Ask The Author: Jeffrey Kingman

Jeffrey Kingman’s Two Poems were published in the January Issue. Jeffrey answers violent questions about drumming, comfort, and body shots.

1. What’s with poetry’s fascination with crows and winter?

Crows are big and handsome and outspoken. Yet not obnoxious like blue jays … Winter, well ya know. It’s cool.

2. Who would you peck apart?

Wow! Are you implying I should like to kill somebody? I’m basically a peaceful person. That said, I admit I’ve watched a few Sam Peckapart movies.

3. How has drumming influenced your writing?

Well, having grown up studying musical rhythm, it feeds into the poetry rhythm for sure. My uncle was a drummer in Chicago in the ‘40s, but he died before I was born. So I wasn’t influenced by him—it’s just in the blood.

4. What is the strangest thing that you take comfort in?

Clutch Cargo cartoons—those crazy mouths. (You youngsters out there: google it.) Speaking of “Comfort”, look for the two ad slogans sprinkled in this poem. Think Tony the Tiger and that hyper little leprechaun. I used to eat that stuff while watching Clutch Cargo.

5. Robert Frost vs. E. E. Cummings vs. Frank O’Hara – who would you fight and what would you fight them with?

Once again, I am a peaceful person. (Gosh, did my little poems inspire these violence-themed questions?) But if these particular three were bent on fighting each other, I’d let ’em. I’d be kinda apathetic.

6. What do you like doing body shots with?

Milk, of course. I do enjoy bourbon but prefer it out of a glass.