Today, we get to chat and learn more about Jordan, a poet I (Jhazzy Jhane) met on Instagram who writes such beautiful words that flow straight to the heart. We appreciate her so much for being our first interview on the Three Panels Press blog!
Q: Can you start off by telling us a bit about you and your background?
A: Hi. My name is Jordan Ka’E. Jordan Ka’E is my middle name and Pen name. I am a New York native and earned my MA.Ed. from Columbia University. There, I received extensive support from peers and professors while showcasing some of my poetry. I am also a Southern belle at heart, and have a B.A. in English from Bennett College for
Women. That’s where I really fell in love with poetry. There, I was selected to read my
collection of poetry at the Sigma Tau Delta Honor International Convention. Some of my
work was featured in Bennu: A Literary Magazine, and Poetic Reveries, issue No. 4. I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Incorporated and I reside in the DMV.
Currently, I am working on my first major collection of poetry exploring relationships, self-love, and self-discovery to debut to the universe.
Q: Thank you, Jordan. I know you told me this, but tell everyone your Instagram name, the meaning behind it, and how you came up with it because I think it’s fascinating and fabulous.
A: My Instagram name, PoetryandPanties, came about when trying to find a way to present my pieces as a collective. I very much have a fetish for panties but also poetry. Combining the two was just a match made in heaven! I think it is more liberating than being comfortable in your skin. Sharing my poetry is as vulnerable as one in underwear or bare skin. You peel back a lot of layers. So, poetry and panties is a metaphor for baring your soul, being almost “naked” and liberating because that’s how I feel when I release my words and also my feelings. And I reflect a lot in my poetry, as writing helps me heal.
Q: I love that metaphor for your work and what you are doing so much. When did you start writing and why?
A: Thank you! I started writing poetry in grade school, but my writing became more intentional, purposeful, and meaningful in my 20s. I went through a tough period of ending a 10 year relationship. So, I started writing to grieve and to heal my own broken heart.
Q: I think many of us can relate to the challenges of healing from a broken heart. Speaking of relationships and grieving, do you find that there are themes in your work? What are they?
A: Absolutely! After ending a hard relationship with my first love, while grieving, there came poems about break-ups, then as I went through my healing journey came writings about self-care, self-worth, and self-love because these are words and affirmations that helped me get through it all. There were tears, self-hate, and sadness. Yet, still believing in love, and wanting it very much, I have poems that reflect how one should be loved. Poems that speak to love languages, how I want someone to show up for me, and how I would show up for my person.
Q: Thank you for sharing that. I think there are similar themes in my work and writing that I am drawn to. Do you have a ritual to get you in the zone when you write?
A: I really try not to force my writing. I find it’s authentic when I’m going through whatever feelings are present at the moment. My surroundings definitely influence the tone of my writings. If I’m on a beach, the sunset may inspire a love poem. Music also gets me in my feels and may inspire some of my work. I may write something down when traveling that comes to mind, and then go back and finish it later.
Q: I love that. So, what qualities do you believe make a good writer?
A: That’s hard. I mean, to someone I may not be a good writer, right? Or I may be the best writer. I think that having a voice makes a good writer. Authenticity as well. All writers have a story and I love hearing a unique story. Their voice and how they tell their story make a good writer, whether it’s through metaphors, exaggeration, punctuation, etc. All those elements help me feel and understand that piece. I love writing that I can connect with. Sure, if I've been through it, I’m going to want to read more and gravitate towards that piece. Poetry is an experience. I read a good piece and have chills or have to fight back tears. Seriously, then you know that writer's left their heart on paper.
Q: Yes. I agree. Authenticity makes a difference and helps a reader connect with a piece of writing. What authors/writers/poets inspire you?
A: Exactly! As for those who inspire me, I love Jhene Aiko's pieces. Even her songs are like poetry. Rupi Kaur, Maya Angelou, Audrey Lorde, and Langston Hughes are also writers that inspire me.
Q: I love Jhene. I really wish I had gotten tickets to her concert. Anyway, what do when you are not writing?
A: Jhene is amazing. When I'm not writing, I love to travel, go to concerts, beaches, museums, cook, and just vibe with friends and family.
Q: Nice. How would your friends describe you in three words and why those three words?
A: Compassionate - because I’m always trying to be helpful and provide words of encouragement and support them during life’s trying times.
Calm - because I meditate and I am not reactive at all.
Doer - I just go for what I want and don’t stop until it’s done.
Q: I can see those qualities shine through in your work. We are nearing the end of the questions, I promise. We focus on art history at Three Panels Press. Why are art and art history important?
A: This is a really important question! If I look at poetry as art or creative expression, it’s
important to understand the writer's history and background because their experiences influence what they write, how they write, and how they present their art. To appreciate and understand someone’s art is to really understand the person, the artist behind the work. It’s for the person on the other side of the art to make that connection.
Thank you so much for your raw answers to these questions, your intentionality, and for creating and sharing your art with the world, Jordan. We appreciate you and cannot wait to see more of what you create. To follow Jordan and read her work, visit her profile Jordan| Poetry.ish 🌹 (@poetryandpanties) • Instagram photos and videos.
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