Cass:
I just love what you say in your bio, that you come from a "mixture of greens and tofu". Can you break that down for us?
Stacey:
Do you like greens? LOL. Well, Greens is that sexy, sassy, "I don't apologize for my African-ness, love my woman-ness, don't piss me off, you can't hold me down, I can learn it/do it/on my own, intuitive wisdom, been hurt bounce back me AND the Tofu is that prayerful/God-fearing/meditating, let me heal you/Karma-preachin', humble, get quiet in self, breathe, I love you part of me. Put them together and its Greens and Tofu.
Cass:
Do you think you rhymed before you walked?
Stacey:
Yes I do! I was always rhyming things. I credit Sesame Street and The Electric Company for that.
Cass:
How was your poetic creativity initially revealed to you? Was it through your parents, a teacher, or through some other source?
Stacey:
The first poem I ever wrote was for my mother. She encouraged me to write more. Fourth or Fifth grade was a pivotal point. I wrote a poem that my teacher really liked, and she told the class what a great example of poetry it was. In 9th grade, my English teacher, Ms. Susan Skillman, told me I should be a writer, and to write, write, write. I think she was right! Along the way, I had my share of naysayers that told me I couldn't write. Even some famous writers and other people, told me that I shouldn't write because it wasn't a money making field. . .as in "what's your real job going to be." To this, I eventually said, "Yeah right, and yeah WRITE!" Writing and teaching are my passion because it's part of who I am.
Cass:
Other than one of your own, do you have a favorite poem, quote, etc.?
Stacey:
Oh man, I love the works of so many other writers - e.g., Nikki Giovanni, Bell Hooks, Sonia Sanchez, and even Harlem Renaissance writers like Langston Hughes, and many of my own contemporaries. I love the words of Nelson Mandela and Angela Davis, and past prolific speakers and the writings of my elders and ancestors. So, I simply can't settle or pick one. I will say that sometimes as writers, we decide not to read others' writings and ignore great information from our elders, which I think is a big mistake.
Cass:
Back in the day, poets were considered a bit eccentric. [My friends say if I accept the fact that I'm weird, I might not hear the voices in my head as often]. Do you consider yourself to be weird, or slightly more in tune with how words, if strung in a specific manner, simply affect you differently?
Stacey:
YES! I have always been the "weird one", "the unique one", "the crazy one", "the odd one!" Unfortunately or fortunately, I am WAY more sensitive to words and music because they hit me differently than the average Joe. I actually feel like Nina Simone speaks to me! I mean, I cry looking at commercials or listening to people read their writings. I guess it's safe to say that I'm very ECCENTRIC!
Cass:
I absolutely LOVE your book, Baring My Soul! How did it evolve from thought to paper, and how long did it take to go from paper to print?
Stacey:
I had been writing the poems for Baring My Soul for at least 6 years. But, prior to printing, I wrote half of the book in the last 3 years. Once I had all the poems I wanted, I just edited them. I re-wrote some of them, added to some of them and then I decided, "Okay, this is done, and I'm done with this chapter in my life." I took it to my publisher, Pinky Promises a/k/a Dr. JoAnne Cornwel and said, "PLEASE PUBLISH THIS!!!"
Cass:
Your book cover is very unique. There were several things that immediately caught my eye when I received your book: (1) it's 4 x 5 1/2 in size (which really makes it pocket size); (2) it has a black, gray, and blue background, with the letter "O" in red; (3) certain letters in the title are larger than others; and (4) the obvious, the word "Soul" is printed on the "Sole" of a foot. Who designed the cover, and what message did you want people to get when they initially looked at the cover?
Stacey:
I immediately came up with the concept of Baring My Soul because, at that time in my life, many of the poems I had written allowed me to "bare" my soul. I was writing about things in my life that others simply weren't talking about. I felt like I took a risk and put myself out there; BARED MY SOUL, so to speak, to the whole world. But before the book was published, I looked at a million books of poetry and decided I DID NOT WANT MINE TO BE LIKE ANYONE ELSES -- all the books I saw were big. I wanted my book to be small and compact. I wanted the play on the words sole and soul because the sole of the foot is private. It's always at the bottom. People rarely see the bottom of one's foot, just like they rarely really know what's going on inside someone's soul. I chose the black/gray background because I wanted the consumer's eyes to focus on the foot and the letters. The large red O in Soul, represents the middle or the heart of the matter. I wanted my book to be like that secret, special thing you buy that is so discrete that it can fit in your back pocket! My publisher and I both agreed that small was the way to go. Photographer and poet, John Byrd, took the picture of my foot.
Cass:
Also, at the bottom of each page is "C12 H22 O11," which is the chemical composition for part of your nickname. Who came up with this clever code, and what is its significance?
Stacey:
ME! I told you I was eccentric! To keep readers interested, I added the chemical composition for sugar to remind them of the book's theme. Actually, some people thought there was a typo on EVERY page. LOL!
Cass:
Okay, I'd like to delve into a few of your poems and poetic essays. First of all I love the titles of your poems -- e.g., "The 'be' Anthology"; "Hair; McNugget Love"; "Alphabet Aftermath"; "A Love Like This. . ." and "Infinity Later". What's the story behind these poems?
Stacey:
"The 'be' Anthology" came about because many of my "educated" friends/colleagues/family members, still say, "we 'be' doin' this, we 'be' doin that." We know the CORRECT way, but it's just comfortable to say it this way. So, I decided to write a group of poems called the "BE anthologies," cuz all the poems BE like that. Poets be havin' creative license, and that's okay!
"Hair" was written because I think my people, African people and White people have hair issues. Growing up, I used to get so tired of brown skinned folk talking about "good and bad" hair. That's something that's been etched in 'our' scalp since slavery. All hair is good. African people (African-American/black folk. . .however you want to say it), have always been caught up in whether the hair is too kinky or how straight it can be. Blah, blah, blah. I just got to the point where I couldn't take it anymore. GOD blessed us with NATURAL, beautiful hair. I wrote "Hair" to celebrate OUR hair.
"McNugget Love" was written because I think sex has become as casual as fast food. I'm sure if I took a poll today, for the most part, women would enjoy GOURMET lovemaking. Lovemaking that takes time and effort, involves some true feelings. I wrote "McNugget Love" for the men who think that a sista would rather McNuggets over fresh Cajun salmon or Tee bone steak. LOL!
I wrote "Alphabet Aftermath" as a dedication to writers and poets. I love nature, so I wanted to equate writing with the mysterious tornado.
Believe it or not, "A Love Like This. . ." was hard for me to write. I used to have a hard time thinking of myself as sexy. I wrote this poem to REMIND ME of my sexiness, and my husband loves it.
"A Love Like This. . ."
My love is that fire you
Consume on days when you rely on
Thaw-you-out Stress relief
. . .
suede and leather expensive love . . .
May have to put a piece in lay-a-way for a good day
sunshine me to you boo
flowers blooming
love looming
rhyme or reason 'tis always the season to
love
[Excerpt from "A Love Like This. . ."]
"Infinity Later" was written because I have seen so many relationships start off AS FRIENDSHIPS. It explores what takes place before one of the parties is bold enough to declare their undying love for the other. I experienced this myself. Love is a funny thing. "Infinity Later" is also about the inside conversation we all continually have. We are always thinking something on the inside, but what appears on the outside, may be entirely different.
"Infinity Later"
Once upon a time in a land near you
man and woman sat drinking coffee . . .
Woman heard, "So, what did you do this weekend?"
But man really said he loved her deep like
The way clouds tune up to cry before the storm
wets the soil . . .
Woman spoke
Man heard, "Umm, I didn't do much, just basically relaxed."
Woman really said
I want to Play you softly like a tune stuck in my head
from years past. . .
And THEY said without sound they would
Become bilingual, speak the language of
soul-mates
Unbeknownst to mere humans
Only understood
By lovers
[Excerpt from "Infinity Later"]
Cass:
Stacey, after I read "Dear Friend," I literally screamed, "You Go GURL!!!" [People on the bus were looking at me like I was crazy]. Let me share just a little of it so everyone will have a sense of what I'm talking about. "Greetings, hotep, Hola, whaz-up, and howudoin? I'd like to broach this subject tactfully, choosing the words carefully. . .being. . .As nice as I possibly can . . . thank you for FUCKING ME your whole wonderful vibe was a foul façade and by design I was blinded by the pseudo-philosophical "I'm so deep and we are so close," "we are family," smoke forcing me not to see the real you(s). . . It would have been easier if you fucked me fast and over night. . . but instead you decided to fuck me over a period 365 days. . ." Okay sis, TALK to me. Whuz UP with this "Dear F U John" letter?
Stacey:
I'm ALWAYS asked that question. Okay here's the deal. The letter was written for FRIENDS that turn their back on you and/or appear that they really love you and/or have a perfectly logical explanation as to why they act so foul. In my 32 years of living, I have come across some of the fakest, four-dollar bill folk in my LIFE. I thought there needed to be a poem written about that. I'm one of those people who does everything HARD. I LOVE HARD, so when I'm disappointed or hurt, it hurts really badly. I had to write about it. For the record though, it's a poem about a FRIENDSHIP, NOT A RELATIONSHIP, gone bad. However, for those who read the book, if it hits you a particular way, so be it. I had to keep it real though. I wanted to use all those things that "True" friends say and do.
Cass:
Let's talk a little about your dee jaying at 88.3 KSDS, San Diego's only "real jazz station". Some of your poems have a scat-type feel to them. Do you think because you're a DJ and the influence of jazz has something to do with your rhythmic phrasing?
Stacey:
I have always been a jazz lover. My mother used to often play jazz in our house. I love the idea that instruments can provoke feelings. Jazz does that. Being a DJ at jazz 88.3, definitely influenced some of my poems. Jazzfunkflow is unlike any other type of music and now other types of music are incorporating jazz. Poetry and Jazz are a part of the same tree. Many of the old skool jazz musicians also scatted and poet-tree'd in their music.
Cass:
Did you create the spoken word lingo guide, which is basically your poetic glossary of words for those folks who are poetically challenged? If so, can you define, "JazZIn VfuNkNotes", "EF", "hotep," or "Revolutionsolution"?
Stacey:
I love making up words! The English language is intriguing and I like to mix things up. I think too, that I like to write the way some of the characters in my life speak, so that my audience can really get a feel for what I'm saying. I also put REAL words together to make a new meaning, i.e., "revolutionsolution". We all know about the connotations the revolution has but have we really seen or come up with a solution? So, I put the two words together to express that, that's what we really need. Jazzfunkluvnotes totally sums it up for me! Jazz is funky, groovy, sexy, and I used the word 'luv' instead of the formal 'love' and kept the notes as in musical notes. I wanted readers to get that velvety sultry jazzy feeling.
Cass:
Can you tell us a little bit about Healertainment and Pinky Promises/Sisterlocks Publishing?
Stacey:
Healertainment is a word that I made up, meaning healing and entertaining. That's how I see myself. While I'm entertaining, I'm subliminally healing myself and other injured souls. Pinky Promises Publishing comes from the act of pinky promising. When I was a little girl, it meant YOU REALY REALLY REALY promise. Sisterlocks is owned by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell. Go to www.sisterlocks.com. She has written several books and her publishing company was gracious enough to publish my book.
Cass:
Do you procrastinate even when the Spirit calls you to write, or do you sit down and go with the flow?
Stacey:
I admit, I am the Queen of procrastination. Sometimes when I really want to write something the doubts and procrastination have lunch together and delay me from writing what I am really supposed to write about. Or, at times, my surroundings and the atmosphere has to be perfect, (the right music/food/books), that I use to set the mood, and I still don't write. I'm really working on that.
Cass:
Do you belong to any particular poetry troupe, group or organization? If so, has being a member made you a better poet?
Stacey:
I was a member of the Black Poets Collective out of Kansas City Missouri. This group taught me how to hone in on my spoken word and writing craft. We host workshops and honestly critique everyone's work. The BPC definitely made me a better poet.
Cass:
You were born under the eleventh sign of the Zodiac, Aquarius. [Humming, the Fifth Dimension's "The Age of Aquarius"]. They say Aquarians "shower the world with their thoughts and new ideas," and are "gifted in the arts, especially drama." Also, "On the arts and humanities side their progressive tendencies can be expressed in writing, especially poetry, and broadcasting, or as welfare workers and teachers. Some have gifts as entertainers and make good character actors (having an ability to mimic) and musicians." That said, do you prefer to write poetry or perform?
Stacey:
Girl, I'm all that! I think that writing is what I do unconsciously and performing is what I consciously decide to do. I love to write and to perform. Performing poetry is like instant gratification though. When you write a piece and publish a book, you have no idea right away how people feel about your work. When you perform, you can see facial expressions, hear talk, even chat with folks to find out what they thought and how they felt, which is a good feeling.
Cass:
Even when you feel as though you're suffering with a bout of writer's block, do you still force yourself to write something creative everyday?
Stacey:
YES. There was a time when I didn't. But I have learned to write even when I don't feel like it. I cannot profess to be a writer if I don't write. A couple years ago when I wasn't writing everyday, a sistafriend asked me, "Are you a writer or a wannabe writer, because you need to write everyday." She was right!
Cass:
If DEF Poetry Jam did a "Behind da Poet" episode, what stories they uncover about your life that you haven't already shared with usIf DEF Poetry Jam did a "Behind da Poet" episode, what stories they uncover about your life that you haven't already shared with us
Stacey:
I have been through a lot of things in my life and experienced a lot of inside pain. Sharing those experiences is my vehicle to help others. Also, for some reason, people are very shocked when they find out that I've been married for 10 years and that I have two boys. The behind the scenes are different when you have those variables. Traveling/writing/ performing takes on a whole new world. Another thing that may not be a big deal to some, but to others will be, is that I recently cut my locks!! I had my locks for almost 4 years and now I'm practically bald! Transition will do that to you. I loved my locks, but it was time for a change. I can't think of anything else Cass, besides -- Read MY Book!
Cass:
Honey chile, you don't have anything to worry about because I know people will definitely READ YOUR BOOK! Any last words of poetic wisdom you'd like to bestow upon us?
Stacey:
Breathe.
Love yourself.
Respect other people even if you don't agree their way of life.
Breathe.
Don't take life for granted and/or the people in it.
If you are a writer, write.
Use the pen and paper to right wrongs and injustices.
Breathe.
Be thankful.
Breathe.
Don't take yourself so seriously.
Smile more.
Write.
Breathe.
Always pray for clarity.
Write down everything, if it means anything and leave out nothing.
Speak your mind.
Shout your heart.
Quiet your fears.
Breathe.
Cass:
WOW! What a perfect way to end this interview. Why, because I just read O's "what I know for sure," in her January 2004 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine. [Okay, so it's May 2004 and I'm just reading her January 2004 issue.] Anyway, like I was saying, in "what I know for sure," Oprah said, "What I learned in this first 50 (years) is that if you can allow yourself to breathe into the depth, wonder, beauty, craziness, and strife - everything that represents the fullness of your life - you can live fearlessly. Because you come to realize that if you just keep breathing, you cannot be conquered." Even though Stacey is not close to being 50-years-old, she has already learned how to breathe and conquer her fears.
Stacey, you are as sweet as C12 H22 O11! I invite you to visit Stacey's site at http://www.geocities.com/StaceyReneeTolbert. Please also feel free to email your comments directly to Stacey Tolbert at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
. To order Baring My Soul online, go to: http://www.amazon.com or http://www.sisterlocks.com or call 1-800-456-5032.
Reviews 
