Meet Shatika Turner (East Moriches, New York)

I shall not die a virgin
Because I have slept with life
And she f*cked me oh so right
She made sure to create problems
Mistakes
Replays
Broke the hymen of my mental state
Watched my emotional orgasm shake
Your first time always teaches you lessons
And life, well she did that
Knocked me straight on my back
Expected me never to return to my upright position
Never expected me to clean myself up with the washcloth of ambition
But I proved life wrong
She may have had me weak from our first experience, but my legs stay strong
Her words might have caused my legs to quiver
And I just might have cried her a river
But no matter how we began, because of life
I Shall Not Die A Virgin

Shatika Turner is a 23 year old college student. She was raised in Freeport, NY. She writes to inspire, motivate and teach. The words from this talented author will stick with you for a lifetime.

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?
Shatika: At 12 when my grandmother died, poetry was my lifesaver. 

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written
Shatika: I do not remember the name but I do remember it was about love. 

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

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre? 
Shatika: No, I just allow my words to flow on paper and the genre forms itself.

UBAWA: Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?
Shatika: Yes, because it is a form of expression

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style. 
Shatika: I use the rhyming style mostly. It helps my thoughts flow better. 

UBAWA: What poetry books have you written? 
Shatika: The Ill Truth 

UBAWA: Have you performed any of your poetry pieces on stage? If so, please share your experience(s) with us. 
Shatika: Yes, I was very uncomfortable at the venue I was at. I will be trying other places in the future.

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

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

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?
Shatika: A matter of choice. You must work to reach success. The work you choose to put in it is the amount of success you will get out of it. 

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?
Shatika: Oh So Toxic was inspired by a relationship that I felt was hard to get away from. 

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why? 
Shatika: None, every thing is a learning lesson and has molded me into who I am. 

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing? 
Shatika: Singing, school work, on Facebook promoting and interacting with readers and authors

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.
Shatika: It was business school from 8:30 until 3:15, come home do online classes, promotion, shower then off to bed. 

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?
Shatika: Reading a book or two, the gym, and rest

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends? 
Shatika: Sleep, read and write

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?
Shatika: I hang out when I can but no clubs. My disability and clubs do not mix. 

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?
Shatika: I have no idea but I would take my little brother 

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?
Shatika: The one challenge I had to overcome was accepting that I had a disability. I got through it by living my life to the fullest and realizing that I was just like everyone else. I just ride around part-time. 

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.
Shatika: I have a disability called Cerebral Palsy. 

UBAWA: Do you host contests or giveaways?
Shatika: Sometimes

UBAWA: Any upcoming events that we should know about?
Shatika: No 

What’s your website?
http://shatikaturnerpoetry.weebly.com/

Facebook?
https://www.facebook.com/shatikamzillwitdapen.turner

Twitter?
@mzill2011ondeck

Youtube Channel?
http://www.youtube.com/user/MzIllOnDeck2011