Recently, a journalist of ours was able to catch up with one of Savannnah States prized jewels: We Lee! Lee is a campus favorite and for good reason: he is well mannered, properly dressed and not to mention extremely talented. Lee is known for his increbile potery and amazing spoken word. We were thirlled to get to know more about him and you will too!
1. Tell me about yourself, where are you from, where did you grow up .. what was your childhood like ?
I’m originally from Cleveland Ohio, I grew up in between both Ohio and Georgia. My childhood was hard at times because I had a mother who was still maturing so she made many mistakes and the rest is too deep for me to share with just anyone. In a nutshell.. I grew up in an environment where if I wanted it, I had to get it myself.
2. Who or what inspires you to write poetry ?
In one word..Observations. I observe the way that people move, the way the function, the things they do and just like a painter, or someone who draws.. I paint a picture with words. My biggest inspiration has to be my late baby sister “Ayanna”. I live for both of us and she’s the reason I go so hard, she’s the reason I started writing. 3. What’s integral to the work of a poet?
If you’re a good poet, you must be relatable . You must be a mentor, role model, willing to bestow knowledge unto those who seek it. You must uplift all those around you even if that means being brutally honest. You must be an advocate for all those like you and most importantly, you have to chase your dreams.
4. When did you start writing poetry ?
In the 7th grade
5. What’s your favorite poetry that you have written ?
“A loveless lovers tale” It expresses the reason I’ve never had a desire to be in love. 6. What role does poetry have in society ?
Poets are essentially the voice of the voiceless, advocates for those who love art but aren’t confident enough to pursue it. Poetry balances entertainment & neutralizes ignorance.
7. Whose is your favorite famous or infamous poet & why?
Maya Angelou & Lauryn Hill. Maya Angelou in my eyes is the mother of modern literary poetry. Although history may or may not say otherwise. Sometimes I refer to her as my grandmother. And Lauryn hill is just such a talented, educated, soulful and powerful female poet and all around artist. Nothing but pure beauty of the soul resonates within the both of them. 8. If you could compose a piece with a famous or infamous poet who would it be and why?
Lauryn hill, she has a beautiful voice, a nice flow and she can play instruments. The possibilities for what we’d come up with are limitless. 9. How do you feel when you are letting your emotions loose on paper & performing ?
When I perform I get lost in the universe. It’s like, I zone out and nothing else matters. I don’t see anything, hear anything , and the feeling is so exhilarating. Then when It’s all over & the crowd is reacting..I just think to myself “dang, we just went off.” 10. Anything else you’d like to mention that I didn’t ask?
Check me out on YouTube: Wes Lee Poetry
Check me out on SoundCloud:https://soundcloud.com/sean-edwards-37/demons-freestyle-wes-lee
Follow me on twitter and Instagram: @Sean_Wes