Ask The Author: Brett Elizabeth Jenkins

Brett Elizabeth Jenkins’s “Scheherazade,” previously published. Recently published, this interview about the piece.

1. What would you change your middle name to?

I am too lazy to actually go through with changing my name (didn’t even do it when I got married), but if I could change my name without having to do any work, I would change it to Lobster.

2. What influenced the shape of your poem?

I don’t generally like to shape my poems in specific ways, but I think it works for this poem. I don’t really know why. Do you know why?

3. How is a new moon magnificent?

A new moon is magnificent because there’s something there but it looks like nothing.

4. What have you lied about to save yourself?

For a long time, I was really into lying about stupid things I used to do when I was younger. Now that I have no shame and am not really embarrassed by how weird I am (read: twitter handle is @fartmaster5000), I try not to lie to save face. I lie for lots of other reasons, though.

5. What method of death do you fear the most?

Being eaten slowly by some animal or thing.

6. Why is poetry so fascinated about the moon? Poets in general?

I can’t speak for everyone else, but I have been obsessed with both the moon and the sun for a few years now. I am fascinated by the moon because it borrows light. It’s just a rock, hanging out there. Looking bright because of something else. And I am terrified of the sun, full stop.