Erin Fletcher
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Oct 13/03) - Walter Jr. Rogers uses poetry to come to terms with his past and face the future with determination and motivation.

Now he's using his poetry to share his feelings with others.

News/North: How long have you been writing poetry?

Walter Jr. Rogers: I think I started writing it when I was nine or 10 years-old. It was a school subject, part of our English studies.

I've now taken it to another level. The counsellors I've had in the past have told me writing poetry, or positive affirmation, is good for my future outlook.

Whenever I felt like I wasn't doing something right or I didn't feel right about myself, I could always look back on my poetry and get those feelings back to reassure myself.

N/N: How many poems do you think you've written over the years?

WJR: I've probably written about 50 or 60 poems.

N/N: Wow! Have you published any of them?

WJR: No. I actually lost some. I had a book I used to keep all my poetry and writing in, but I lost it while moving to Inuvik.

N/N: What inspires you and what do you like to write about?

WJR: My inspiration comes from talking with elders. A lot of my poetry in the past has been about nature and dealing with teachings from elders from Alberta, B.C. and elders from the United States.

I listen to their teachings and then put those teachings in writing -- a form that I can understand.

N/N: What do you like about poetry?

WJR: It's the creativity. Sitting down there and you just open your mind. Everything that has ever bothered you, leave it. Look at a blank page and just think positive.

You can just be by yourself (with poetry). I reassure myself about why I'm living and why I should be happy for this day. That's what I like about poetry.

N/N: How would you describe the form of poetry you use?

WJR: I just write it the way I see it. I just picture something in my head and then I put it on paper. Then the next line will come to me that will somehow connect with that first line.

By the time I'm finished with my poem I try to link my last line with the opening sentence. It's the only way I can describe it.

N/N: Why did you write this poem, The Future?

WJR: This one was a positive affirmation to myself when I decided I wanted to pursue a different career.

I'd always worked seasonal jobs running with equipment, working with equipment and machinery. I wasn't getting anywhere in life.

When I wrote this affirmation to myself I was making the challenge to myself to look forward in life. I set goals at that time and right now I'm living those goals.

I look back at this poem every other day.

N/N: Where's your favourite place to write?

WJR: When I wrote this one (The Future) I was actually sitting in a school desk when nobody was around.

It was during lunch break. I just focused all my thoughts on this one -- why I was in school, why I wanted to stay in school and why I actually came back to school. When I do my writing I do it with nobody around. I just basically isolate myself so I can keep my thoughts open and concentrate on my work.

N/N: Did it just take a lunch hour to write this poem?

WJR: Actually, it took me 10 to 15 minutes to write. It was a spur of the moment.

My elders tell me whatever comes to your mind at that point, write about it. Put it on paper.

N/N: What kind of advice would you give a young poet?

WJR: I was always told that when you do writing keep an open mind and have a good feeling in your heart. Write with a good spirit. If you feel bad, write those feelings down too.

Putting it on paper is a way of expressing your feelings, thoughts and emotions. Get them out of your body so they are no longer eating inside you.

N/N: And it works?

WJR: For myself, yes. I'm kind of a shy person when it comes to speaking my feelings towards others. So this is a way for me to express my feelings and emotions. It's a release of energy.

N/N: Where do you see yourself going with your poetry in the future?

WJR: Just sharing it. My elders always told me that if you have something to share feel free and give it to another person. It's certainly one of the best things a person can do in life.

N/N: Who are some of the most inspirational elders in your life?

WJR: It would have to be a man in Prince George. His name is Earl Henderson. He is from the Lakota Nation.

He was a real free-spirited man. He learned from his mistakes in life. He used those teachings for future outlooks in life. He was always a very patient man. He was very kind and very generous with his time and his teachings.

He'd been through the same things I went through. That's why he was so inspirational to me. I learned from him because I knew where he came from and he knew where I was coming from.

The Future

I have come to the conclusion that the future is mine.
I can no longer wish I had a better life,
Rather I have to develop and educate myself for a better life.
Dwelling on my past has kept me from living for the future.
I realize my past does not control me,
When it had I was not living.
I cannot control life itself or others,
The only control I have is how I react to situations and circumstances.
My goals in life may face criticism from some,
Skepticism from others.
I must always remember.
"These are my goals, my dreams, my future."
When I accomplish what I have set out to do in life
Someone may ask me:
"How did you do it?"
My reply can then be:
"I live life how I see it, not as how I saw it."