Meet Robin M. Bellamy (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

POUNDS

Are you gaining?

Yes I am.

I'm gaining momentum.

Confidence,

More self-awareness,

And strength.

Why is my weight so important to you?

You don't have to carry it.

Does it make you feel bad

that despite my weight

I still look good?

No need to tell me what I look like

By using your cheap way of insulting me

Because I look in the mirror every day

I see myself

You can't and won't bring me down

Because I am beautiful

Even when I'm round.

About the Poet

Robin M. Bellamy is a native of Conway, South Carolina. She currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Francis Marion University and a Master’s degree in Business from Webster University. She is the author of "A Collection of Poetry: Matters of the Heart, Revealed," "Grandma's Brooch," and "Bare My Soul." Robin has always had a passion for writing and she feels blessed to be able to share her words with others, while living out her dreams. She's also used that same passion to escape the pain associated with depression. Robin hopes to encourage those who may be going through similar situations. In utilizing her literary platform, she hopes to reach the masses!!

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?

Robin: The first time I realized my attraction to poetry was in high school. I had an excellent English teacher my freshman year who took an interest in me and my writings. She really helped to motivate me.

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written

Robin: The very first poem I ever wrote was in high school. It focused on the lack of my father's presence in my life. It was very strong and to the point. It was filled with so much emotion, and I felt so much better when I put it all on paper.

UBAWA: Do you have a favorite poet? If so, who is he/she?

Robin: My favorite poet is Maya Angelou. She's so talented, and her writings not only inspire me, they help to educate me even more about subjects I may not know a lot about. She is also a woman of great integrity, and I too would like to have that same integrity.

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre?

Robin: Sometimes I think in terms of genre, and sometimes I don't. There are many times when I just let the words flow.

UBAWA:  Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?

Robin: I do agree to an extent especially when your poetry rhymes. The one thing that is very common among the poems and songs are the strong feelings that they exhibit.

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style.

Robin: I don't just use one style/technique when writing. I do tend to write more free verse poetry though than anything else.

UBAWA: What poetry books have you written?

Robin: "A Collection of Poetry: Matters of the Heart, Revealed" and "Bare My Soul" (a combination of poetry/inspirational readings)

UBAWA: Have you performed any of your poetry pieces on stage? If so, please share your experience(s) with us.

Robin: To date, I haven't performed any poetry pieces on stage, but I hope that I'll have those opportunities in the future.

UBAWA: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of love?

Robin: The first thing that comes to mind when I think of love is God, because He is love. I don't believe it's possible to have the other attributes of love without His presence. He makes everything possible.

UBAWA: Are you currently dating someone, married, or single?

Robin: I'm currently single.

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?

Robin: I think success is a little bit of chance and choice. When we make choices to become successful, it often leads to chances of a lifetime that will carry us right through the doors we need to make a mark on this world.

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?

Robin: My life in general has led me to write most of my poems. Hearing about other people's experiences has also been a part of that process. The poem "Pounds" was written from my own experience, because I have battled with my weight for years, and people haven't always said kind things to me regarding it.

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why?

Robin: The most important thing that comes to mind is that I would have spent less time being concerned about whether others loved me. I would have spent that energy loving myself. I'm learning to take care of myself more and to cherish the one life that I have been given. More importantly, I'm learning to love "me."

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Robin: When I'm not writing, I think about writing a lot. I work diligently to improve myself and to accomplish other things.

UBAWA: There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a poet’s life, fill us in on what one typical day for you is like.

Robin: Before I write a poem, I like to think about it intensely. I think about a variety of subjects, how I'm feeling at the moment, and everything that would make it a great poem. Sometimes I'll start writing, and then I'll scratch through it, and start over. It all depends. Sometimes I can write a poem quickly, and then sometimes it takes a while. If I have a thought that I don't want to forget, I'll jot it down, and put the rest of the pieces to it later.

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?

Robin: The "perfect day" for me would be to go someplace I've always wanted to go. Some of those places include: Paris, Italy, the French Riviera, and Hawaii. I would just absorb every moment of being there. I would go on a few tours, take lots of pictures to include in a scrapbook, enjoy a couple of good meals, and whatever else comes up. That would be my "perfect day."

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends?

Robin: I enjoy relaxing on the weekends. This may consist of watching a good movie, writing, reading, or spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy attending church on Sundays.

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?

Robin: I hang out with my friends and family at family gatherings, restaurants, malls, or the movies. I don't really hang out at clubs, but I do enjoy going to a jazz club every now and then.

UBAWA: If you could visit any other country in the world and take one other person with you, where would you go and who would you take?

Robin: I would visit the French Riviera in the Southeast corner of France. I would go with my mom, because she and I have always talked about going there. I know it would be an enjoyable trip.

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?

Robin: The challenge that I've had to overcome is depression. I have suffered from it for years, and a great deal of my writing has come from that pain. I've used my passion for writing to get through those tough times when I experienced self-esteem issues. I'm still a work in progress, but with God's help, prayer, and friends and family, I am overcoming it every day.

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.

Robin: I've always wanted to be a news anchor, or so I thought I did. I had the opportunity to work at a television station, and I realized it wasn't quite what I thought it would be. It's a very dog-eat-dog industry.

UBAWA: Do you host contests or giveaways?

Robin: At the present time, I do not host contests or giveaways, but I would like to in the future.

UBAWA: Any upcoming events that we should know about?

Robin: Currently, I don't have any upcoming events per se, but I have written a novel, and I hope to have it published later this year.

Stay connected with Robin:

Facebook: Robin M. Bellamy's Books

Twitter: author813

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