Performed by Val Cole

Get to know the poet:

1) What is the theme of your poem?

THE LION is one of my favorite poems in my anthology. It is featured in Part Two, Wild Beasts, Inspired Tales, and other stories from my book Black Heart Words & Poems.

I identify as a romantic realist, navigating the delicate balance between idealized notions of storybook romance and the harsh truths that often accompany real-life relationships. This duality finds expression in my poetry, where I delve into the honest and sometimes brutal themes inherent in human connections.

One of my favorite pieces is titled "THE LION," a three-act poem that introduces two central characters: the Lion and the Mouse. Structured like a narrative, the poem progresses through an engaging introduction, a suspenseful middle, and a poignant finale. Without divulging too much, I can reveal that the conclusion is not favorable for the mouse, serving as a metaphor for love relationships that take a similarly unfortunate course.
The underlying message reflects the dynamics of a love relationship that follows a path mirroring the fate of the mouse. Despite the mouse's innocence, the narrative unfolds as a result of blind acceptance of promises made by the Lion. Many readers have found this story to be relatable, connecting with the bittersweet reality depicted in the poem.

2) What motivated you to write this poem?

Indeed, everyone embarks on their unique journey in pursuit of love or companionship. It's a universal theme that resonates with individuals seeking connection. The story I've crafted serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the common tendency to yearn for love so fervently that one becomes blind to the potential consequences.

The narrative is a warning, shedding light on the idea that the price of love can sometimes be steep. It encourages readers to approach love with open eyes, recognizing that while the pursuit of love is natural, it's essential to be mindful of the potential pitfalls and challenges that may arise.

I want to emphasize that my perspective on love isn't cynical; rather, it's characterized by a realistic understanding of its fickleness. Love, with its ebbs and flows, can be unpredictable, and acknowledging this aspect doesn't diminish its value. Instead, it encourages a nuanced and informed approach to relationships, fostering a deeper understanding of both the joys and potential hardships that love may bring.

3) How long have you been writing poetry?

My experience and background have always revolved around writing.
I am a corporate professional, and a marketing business leader. I write for a living.
I have been writing since I was quite young, but back then I did not have the life experience to go along with it. My writings were mostly nonsense, which I am a huge fan of. The more I study, the more I learn, the more I live, and the more I experience – and the more vulnerable I become, it allows my writing to become more relatable to my audience.
I have committed to my poetry writing and other writings more consistently and recently published my first anthology called Black Heart Words & Poems. An inspired anthology from the edge of darkness illuminated with a sprinkling of light.

4) If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would
that be?

What a fabulous question. I would really choose two individuals as dinner guests.
The first would have to be Dr Seuss. Who has not heard of "Green Eggs and Ham?" – or "The Cat in the Hat? Or my favorite is "The Lorax."
Although his messages are written for children, his profound topics on the world are as relevant today as they were back then. As humans we still have not learned these important lessons.
My second dinner guest would be Lewis Carroll, and I actually would not know where to start.
I do have a story - when I moved from Australia to the USA, I brought only one tiny suitcase. It contained some clothes, and one book: the collected works of Lewis Carroll.
I have always been a fan and in awe of his work.

5) What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a
professional actor?

When you read a poem or words silently to yourself, you can appreciate the message and bring in your own experiences and context.
But when you hear the story in spoken words, it adds an additional sensory layer. A professional actor can add character to those words with accent, enunciation, and passion, all without distracting the audience. That brings additional sensory power to the audience or reader's experience.
6) Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

I am writing a second anthology of words and poems. In addition, I have more books brainstorming in my head that are yet to make it to paper form. Follow for updates in Instagram at BlackHeart_Alchemi or BlackHeartAlchemi.com
Join me in a monthly FREE writing hour where I conduct an inspired writing challenge online in Facebook rooms, so you can join from wherever you are. All are welcome and NO EXPERIENCE is necessary. I believe everyone can write and that writing is a powerful healing modality.

7) What is your passion in life?
Life is my passion. We are here to live it to its fullest and experience it with others. I am here to share it – the good, the bad and the ugly. I am more and more surprised by what life throws our way. It is like a movie unfolding from different perspectives each and every day.
We as humans seek out connections and experiences to feel fulfilled. This is a beautiful feeling and a genuine experience. One that you should dive in and embrace fully.