How did you get your name? This is the English version of my Hebrew name.

What Kind of Poet are you? I am equally a spoken and written poet.

What drew you to Poetry/writing?

 It started with my high school English teacher giving me a book of poetry while I was on the psych ward. It continued when I saw a poetry group called The Sepoy Rebellion perform at The Muddy Cup, a cafe on Staten Island. One of the members is our first and current poet laureate, Dr. Marguerite Rivas. I officially started writing and performing at open mics on a regular basis on September 12, 2002. After remaining silent about the paradigm shift after 9/11, I needed to start speaking up. I've done that through my writing for nearly two decades.

Where are you from?

 I am originally from Staten Island: Fort Wadsworth (1981-1983), Castleton Corners (1983-1996), and Willowbrook (1996-present).

Where do you go to create? Tell us about one of your favorite creative environments

I enjoy going to Willowbrook Park to write. Some of my favorite poems have been written about the park itself. I've gained much inspiration walking around the pond and traveling through the woods.

What inspires you?

Social justice, mental illness, erotica, political satire, and spirituality.

Who inspires you?

The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Alanis Morissette, Erykah Badu, and Simon & Garfunkel.

Who are some of your favorite poets?

 Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Ntozake Shange, Langston Hughes, and Edgar Allen Poe.

Which Poems inspire you? Why?

"Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann. I love the message of peace imbued within it and it has sentimental value. I left a scroll with that poem in my friend's casket and read it at my father's funeral. At this point, I have it memorized.

If you could work with anyone in the world (alive or dead) who would it be?

I would love to be in the presence of Paulo Coelho, as my favorite book of all time is "The Alchemist."

What’s a piece of advice you have for anyone trying to delve more into poetry? 

Learn the rules and find creative ways to circumvent them. There is virtue in studying the greats. Poetry has such a rich tradition in the world. It definitely helps to familiarize yourself with the masters of the craft.

What advice do you have for poets to keep their audience engaged?

Make sure you feel the words as you read them. Let the audience hang onto your every word. Have them believe that you truly feel connected to what you are writing.

What's your dream?

Teaching and mentoring through the use of poetry.

What advice do you have for anyone chasing their dreams?

Any dream which seems lofty is worth pursuing with the right motivation and realistic steps.

What is your poetic legacy/ life legacy you are trying to create?

I want to create a legacy in which people respect my craft even if they don't agree with the message I am conveying.

What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?

Keep pursuing it. You don't want to live with the regret of never following your dream. Simple.

Tell us about your most recent release

"Grimoire" is a book which will be released later this year. It is a compilation of 64 poems which are organized in the form of a spell book. Given my fascination with the occult, I am glad this concept came into fruition.

Share one of your most recent poems and the inspiration behind it.: One of my most recent poems is "Landmark of Light." This poem is about standing on the Staten Island Ferry while observing the tall lights beaming from where the World Trade Center once stood. Given the 20th anniversary this year, I wanted to do the legacy of NYC justice.

Share a link to your most recent release: https://www.amazon.com/Seance-Jacob-Moses/dp/9390202094/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=seance+jacob+moses&qid=1631286767&sr=8-1

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jacobreubenmoses

Facebook.com: http://www.facebook.com/jacobmosespoet

Website: http://poetryofjacobmoses.com

Photography credit: Kristopher Johnson did the headshot on the back cover of "Seance." Brian Zas did the bio photo in the upcoming "Grimoire."

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