Interview with Glydel Go

When did you start writing and what inspired you to start? Did you have any mentors or people who inspired you to start?

I’ve always loved writing since I learned how to, but didn’t start seriously dedicating as much time as I did to my poetry until middle school. I was very inspired by insta-poetry influencers but eventually grew into my own style, which is constantly evolving still. I was very open about my work to my friends, who encouraged me along the way. I’m grateful to them for their support because it’s that kind of encouragement that keeps someone going.

However, sharing your work between friends versus the bubble outside of it are completely different realms. First, I took an online poetry workshop during my high school summer break and was bombarded with completely self-induced imposter syndrome. I tackle that to this day, but people will lift you up if you open yourself to that. I wouldn’t have started becoming more public if it weren’t for the people at my local bookstore who encouraged me to perform during open mics, which eventually led to great opportunities such as this one.

What inspired you to write the piece you submitted?

The first version of “An Awakening,” previously titled “Wake Up Calls,” was written back in February after I turned to poetry to process an emotional event that happened to me. I was never satisfied with the first version but the prompt reinspired me. I love turning to nature for metaphors and connections, but finding intricate and different ways to make those connections. Winter and its imagery seemed like the perfect time and setting for my poem.

Tell us more about your work. What is it about? Is there any message you hope for the reader to take away from it?

“An Awakening” describes a poignant but necessary moment between me and a friend. We were learning to understand each other and wore our hearts on our sleeves in the process. Being vulnerable was something they weren’t used to. I significantly remember the feeling of the first line: “Your tears fall into the well of my ear.” At that moment, I felt something connect between us, and I did get to understand them more because of it.

Something about vulnerability that has stuck with me since I heard it is: vulnerability is the first thing we look for in another person, but it is the last thing we’re willing to reveal about ourselves. Those who really care about you will never find your emotions a burden.

What do you think is the best part of your poem? It could be a specific line, symbol, etc.

I’m really proud of how I challenged myself throughout this poem. I wanted to explore the theme of winter, ice, the cold, etc. with emotional vulnerability and careful insightfulness. I also love the idea of a spider weaving their web and their lifestyle as a metaphor for being a “net” for other people’s emotions, but it works two-way, causing you to resist your own. (“entanglement as a shield.”) My favorite line, however, is “Crystallized string, soaked in salt.” There’s something about that specific imagery that feels bitter, but precious. It stings to think of anyone stuck and preserved in the patterns that actively hurt them, but again, it doesn’t have to be that way. That applies to all of us somehow. Perhaps because of that, we aren’t alone. And there is hope.

You can read Glydel's piece, 'An Awakening', in Issue One: Seasons.