetic form? M.P.

Maieh: Hi M.P. "Yesterday's nightmare"? Exactly in what sense? I hope I can relate, because I do have a painful past. I don't consider what happened to be just a nightmare, I guess and that's why I haven't yet written something about it yet.

(09/14/01 Judy, Baltimore, MD)
Question: Maieh, I notice the site has been somewhat "shutdown" and there will be no new postings during this week as response to the tragedy of September 11th in New York and Washington. This certainly takes away the spotlight from you. What are your thoughts on this? Judy

Maieh: Hi Judy! What happened last Sept. 11 was incomparably far more important and relevant than my interview. I understand Jay's reason why he had to shutdown the site for a while. (I believe that the United States has not yet fully recuperated, but I do hope things will turn out for the better).

(09/16/01 J.T., Pearl River, NY)
Question: Dearest Maieh, I have enjoyed your poetry and your interview very much. You seem to fit right in as a featured poet - you are both a talented poet and an interesting person. In your interview you mention that your sister also writes poetry and how you admire her poetry very much. Your sister is not interested in submitting any of her poetry to poetheart.com? I, for one, would be very interested in reading her poems. Why hasn't she submitted anything? Do you think she might do so in the future? J.T.

Maieh: Hi J.T. I told Michelle about it and she said that she can't do it at the moment because of lack of time. But she said she will once she's done with all her projects.(My sister is taking up Computer Engineering)

(09/17/01 F.S., Reading, PA)
Question: Maieh, Other than your usual fare, do you write more creative and ethereal poetry? F.S.

Maieh: Ethereal would be something positive right? Somewhere along the lines of light hearted and happy, right? If so, I know I would someday. Soon as I start to feel it which is definitely not yet now. Thanks F.S.

(09/17/01 R.S., Tarrytown, NY)
Question: Dear Maieh, My wife and I have enjoyed your poetry since you first came to this site. We even remember reading your first few poems - and here you are as the featured poet! Maieh,we are curious about something and hope you do not mind our asking. Since being published on this poetry site, has your writing changed at all? Do you have a different outlook on writing poetry since being interviewed? Thanks, Rob & Pat

Maieh: Hi to you both! I don't think my writing or anything has changed. I did become conscious about some things but then, I write based on what I am feeling at the moment.

(09/19/01 Gary, Fort Lee, NJ)
Question: Maieh, I have enjoyed reading your poems and liked reading your interview also. You are a very sensitive poet with an eye to see beyond the obvious. Your words are very moving and your poems are touch many hearts. I would like to see more of your beautiful poems on poetheart.com. Will you be submitting new poems soon? Thanks, Gary

Maieh: Hi Gary! Yes, I will be submitting some new poems soon. At the moment I am taking first semester finals but I'll send the new ones to Jay after that.

(09/20/01 Karen Schiller, Millsboro, DE)
Question: Dear Maieh, I have enjoyed your poetry on poetheart.com and usually have no trouble relating to the feelings and thoughts expressed in your work. I do have a little trouble with "Survival" though. I am not sure I understand this poem. The poem is called "Survival" but the poem ends at the "end of the line" and a seemingly final destination. Could you explain this poem to me a little more? It's probably just me but it loses me somehow. Thanks, Karen Schiller

Maieh: Hi Karen! Sometimes, in the middle of a hard struggle, people give up. They don't always think they should hang on to make it through those hard times. I wrote this poem to say, "Don't give up until it's really over...There is always hope."

(09/22/01 Joe R., Chicago, IL)
Question: Though I do not live near Washington, DC or New York City, I have been very affected by the terrorist attack on my country, as has everyone you talk to you here in this country. Since you live outside of the United States, I was wondering if and how you have been affected by these events? Have you written anything about this? Will you be sharing your sentiments with the readers of poetheart.com? Joe R.

Maieh: I have friends and families who live near there so I do share the same sentiments. Even if I didn't have any relatives near the incident, I would feel a great loss anyway. Upon seeing it on TV, everyone here in the Philippines was shocked and everything seemed to stop. I am planning to write something about it after my final exams.

(09/22/01 Fred, Nashua, NH)
Question: Maieh, I would like to know if you have written or plan on writing anything about the terrorist attack on the USA last week? Fred

Maieh: Fred, No, I have not written anything to date but...Yes, I plan on writing about it soon.

(09/22/01 H.E., Flint, MI)
Question: Dear Maieh, I have read all of your poetry. I was somewhat disappointed by your interview though. You seem to not take your poetry as seriously as I thought you would. Your poetry is deep and thought provoking and your language is beautiful. But your answers seems to be casual and sometimes almost flip. Aren't you serious about your poetry? You never seem to answer your questions seriously or completely. What's up with that? H.E.

Maieh: Hi H.E! Well, my life is not on the best of turns lately. I didn't want to be that totally serious, for a change. But my answers are all that one needs to know of me. I know I haven't been more serious about anything as I have been about my poems.

(09/24/01 V.S., Sandusky, OH)
Question: Maieh, my favorite of your poems is "In Slumber and Wake" and it is quite different from the rest of your poems. In your interview you were asked about this poem and you said that you patterned it after one of Pablo Neruda's poems. You mentioned the poem you patterned it after (I believe you said the poem was called "I like for you to be still") but I have not been able to find that poem. Is that the real title of the poem and do you know the name of the book it is from? Thanks, V.S.

Maieh: I saw the Pablo Neruda poem in the book "Il Postino". I can send you a copy of the poem if you want. Let me know. My email is cielo018@yahoo.com.

(09/25/01 Daria, Philadelphia, PA)
Question: Dear Maieh, I am a fan of your poetry and wish you the best of luck in your professional career and in your future writing. I hope you never give up writing poetry because you have the heart and soul of a true poet. I want to continue reading your work for a long time. The poem you selected to feature for your interview was an excellent choice and is my favorite of your poems. "Once and Again" is an excellent poem which you should consider publishing. I like the way you depict true and unconditional love. It is probably the best poem you have posted on this website. In the interview your answer to the question about this poem was most disapppointing though. The answer didn't seem to match the question of why you selected that poem as your featured poem. Your poem does not seem to be about an unrequited love, and to me this poem indicates unconditional love instead. I was also disappointed that you did not expand more on your writing this poem. What did I miss? Why do I feel your answer is incomplete? Could you please tell me more about what your intentions were when you wrote this poem? What were you trying to express if not unconditional love? Thank you, Daria

Maieh: Hi Daria! First, thanks for your comments. I wrote "Once and Again" to describe how I felt about a certain person. I had my unrequited feelings in mind when I wrote that. That poem speaks of unconditional love also but it was mostly the former which inspired me to write it. I do wish to say more about the poem, but cirumstances speak otherwise.

(09/25/01 M.L., Atlanta, GA)
Question: Maieh, So much of your poetry is very sad though it is also very beautiful. Your writing touches places in my heart and makes me realize that I am not isolated in how I sometimes feel about the things happening in my life. I know you like Pablo Neruda, but what other poets do you read? I am curious. Thanks, M.L.

Maieh: I tried William Shakespeare's sonnets, but I didn't like them very much. His work is so "deep" and the vocabulary is archaic. I prefer simpicity and Pablo Neruda has that. He used simple words and was able give his poems a profound meaning. I have read a peom by Medina "Is love this?" and I also liked that one.

(09/27/01 Jon, Baltimore, MD)
Question: Dear Maieh, In your interview you mention that your poem "The Smile" will be published. Is this the only poem you have decided to publish to date? From what I have read there are at least two more which are excellent and definitely worthy to be published. Exactly when will your poem be published and how much were you paid for it? Thanks, Jon

Maieh: My poem was on Poetry.com and no - I wasn't paid for it. I do plan to have my poems published, but not in the near future. Thank you.

(09/27/01 J.B., Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Question: You mentioned that you have not read many other poetheart.com featured poets. You only mentioned Matthew D. Ward and Poetheart. Do you have any particular reason for this? I would think the other featured poets would be your peers. Don't you feel a kinship with them in any way at all? J.B.

Maieh: No particular reason for not reading all of the other poets - I read those I liked. I haven't yet met or talked to any of the other poets. I hope I can find the time to do that soon. Right now, I am very preoccupied with many other things - especially school.

(09/27/01 Dot, Reynoldsville, PA)
Question: Dear Maieh, Was your poetry revised or changed in any way from the way you submitted it to poetheart.com? Also are your answers changed or edited at all in either the interview or Q&A? Thanks, Dot

Maieh: Yes. There are a few words that have been changed. "Unrequitedness" and "confoundness". I didn't know that these were not words but, thankfully, Jay told me and I made a few changes.

(09/28/01 Marlene, Montreal, Canada)
Question: Maieh, I enjoy your poetry on poetheart.com. Can your poetry be found on other Internet sites as well? If so, are they different poems than those found on poetheart.com? On what sites can I find them? Thank you sincerely, Marlene

Maieh: Hi Marlene! Well, as of now, there are no other sites which have my poems. But I'll soon be sending more poems to Jay for posting on poetheart.com.

(09/28/01 T.P., New Haven, CT)
Question: Dear Maieh, Many things seem to inspire your poetry - events in your life, competetion with your sister, watching television, reading poetry, etc. What about the tragedy inflicted on the U.S.A. with the slaughter of thousands of innocent people and the way it has affected so many people and changed America? Have you written anything about the tragedy in the U.S.A. yet? Will you be submitting anything to Poetheart in the near future? (I have not yet seen any new poems with these recent tragic events as the subject on poetheart.com. To date this site has not posted one solitary poem about the events of September 11th, 2001.) I was wondering if any poet has submitted anything? Do you know why there is a silence from the poets of poetheart.com?

Maieh: I don't know why poets haven't yet submitted poems about September 11th. I am planning to write and submit something, but I am currently taking my final exams for this semester. I'll send Jay my poems the minute I have them written.

(09/28/01 Jared, Santa Ana, CA)
Question: Maieh, Will you continue to submit poetry to this site when your interview is over? It seems to me that once a poet is interviewed they move on or something. The only poets who have continued to be part of the site after their interview are Dona Lou Pearson and John R. Yaws. The others seem to lose interest once they are featured. What are your intentions? Will you continue to participate or will you move on? Jared

Maieh: Jared, I have no intention of stopping my submissions to poetheart.com. I'll continue to send poems as long as I think they are worth reading.

(09/28/01 Gillie, Boston, MA)
Question: Dear Maieh, I enjoy your poetry and read your interview. My favorite poem is "Death of a Dream" because I can relate to it and the words are so beautiful. The way you write - your vocabulary and phrasing as well as your ability to articulate well in your interview and in the question and answer segment - indicate that you more than fluent in the English language. I know that English is spoken in the Philippines but what accounts for your obvious mastery of this tongue? What exactly is the language spoken in the Phillipines? In the universities, on TV and in government what language is spoken? Thank you. Gillie

Maieh: Well, most of our books are in English. Also most of our magazines, TV shows, advertisements, (almost everything) are in English as well. Even our Constitution is in English. In school, it's a prerequisite to speak English except if your class is Noli, El Fili or Filipino. The Philippines has so many languages that Tagalog is spoken mostly in the cities. Almost every region has a different language! I speak English fluently though - mainly because my dad trained me. Most of the time, it's a lot easier than Tagalog itself.

(09/29/01 Celeste, Dickson, TN)
Question: Maieh, Have you written anything about the terrorist attack on the United States? Celeste

Maieh: No - not yet, but soon

(09/29/01 D.Z., Miami, FL)
Question: Maieh, In your interview and in the Q&A, you have only mentioned having a sister. Do you have other family? Have you written any poems about your family? Thanks, D.Z.

Maieh: In addition to my sister I also have an older brother. I haven't written anything about my family though.

(09/29/01 Mario B., Poughkeepsie, NY)
Question: Dear Maieh, I am anxious to read a poem by you about America under attack by terrorists. Have you written anything yet? Do you plan to write anything about it? Mario B.

Maieh: Hi Mario...A lot of things are on my mind lately and I'm not sure when I can write something new. I haven't written any new poems, except those I sent Jay a few weeks ago. School, home, love, everything's kind of mixed up, but I'll send one the minute I have everything fixed. Hope you understand.

(09/29/01 G.H., Burlington, VT)
Question: Dear Maieh, I love your poetry and enjoyed your interview as well. Most of your poems are about love - being in love, unrequited love or the failure of love to turn out the way you want it to. Do you consider yourself a romantic poet? Do you think of your poems as "girl poems"? I was wondering how you feel about being pegged a romantic? G.H.

Maieh: Well, I don't consider myself anything. Nor do I think of my poems as "girl poems." I'd like to think of my writing as solace. (Basically, I'm not getting any of that from my friends lately).

(09/30/01 Gerri, Toledo, OH)
Question: Maieh, I was just wondering if ou have ever visited the U.S or plan to visit in the near future? Would you visit Poetheart if you came here? How did you come to be friendly with Poetheart? Is he as easy to deal with it as I imagine? Gerri, Toledo, Ohio

Maieh: Yes, I have plans to visit the U.S., but not yet in the near future. And if ever given the chance, I would like to meet Poetheart face to face. That would be really nice. And Poetheart (Jay), is indeed easy to talk to. He's honest and open and very friendly - although I think he, too, has been busy lately like me!

(09/30/01 JDG, Indianapolis, IN)
Question: Dear Maieh, Considering that you got a late start and your feature was interrupted by the shutting down of the Poetheart website for over a week due to the events in the USA, how was your experience of being the featured poet on this site? Did you enjoy your time in the spotlight? Will you continue to contribute poetry in the coming months? JDG

Maieh: Hi...Yes, I plan to continue submitting poems to Poetheart.com. I enjoyed being in the spotlight. It's not like you get to be in it everyday. It's a wonderful feeling to discover people actually do like what you write. It gives you a boost. As long as I have something to write about, I will continue to submit my works to Jay.

To ask a question, email : interview@poetheart.com

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