Poetess Writes and Shares Herself
B.M. Song Celebrates Her First Book of Poetry, Liquid Reflections
Aug 5, 2009
Inspiration for a writer can come from anywhere. For the poet Brandy Byard, who goes by the pen name B.M. Song, inspiration can come in the form of a thought, a dream, or an idea. But for Song, the writing experience itself often transcends her own expectations, and leads her to a profound understanding of herself.
“I have to read it three or four times before I realize it was me who wrote that,” Song said about her poetry.
The very personal experience of her life’s journey is her first book of poetry Liquid Reflections, to be published by Publish America.
B.M. Song Develops as a Poetess
Song has been writing poetry and short stories and lyrics to songs since she was twelve, but it was while she was attending college and took a poetry class and learned that poetry doesn’t have to rhyme that her writing took a new turn. Deeply inspired and intrigued by the idea of being able to write in free verse, Song found that writing began to flow from her.
“Writing in prose and free verse really flows,” Song said. “It just happens.”
Song keeps a pen and pad of paper near her at all times because she is inspired by so much around her. She writes about her dreams, nightmares, life experiences and about the many different emotions she experiences. Being able to express herself is something she is very appreciative of.
“I feel very fortunate to be able to express myself,” Song said. “What is very fluid for me, I know it takes other people a lot to get out.”
Song, who submitted and was rejected by Publish America once before, spent a total of six years working on Liquid Reflections. She felt it was finally ready when her poetry felt polished while at the same time remaining raw enough for readers to relate to her poetry.
“I want to express everything,” Song said. “I want to express what I feel and not feel bad about.”
Themes of B.M. Song’s Poetry
Song’s poetry is deeply personal, and she explores a new kind of self-awareness as she delves into themes of destiny, love, spirituality, sex and sexuality.
Writing about different themes is what enabled Song to sit back and reflect upon who she is and it's allowed her to become more comfortable in her own skin. Writing her poetry gave her a sense of freedom that she didn’t get from anywhere else. Song explained, “It was like I could really, truly breathe.”
Considering herself to be a bit prudish, Song was able to let herself go through her poetry and not care what anyone thought. Remaining vulnerable to herself and to her readers is very important to her because she feels that is the only way to keep her poetry authentic. Song added, “If you don’t believe in it, no one else will either.”
Song also writes about nature, another theme very close to her heart. Having Native American blood coursing through her veins on her father’s side, she credits her heritage for her passionate nature and the ability to pull inspiration from everything around her.
“Native Americans are all about pulling inspiration from the earth and the spirit of every living being,” Song said. In addition to writing, Song also paints and is working on her fist novel. She is also working on her second book of poetry and expects it to be darker than her first book of poetry.
For more information about Song and her poetry she can be found at her website and Myspace.
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