Steven W. Simon is a poet and writer living outside of Chicago. He writes through the lens of an outsider, that’s how he’s always felt. When not writing, Steven’s doing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as that’s the only place where the world makes sense to him. Find his work here: stevenisawriter.com.

Tell us about your introduction to poetry.

I got really into the Beat poets/writers in high school. A little later, Bukowski, yet if I may quote Modest Mouse, “every night turns out to be a little bit more like Bukowski and yeah, I know he's a pretty good read but God, who'd wanna be such an asshole.”

What is a core theme of ‘Under Orange Lamps Near Pink Shutters’, and what called you to write about it?

Driving, just driving and getting away from wherever you were somewhere in America. Writing poetry is a completely different experience for me than writing a novel. A line or two seep into my mind and away I go.

Tell us about the experience of writing this poem.

I think it happened at my dining room table. I'm 99% sure. It happened quickly, and chances are I was listening to Murder by Death or Colter Wall.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in the American hypocrisy.

You have an idea for a poem. What happens next?

If I’m out and about, I write the first lines on my phone and finish the piece when I get home. If I'm home, I start writing until it’s done.

Where do you find community in poetry?

I find community in the poetry itself. When I read poetry, I can feel the writer's bravery to put their most personal thoughts out there - regardless of my feelings towards the piece.

Is there a poem you read over and over again?

Howl, by Ginsberg.

Do you have a favourite poet?

Not really, I like to be surprised and moved by new poetry.

What advice would you give to someone new to poetry?

Keep writing. When I read my poems from high school (I'm 44 now) they are terrible. Seriously, they're awful.

Why do you think poetry is important?

Poetry is where you find the rawest, most honest emotions in writing.

Where can people find you and your work?

You can find my work at stevensimonbooks.com. Use this discount code to save 20% off your first order: FREETHEVERSE2023

(Here's the discount link if you want to use it: https://stevensimonbooks.com/discount/FREETHEVERSE2023)

You can read Steven’s poem here.