Questions and Answers with Paul Papasavas:

(09/05/02  John M., Providence, RI)
Question: Paul, I was wondering if you copyright your poems before submitting them for posting on the internet? If you do, how is this done? If not, then why not? I also noticed the disclaimer on the poetheart poetry page, and wonder how much good it would do that a poem or story is not public domain if you are posted on the internet without a copyright. Thanks. John M.

Paul: John, I send my poems to the U.S. Copyright Office using a "Form TX" - I usually submit quite a few at a time. They charge a nominal fee for submission. The Copyright Office charges a flat fee - whether you submit one or 100. I hope that helps!

(09/05/02  Yolanda Malone, PA)
Question: Paul, Your poetry is really good and your interview was very interesting and very thorough. Do you have any advice for aspiring poets? Yolanda

Paul: Thank you for the kind words, Yolanda. I can tell you what works for me. Listen to your heart more than your mind. Don't try to come up with "clever" phrases or "cliche" sounding statements. Be surprised at your work AFTER you have read it through; not while you're writing it. And write write write...but don't force it. Sometimes it's just not the right time. Feel free to write if you have any other questions. - Paul Papasavas

(09/05/02  Janice, Clifton, NJ)
Question: Paul, I was so pleased to finally see your interview. I kept wondering why there was such a delay in having it posted on the site. It was worth waiting for though - and think you guys did a great job. Since I have been enjoying your poetry since it first appeared on the site, it was really great to get more information on your poetry. To hear a poet talk about their work is very much a privilege to me. The interviews are such a great idea for that reason. I think you're a real talented poet and your work is very thought provoking. Reading your poetry stimulates the mind as well as the spirit. Paul, during the interview - when you answered that question about changing your "style" - I didn't completely understand your answer. You said that style involves progression - how so? And then you said (or I think you said) that your poems reflect the mood and subject matter you write about. Are you saying that "style" is the lack of reflection of mood and subject? Please clarify your answer. Thanks, Janice, Clifton, N. J.

Paul: Janice, Style, in my eyes, involves a progression and change. The work is also reflective of my state of mind. Perhaps some of the writing is not necessarily a change of style, but more an expansion of my existing style and a broadening of my thought processes. Remember, I don't submit everything I write to Jay; I still have another 50-60 poems sitting on my computer that portray a variation of my existing style. I think you'll see more work like "Letting Go" and "Apprentice" down the road. I don't think I can ever depart that "style." So, style is NOT a lack of reflection and mood...it involves some basic and fundamental principles that govern my writing. So I (truly) consider it an evolution... I hope that makes sense. - Paul Papasavas

(09/06/02  M.P., New York)
Question: Paul, You have been writing poems for more than half your life. That's so cool. I read in your interview that you won a contest when you were 12 or 13 and was wondering if you still have the poem. I read what you wrote about it and wondered if we would ever get a chance to read it? Will you ever submit it to this site? Thanks, M.P.

Paul: Unfortunately, I still have not found that poem! I can assure you I'm STILL looking for it. I admit, it will be exciting to see how I wrote back then!

(09/06/02  Marie, Elizabeth, NJ)
Question: Dear Paul, I loved reading your interview. The very first question you answered was a good question but an even better answer! Very impressive and all encompassing. I am very curious how it came about that you were interviewed and what kept postponing it after the interview was announced a few months ago. Please and thanks. Marie

Paul: Thank you for comments - I really appreciate them! There's a very good reason the interview was postponed. See, Jay and I got together for dinner at a Thai restaurant a few months back. Neither of us had money, so we had to wash dishes for all this time...and they just let us out! I think the coordination between Jay's schedule and my own was such that the timing for giving the readers a complete and concise interview brought it out to September. It just seemed like a better idea to wait till we could cover all basis and I would hope that the wait paid off.

(09/07/02  Paul, Baltimore, MD)
Question: Hey, I read how quick you write your poems and want to know if you re-write to polish them? Thanks, Paul

Paul: I RARELY rewrite anything; in fact, I rarely edit my poems except for grammar (yes, I do check grammar). I don't believe that my conscious mind has the ability to string thoughts and ideas together like my unconscious, hence the reason I never "polish" poems. Quite often, the essence of a poem is not going to be glaring at the reader right away; it will be an interconnection of several layers of thoughts and ideas. Paul

(09/07/02  Joe C., OH)
Question: Paul, I am close to your age (27 years old here). I read the poem by Oscar Wilde you chose and it was the first time I ever read it. How long have you liked that poem? How did you first learn about it? Joe

Paul: Hello Joe - Thanks for writing. First, I'm curious about what your thoughts of Oscar Wilde's poem "Silentium Amoris" are. Of all the poems I've read over the years, that poem stood out. I chose it early this year as my favorite poem because it speaks with such power, elegance, finesse, and expression. It also speaks directly to the heart and makes you "feel" the presence, the pain, and the mental imagry. It just really connected with me. I'm a very passionate person in all I do in life. Whether it's in my writing, my work, my songs, my athletics, or my flying. His poem is a poem of passion... Paul

(09/07/02  G.C., Atlanta)
Question: Paul, I like your poetry very much and found your interview very interesting. How did you become the featured poet? G.C., Atlanta

Paul: Thank you G.C. - How did I become the featured poet? I'm still trying to figure that out! That's a question you have to address to poetheart. Regards, Paul

(09/07/02  Eric, Plainsboro, NJ)
Question: Paul, What's your educational background? I'm surprised this question was not asked during your interview. Thanks, Eric

Paul: Hello Eric. I went to Rutgers Engineering school and then to Rutgers College in New Brunswick. I started out as a Biomedical Engineering Major and decided my heart wasn't in it after 3 1/2 years...so I transferred to Rutgers College and finished up with a major in political science and a minor in psychology. I have considered going back to school for post graduate work, but I'm having too much fun in life right now...why spoil it? Paul

(09/08/02 Denise, Reading, PA)
Question: Do you ever write love poems? Have you written anything about 911? Is there some reason why poetheart.com does not have poetry on this subject (especially with the approaching anniversary of the tragedy)? Thanks, Denise

Paul: I never wrote anything about 9/11 direclty, however some fragments of my writing have in ways been affected by 9/11. Love poems? Yes, here is one I never submitted to poetheart, but I suppose I can post it here! Here is one
that really meant a lot to me --                                         

"What is love
It changes every day
Its meaning full of life
And tragedy changes souls
And reaps majestic heights
Clichés aside,
It is a perilous journey
Into the unknown
It controls every muscle
In your body and commands
You to attention
But the strange thing about love
Is it brings out the extremes
In humans, an unquantifiable
A force that cannot be reckoned
With and a life of its own
It destroys any boundaries
And reprioritizes any
Items we hold close
It tears apart any logic
And smothers any purpose
For love is inexplicable
It hovers there in an awesome way
Perhaps more powerful than life
Itself.it possesses and it
Relinquishes your control
Of everything.
It governs your mind
Your emotions and your peace
It is your sanctuary
Your deprivation
And your food
It is the air you breathe
It's the ground that supports you
Its tranquil semblance is but
A mask.but to qualify our
Existence, and our purpose
For risk penetrates this love
In our vulnerability
Of human spirit"

(09/08/02  Pete, Sandusky, OH)
Question: Paul, Ever written anything you were embarassed about or you > regretted? This question is never asked. Thanks, Pete

Paul: I generally don't look back. The work that I write is representative of what I'm feeling at the time. If it comes from within, how can it be "wrong"? Paul

(09/09/02 Keith, Montvale, NJ)
Question: Paul I'm a 23 year old student who likes writing poetry and short stories just for fun. Lately, about 2 or 3 months now, I have not been able > to develop my ideas or write any creative poetry or prose. I guess this is what is called writer's block. Did you ever have this happen to you? How lomg does it take to get over this? How did you deal with it? Thanks for your input. Keith

Paul: Thank you for writing Keith - The way I avoid "writer's block" is by not trying to write when I don't feel in the mood to write. See, the thing that I like to do is think of some ordinary object...such as a "a ball in the water" - Now...I might write something like...

"Partially submerged from view and
Relishing the gentle breeze
It floats there with a life of its own
And surveys the surroundings as
The sun goes across the sky
It trots at the small currents
And waves alike
And has nothing to do but sit
And wait for the seasons to come
And glance at the tides coming in
It's a world of its on in a small small pond
Just sitting there...Reflecting unto itself"

Now, I used a little symbolosim there...and adapted to a human perspective too. I know this is an oversimplification, but I try to really get myself "in this ball" to see what it's seeing and feel what it's feeling. Really imagine yourself as that ball. That's usually how I get around a "block." If something doesn't come out, I don't let it frustrate me...I just try another time.
What I have noticed is if I am patient, I am able to tap that part of my mind or soul that "wants" to speak...If I was going to write about something now, it would probably be titled "Castles Afar" - I'm thinking of a long treck up a grass country side...a cloudy cool afternoon coming towards evening -- Why? Because my mind is going there...I don't know if it would come out good! But as I have mentioned earlier, I rarely if ever think of something and start "developing it" consciously. That's not to say that everyone should do that! That's what works for me. I have a single thought and start writing...and I see where it winds up. Paul

(09/09/02  V.T., Tulsa, OK)
Question: Paul Papasavas, The poets on on this site seem to get along like one big happy family. Since you're on the inside track on this site, is there is a lot of communication between all the poets? I read in your interview that you read all the other poets so is there a favorite one? Is there any poet on the site who's talent you admire? Thank you, V.T. Tulsa

Paul: Well, we really don't know eachother's e-mail addresses, so I don't have the opportunity to talk with the other poets. However, Poetheart generally forwards messages between poets on the occasion someone is trying to get in touch with someone else. I don't have a "favorite" on the site simply because I like reading everyone poems! It's like having 5 children and not having a favorite; you just loving each one in a "different" way.

(09/09/02  Juliana, San Antonio, TX)
Question: Have you taken any poetry courses or workshops? Have you had any formal training in writing poetry? Do you think there is any value in classes or workshops to learn how to write poems? Thanks, Juliana

Paul: I have not had formal training in poetry. I suppose it could be useful depending upon who your audience is, what your goals are, and what style you intend to use/follow. Some have argued they don't want to let something "mess" with their style. It depends who you ask! Do I think there is any value? There is some value in everything in life...you just have to be looking for it (and open to it). Paul

(09/09/02  JJ, NYC, NY)
Question: Paul, Liked your interview and always get into reading your work. What was going on that take so long to get the interview to the public? This might be a little personal but - what was the incentive to do this interview? JJ, NYC

Paul: Again, it took a little while for our schedules to mesh so we could get all the answers done. I know Jay has been extremely busy with work and I've been busy flying 3-4 days a week during the summer at the shore...aside from my normal jobs (notice the plural in JOBS ). Things have slowed down so that Jay and I could spend the necessary time to complete this interview. Thank you for writing -- Paul

(09/10/02  J.F., Lowell, MA)
Question: Paul, What agreement do you have with poetheart.com regarding the use of your poems by the site? Also, did you approve your interview before it was posted? Things like that concern me. J.F.

Paul: Poetheart posts my poems on his site on a non-commecial basis, which is to say he may not profit from the use of the poems. Since his site is a non-commercial site, there is no problem. If there was a problem with the interview on either of our ends, he would have not posted it. There is a degree of trust that has developed between us over the past year, hence the reason there is no level of apprehension.

(09/10/02  Judi, NJ)
Question: Have you written anything about 9/11? I notice the absence of poetry about this subject on the site. Is there some rule about this? Thanks. Judi, NJ

Paul: Yes - I wrote something today. I was working on a web site for a client and bumped into a picture of the bald eagle crying. It inspired me to write something about the tragic event. The poem, titles "True Heroes - A Tribute to 9/11" was written today and posted by Poetheart.

(09/10/02  John, Pittsburgh, PA)
Question: Paul, why did you choose to put more of your poetry on this site than on your own? What was so appealing about this site? I like it for many reasons but was wondering why you do. John

Paul: Good question John! For one, this site has quite a following. My site is more of a personal site for friends, etc...I really did not intend for it to be a place where people come to read my poems. I put a few poems on my site only as a small indication of who I am. Poetheart.com is geared towards people who enjoy reading poetry. Also, Jay and I have become friends over the past year, so I enjoy sharing my writing with his users and enjoy the harsh critisism I get regarding my total lack of attention to grammar (from Jay ). I think I purposely don't punctuate to see how annoyed Poetheart will get . Seriously, I view it as a symbiotic relationship and espeically enjoy reading the feedback. People may not think the authors read it; how wrong they are! I take every piece of feedback, whether positive or negative, and listen... Paul

(09/11/02 Marla, Boston, MA)
Question: Paul, I like your poetry very much and have read all of your poems more than once. When your interview appeared I was happy to see it and read it immediately. You are very interesting and you have so many other things going on, it's amazing you have time to write so I guess you must really enjoy writing. I read in your interview that you recently sent a poem to a publication. I wish you good luck with it. I am still not sure why you have not been published before. Have you ever submitted any poem for publication before? Was it rejected? What do you derive from having your poetry online? Thanks, Marla

Paul: I recently submitted several poems to a very prestigious publication. I suppose I should hear back from them within the next 3-4 weeks. Your question deserves a candid answer...one that I suppose I wouldn't give to most people. I was not aware of how others viewed my writing until I started receiving feedback from the members of this site. My writing was always very personal, very deep and emotional, and something I kept close to me. Once I started seeing and hearing some feedback, one of my relatives recommended I publish my work. I was hesitant for a while, but decided [just a few weeks ago] to submit some of my work to a particular magazine; their process generally takes 6 weeks, so we'll see what happens. Aside from that, I know very little about the industry and welcome any comments or suggestions from readers who can point me in the right direction. Yes, my life is very busy, but I always find time to do things that are important... Now, onto your other question. Your first statement answered your last question as to why I love having my poetry online. If you were able to derive something from it, something positive (hopefully), then you have brought me more satisfaction than you probably realize. That's an important part of life for me...it has a lot of meaning. Regards, Paul

(09/11/02 Joe G., Ventnor, NJ)
Question: Paul, Have you been influenced by the work of any particular poet? Perhaps a poet you admire or who you know has inspired you? Joe G.

Paul: I can't say any individual poet influenced me. Since I was a little boy, I used to always wonder how and why things worked. I observed, thought, observed, thought, and kept doing that. It's hard to say how similar I was to other children! What I remember was always trying to think above the surface and into a realm just slightly ahead of what I was accustomed to. I guess you could say I was pushing and pushing to try to get to the next level. I found this challenge opened up pathways which led to a deeper meaning of things in life. I know I'm not answering your question in the manner you asked it, but I'm hopefully giving an insight as to how I developed this "style."

(09/11/02 Ann, Latham, NY)
Question: Paul, When people think of the poet Paul Papasavas, what poem do you think they associate with him? In other words, what do you think is your most memorable poem? Thank you. Ann

Paul: "A Talk with my Heart"

(09/11/02 Greg, Philadelphia, PA)
Question: Paul, How have you been educated to be a "poet"? Have you taken poetry or writing courses? Thanks, Greg

Paul: I have no formal training in writing poetry as evidenced by my grammatical (or lack of) structure. What I write comes from within. I'm not saying that to sound cliche; I'm saying that to mean I don't follow any predefined structure. Tonight, I'm going to write something about honesty. I'm having an issue with someone in my life...and I'm not quite sure about certain things, so I'm going to write about it before I go to sleep. If it's a disaster, you'll likely never see it posted on the site...I guess I could write it here so Poetheart has to post it (see how sneaky I am?). My education as a poet comes from my experiences in life; my best professor by far. Thank you - Paul

(09/13/02  F.C., Springfield, MA)
Question: Paul, I read your interview and enjoyed it. I like your poems and have read them all. I have also followed the questions in the Q&A. I noticed that you answered only one question of two asked in one of the letters. Just what was the incentive to do the interview? Thanks, F.C.

Paul: It depends what you mean by "incentive." First, it provides me with some really good feedback as to how my work is being received and perceived. It also gives the users an opportunity to find out more about the person behind the writing. I didn't get paid or promised anything in return.

(09/14/02  GoGirlNJ, NJ)
Question: Paul, I read your new poem which is a tribute to the heroes of 9/11 (it's one of the few poems on this site about that). Your poem was very reverent and was well written. I read somewhere you are also a voluntary EMT. Did you go into NYC during the recovery process to either help with the efforts or just to see? Did you visit Ground Zero? Thanks, GoGirlNJ

Paul: Thank you for the comments on the poem. On the day of 9/11, our rescue squad was dispatched to go to the scene; a few of us had to remain in town to provide emergency care for the or local citizens; I was on of the two selected to remain back. I was happy we were able to send an ambulance up to the staging area to provide assistance. We didn't see any patients, but our squad stood by. I did not visit ground zero because they simply did not want or need anymore help. One of my best friends wound up going there for a few days to help with the effort. I have had the opportunity since 9/11 to go up by air and see it from above...it's still a very very uncomfortable site. I have flown up the Hudson River Cooridor in helicopters more times than I can count...the WTC was always a great highlight of the journey up the river. Time will heal all wounds, but not erase the memories...ever... Paul

(09/15/02 Joe, Minneapolis, MN)
Question: Paul, Since it seems you had final approval of the interview, I would like to know if you had to make any changes in either the line of questioning or what poems were discussed in the interview? It was a good interview - very informative and interesting. It is probably one of the best interviews so far because both you and poetheart seemed very at ease doing it. It just seemed to go smooth because you were having fun doing it. Have you ever been interviewed before? Joe

Paul: Thank you for writing Joe and for your kind words. We only changed a few typos and one sentance that had a slight inaccuracy (dealing with the poerty competition I was in). Besides that, there were no changes whatsoever... what you saw is what was originally asked and responded to. Jay and I had a good time with the interview...we constantly bust eachother's chops - but that's the way it should be!

(09/15/02  H.W., Clearwater, FL)
Question: Dear Paul, I like your new poem "Success" a lot. There's so much truth in it and the message I get is that success sometimes means taking risks and not being complacent about what you have. Why did you write this poem? How much of this poem is about your personal philosophy in your own life? Thanks, H.W.

Paul: So many of us seem to be comfortable with what we have and where we are. There's a quote I hold close to me:  "Only those who see the invisible can do the impossible."  I have done things in my life that people said I couldn't do. They said I couldn't have it because of my age or experience. My beliefs are very deep rooted. Success is predicated on several things; organization, discipline, patience, persistence, and EMPATHY. But besides that, success is also largely dependent on trusting yourself...knowing that you can accomplish something no matter what the obstacles or challenges present. If you keep persisting, trying, rethinking strategy, organizing your thoughts, and evaluating if the outcome is something you truly want, then it will happen...no matter what. Paul

(09/17/02  M.G., PA)
Question: Paul, I read in your interview that your parents and family > read your poems and they encourage you. What exactly is it they do to encourage you? I am a 25 year old grad student who enjoys writing short stories and poems. I have been writing since I was 17 and have sometimes given things I have written to my parents and sisters to read but they have never shown even the slightest interest or curiosity in my writing and never gave me any feedback. Except for a few close friends things I write are mostly unread and my family sort of just ignores my writing. Needless to say I have a low confidence level about my writing since my family has never given me any feedback, let alone encourage me. Friends have all told me they like my work, but I am not sure if they are being objective or just patronizing me. I have considered submitting some of my poems to poetheart.com but lack the nerve at this point. Somehow I seem to need some sort of "approval" from my family to encourage me. Do you have any suggestions on how I can secure the encouragement so many other writers seem to get from their families? This would really be very helpful since it seems to be so important. Is it important or am I just afraid my material would be rejected. I admire those of you who write and who are able share your poems and stories and get feedback to your expression. Thank you. Mike

Paul: Mike, First, I was touched by what you wrote. You seem to be a sensitive person, and I for one would love to see some of your work if you are willing to share it with me. If you send mail to poems@dl.org I'll get it! Hopefully I can be your truthful critic -
The biggest obstacle and hurdle you are facing is you. You alone control the fate of your writing...not your parents or relatives or friends. My decision to submit something to Poetheart came from within. I got some encouragement from my parents, BUT, other people have read my poems and gave me a blank stare similar to how my dog stares at me when I say a word she doesn't understand (like about 99.00% of the words I say to her). That is to say that not everyone will be a "qualified" audience for you and many people may not have the background, understanding, or patience to comprehend what you are trying to convey.
Unfortunately, it is a cold world at times, and often, the encouragement has to come from within...we have to light our fire sometimes. But the fact that you took the time to write to me means that it's something you want to do...it's something you believe in...and it's something I think you should consider pursuing further. As I have mentioned before I'd be more than happy (as would most of the poets on this site) to read some of your work if you'll allow me and I welcome any questions you may have. Yours, Paul

(09/19/02  Janice, Boston, MA)
Question: Dear Paul, I read your interview and think you and Jay both did a great job. I also read your poems and think you're a very talented poet. Why did you choose to put more of your poems on this website than on yours? It's a great site, but you have a site of your own.

Paul: Thank you for kind words. My site was not meant to display all my poems; it was meant more as personal homepage for friends and relatives. Poetheart.com is well established and has a very large following, hence the reason I focus on putting my poetry on poetheart.com. Paul

(09/20/02  George, Princeton, NJ)
Question: Paul, Do you plan on continuing your association with this site when your featured month is over? Thanks, George

Paul: If people can still tolerate my poems, I suppose I'll keep sending them to Jay! Paul

(09/20/02  N.T., Atlanta, GA)
Question: Paul, You guys seemed very much at ease during the interview. Your interview was very good and there didn't seem to be any tension I could detect. Are you guys both easy to work and get along with? Were there any difficulties during the interview process? There had to be something. Nick

Paul: The only difficulty I had with Jay was the amount of spice they put in my food at the Thai restaurant. When I order mild, I expect to get "mild"...not 'oh my, my mouth is on fire'. That prevented us from getting a little work done! Are Jay and I easy to get along with? I would imagine so! At least Jay seems to be easy to get along with...You'll have to ask him about me - To be honest, I'm not quite sure why everyone thinks there is supposed to be tension or problems. The interview was done via telephone, e-mail, and in-person. What I can recall is that Jay was *very* professional about the way the interview was conducted. His questions were very tasteful and appropriate. Paul

(09/22/02  A.R., Westfield, NJ)
Question: Paul, I guess discussing each and very poem during your interview would not be realistic, but there were some poems which I felt should have been mentioned. "Repatriating" is an excellent poem but seems to have been passed over. I love the last stanza of that poem, and especially the last three lines. I read this poem to be about sharing, learning and "letting go." Is this poem in any way related to your poem "Letting Go" or "A talk with my heart"? In my opinion this poem seems so related. Am I right? Another poem which was not recognized is "Steering a Course" which is a very > good poem - simple in language and clear in its message. But even though it's a good poem, it's not well written and I found it hard to read. Has anyone ever criticized your poems for not being written clearly? You need to restructure this poem to make it more coherent. Just a suggestion so a good idea doesn't get lost because the reader is turned off by the way you present it. No offense. Paul, I enjoyed your interview very much. You were a great choice to be the featured poet. Your choices for your own featured poems and the favorite poem by Oscar Wilde were excellent. Keep up the good work and keep writing. Thanks, Arlene

Paul: Thank you for writing Arlene. Jay echoes your sentiment for restructuring some of the poems; I will definitely take your construstrive critisism into consideration when writing future poems. Upon looking at Repatriating, I too found it somewhat cumbersome to read, so I decided it would best to put a revised version here:

I have myths and lessons for which I need to learn,
Only by telling you about it, so I can feel the tale
And the sorrow; not for myself but for us.
Only a few delicate words can trot to put
Together a shallow piece.

There are no boundaries and no points
Of recollection, but only scorched fields,
With unfinished thoughts, weighing somewhat
Heavily, but burdening only one.

Find your order as you make your way and
Assemble so your time is not wasted.
Relent, and then receive, and then give;
You are there. You are it.

Harmony recaptures and kindred
Members patiently await;
for their judgment is virtuous
And their tale lay with you
In your words and
Your honor.

Open up to receive the final
Allowance; the gift to you and
The words of bliss.
Oh how surely my grip is easing
And my letting go so closely
Opens yet another realm...

Believe it or not, the poem was not written in the light of the others. It's its own piece with its own ideas. It has a lot of deep rooted meaning and potentially shares some ideas about letting go...but not in the sense of the poem "Letting Go". "Letting go" was not metaphorical. It relayed a message about stopping the pain we create for ourselves...and filling that void with ourselves...It characterizes a reliance on self-healing and inner happiness whereas "Repatriating" looks at letting go more for understanding rather than for mitigating pain.
"Steering a course" shares a LOT of similarities with "True Freedom". Again, "Steering a Course" deals with some pretty complex questions I have had throughout my life. Perhaps (unfairly to the reader) there are other deep rooted questions that never made it into that poem that may emerge in a poem down the road; questions that explore issues of fate, control, and other mechanisms. "Enter and Leave the World knowing Nothing", albeit a cumbersome title, has a lot to do with this poem too. The more we thoroughly explore meaning, the more questions and confusion we presented with.
I equally appreciate your praise and critisism Arlene.
Thank you! Paul Papasavas

(09/23/02  Kathy, Providence, RI)
Question: Dear Paul, Your interview was really interesting and after reading it, I went to your poetheart poetry page and read through your poetry, finding many which I liked very much. I can see why you chose those two featured poems. They are among my favorites. I have to be honest and tell you that I never really read many of your poems before your interview. I have been visiting poetheart.com for the past two years to read the poetry of poetheart and Dona Lou Pearson. While not trying to solicit any response about their work, my questions for you involve them in relationship to you. The first question is about Jay. Did his ability to write poetry so well influence your decision to trust him to host your poems on his website? Does he edit your poetry at all? Is what we read of your poetry your own or is it abridged? What is your rejection rate (submissions vs acceptances)? I read the beautiful letter in the visitor response which you wrote when Dona Lou Pearson passed away. It was a very difficult time for Jay and for the poets and readers of the site. Obviously you were familiar with Dona's poetry. Had you ever communicated with her - directly or through the site? What is your favorite poem by Dona? Thank you for answering my questions, Paul. Good luck to you. Kathy

Paul: Kathy - Thank you for taking the time to write and read my poems. Why did I choose to submit my poems to Poetheart.com? You get a sense about a person, his character, and his motivations...I liked what I saw on Jay's site, his unselfish way of putting others besides himself in the spotlight, and his overall demeanor.
Jay does not edit my poems, however at times, he has made some grammatical suggestions to improve their readability; the benefit of having an English major review our work!
You are not reading an abridged version of my poetry. The poems are submitted and posted in their original form, however I have only submitted 30-35% of my work to this site.
Rejection rate? I really make a strong effort to send poems I believe readers will identify with...so almost all have been posted.
Dona and I never really communicated directly. At this point, I wish that wasn't the case. Paul Papasavas

(09/24/02  Jim, Washington, DC)
Question: Paul, Since you have so many poems on this site, I want to ask you how many poems you submitted to have that many accepted by the editor of this site? What is the incentive to submit poetry to this web site? Thanks, Jim, Washington, DC

Paul: Very few poems have been rejected, however I first submitted "My Thoughts" in September and waited approximately three months to get it posted. If someone can derive happiness, meaning, or comfort by reading my work, then you've found out the reason I post my work on this site. Paul

(09/25/02  S.V., OH)
Question: Dear Paul, Nice poetry and a good interview. Since you are obviously of at least partial Greek descent, I was wondering if you ever write poetry in Greek or any other language as some of the other poets on this site have done? S.V.

Paul: Well, now that you bring up "Greek descent", I figure I'd talk a little bit about my ancestry and herritage. Both of my parents are from Greece. I am very proud of my family, my roots, and the history our culture. The Greek influence on Democracy, Medicine, Mathematics, and language is profound [in my eyes]. I studied Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle in college.
I went to Greek School for 8 years to learn the Greek language, however sadly, in order for me to get up to par with speaking and writing fluently (again), I would need to go back to Greece for a few weeks to get the "conversational" level back.

(09/25/02  Phil, NJ)
Question: Hi Paul, Cool interview and awesome poems. Musician here. I read that you are also a musician so you must write your own lyrics for your songs. The interview didn't much get into your being a musician. Can you fill me in on that aspect of your creative work? Thanks, Phil

Paul: Phil, Music is a very important part of my life. My brother and I were fortunate enough to be exposed to music at a very young age. We started taking Piano lessons when we were seven years old. I also played trombone throughout school and competed in Drum Corps/Marching band (no band camp jokes please) throughout high school. Throughout my schooling, my brother and I continued with piano. Over the years we started to put together our own studios in our house.
I posted four songs that I wrote, composed, arranged, played, produced, and attempted to sing - They are on my personal web page at http://www.pauly.us/music.asp
The lyrics are written in a similar fashion to my poems.
Thank you for writing, Phil.
Paul Papasavas

(09/26/02  Joe D., Milwaukee, WI)
Question: Hey Paul, Enjoyed reading your interview and thought I would take advantage of the opportunity to ask you a question. I see you're into a lot of things. You are a poet, a pilot, an EMT, a musician, etc. You know the old saying "a jack of all trades and master of none"? I'm sure you are known to many different people under different hats. But if you could be known universally for just one of the things you do, what would that one thing be that you would like to be known as? Thanks Joe D.

Paul: Thank you for the comments! I can't answer that because I love each of those things in a different way...and I have spent years developing ALL of those areas in my life - and they have collectively shaped me as I grew up. I can leave you with this: If I do something in life, I put 100% into it, otherwise I don't do it at all (except for sleep, for which I have no choice). Regards, Paul

(09/27/02  Guy37, NJ)
Question: Hi Paul, What made you interested in writing poetry? Do you consider yourself a noteworthy poet?

Paul: Poetry is a means of expressing and releasing. I have more trouble verbalizing and consciously assembling ideas and thoughts than I do in writing poems. It's never something I sat down and said "I'm going to TRY and write a poem." It was more, "I have an idea. Let me write about it and see what happens."
Do you consider me a "noteworthy poet"? That's probably more relevant than my personal thoughts...I write not to be noticed by others; I write so I can notice myself...and if I am fortunate enough, my writing will put a smile on someone else's face...that makes it more than worth it. Paul

(09/27/02  Marie, NYC, NY)
Question: Dear Paul, After reading your poems and then the interview, I am curious about your website. What is the address? Thanks, Marie

Paul: My website is http://www.pauly.us Regards, Paul

(09/28/02  Patty, NJ)
Question: Paul, I do enjoy your poetry, which like my own have a diary-like introspection to them, being very honest with yourself.
In conversation with Jay during your interview, your tone seems rather light and jovial, where your poetry shows mostly a deep and reflective side. I am very curious about why you haven't written anything showing this clever, humorous side. I enjoyed your interview. We're more alike than you can imagine. Patty Lynn

Paul:

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