The Poet
by Chris WellsSince the beginning of mankind, poets have been essential to our society. Their words can express feelings, make critical observations and even poke fun. Nowadays with so many other mediums for artists to communicate through, poets are becoming a rare breed. Poet Ryan Miller is one of these people. Miller, a recent Wilmington transplant via Colorado, brings with him his gift of words. You see, Ryan Miller is a wordsmith of old existing in modern times. At the ripe age of 20 years old, Miller has secured his first publishing deal and will be releasing a book of poetry by summer’s end. I heard Ryan perform his spoken word poetry and I was immediately impressed by his clever word placement, commanding delivery and continuity. Having been all over and heard lots of cats spitting their artistic flow. None struck me like this guy in quite sometime. For someone so young, Miller seems to have a dead on insight into the hearts and minds of man. The true beauty of poetry is its transcending power. Nothing is cooler than words taking you on a journey beyond your being. The truest and most powerful art forms leave an essence behind even after they are gone. His words stuck with me after I first heard them and they are still here.
What is your book about?
It’s called “Elephants & Ashtrays”, the foundation for our everyday lives. Each person has their own elephant and the timeout from them usually ends up in the ashtray. These selected poems are all about just that. The elephants that are our lives and the ashtrays we step into. These selected poems of places, situations and dreams are written for everyone to enjoy. From the love lost “Maria” to “Things Workout the Way they should” and the long walk down “Fate & Faiths Row”, these poems will keep you discovering and imagining as you relate to them in your own life.
Was there a defining moment that inspired you to become a writer?
I was introduced to great music and literature from a very young age via my loving family. I always held an independent personality and an even stronger imagination. It was not until my later teens that I started writing. I always loved to perform and write short stuff, but it wasn’t until after some altered states of consciousness that the poetry really began to flow…
What do you want to get across to your readers?
Be aware of the life you were given. I could rattle off all those cliché “quotes” about life, but I won’t, most of them are silly. Also poetry itself is a great art form just like anything else when done right.
Who are you favorite writers?
CS Lewis, Bob Dylan, James Tate, there are many.
Describe your creative process.
I am aware of the worlds around me and I write it down. Sometimes it all comes out at once, sometimes not. Emotions, humor, dreams, questions. You name it, I write about it.
Do you have any other creative avenues?
I perform most of the poetry I write. It’s a spoken word show with traditional instruments in the background. It creates a nice atmosphere and I am hoping to do more with it in the future. I play some bass as well.
Where will your book be available?
It will be available to order online through Xlibris.com and possibly Amazon.com. If you Google “Elephants and Ashtrays” or “Ryan Miller”, it should come up, but keep in mind it’s not due for release until the end of August of 2007.
Kerouac or Hemingway?
Man, don’t make me choose.
