Ask The Author: Leah Nielsen

In March there was “Say Spilt Milk” by Leah Nielsen.

1. Is there an open Krispy Kreme in Massachusetts?

The only one I saw there was closed. I think there used to be one in Springfield, but it closed. Sigh. Dunkin’ Donuts rules here. Their slogan: American runs on Dunkin’. That always makes me want to respond, “No, New England runs on Dunkin’. The South runs on Krispy Kreme and BBQ.” It’s worth noting the Krispy Kreme in the poem was destroyed in last year’s tornado. I feel like I need a “wholenother” poem now.

2. Have you ever tried saying the alphabet backwards? What was the result?

My brain is not that talented. Too many pain medications.

3. Is “Say Spilt Milk” a prose poem or flash fiction? How do you know what shape a piece will take?

I think of it as a prose poem, but I suppose that’s because I think of myself only as a poet, which seems ridiculous now that I type it down. I tend to be a formalist, so I pick the form first and fit the content into it. If blank verse or a sonnet doesn’t seem right, then a prose poem or a chart becomes the default.

4. Who would you take a punch for?

Emotionally speaking I’d take a punch for almost anyone I love, my students included. When I was in second grade, my teacher (jokingly) threatened to hang me upside down until all my tears came out. Which is to say, I think I was just naturally a bit too sensitive to the pain of others. But it’s true. I don’t want others to have to hurt. Physically, I am a total sissy. I would block a punch for my dogs and my mom and my nephews and nieces, but that’s about it.

5. What are you never allowed to throw away?

Memories of my father, who died when I was 12….the good ones and the ugly cancer-ridden ones…..I hoard them. And the teddy bear he gave me when I was born. And, apparently, by the looks of my office, any paper handed in during the past 5 years. Same goes for the mail….though I’m working on it.

6. I’ve noticed everyone who has gotten their MFA from the University of Alabama has a certain pride about Tuscaloosa. Why is that?

Most of the rankings for MFA programs will list Bama’s geography as a drawback, but Tuscaloosa is a great, quirky town. If you expect it to be Seattle, you’ll be disappointed. But if you embrace the local culture, you’ll find loving, strong people who care about each other….witness what happened after the tornado….the clean up….the compassion. I think the pride is similar to the pride you have for an underdog team. It’s easy from the outside to mock the south…..it’s harder when you’re IN the complexity of it all to mock it. And if I may champion the MFA program….at the risk of sounding like a late-night infomercial….I could not have asked for a better graduate education. The faculty and my fellow students were invested in my success, and continue to be. I think that gives many of us a certain pride in UA and in T’town…..all that good pulled pork sure as hell doesn’t hurt either.