Richard Blanco

Where were you during the hurricanes? Outside of Florida?

I was at home in Washington DC. However, I'm relocating to Miami on October 1st. Finally I'll be back home—hurricanes or no hurricanes!

Your parents were from Cuba, you were born in Madrid. Have you ever visited either place?

Yes. I've been to Cuba several times. The second part of my first book, City of a Hundred Fires, is comprised of poems form my travels and experiences in Cuba. I always say I went "back" to Cuba even though I was born in Madrid, only because it feels that way—like a place I left a long time ago. Visiting Cuba is intense for several reasons, especially since so much of my "ghost" family lives there; every time I go it is like stepping into the storybook of my life. I've also been to Madrid and visited the exact place where I was born, which was once a birthing hospital run by nuns—now it is a home for the elderly—the irony of it all!

What are your thoughts on the Castro regime?

This is a complex question which would take a book-length answer, so I'll pass. I'll only say that the older I get the more of an intellectual anarchist I've become. I don't believe in political figures or so-called leaders of any kind, including our own beloved W. I can think for myself, I don't need anyone or any group of people to do it for me.

Have you ever written what you would call a political poem?

No. My natural voice is not political, per se. Though I believe any act, be it writing a poem, painting a picture, or composing a song, is a political act for the simple reason that you are questioning what exits and the order of the day.

I have read in one place that you work as a civil engineer, and in another that you work as a language consultant. What is your job, and how does it affect your poetry?

I've also been a Professor of Creative Writing and Latino Literature at the University of Central Connecticut. I see all my various careers as adding to my work, because, after all, writing relies on life-experiences, and the more you have the better off you are. Also, there having various things to do, to create, keeps one's perspective always fresh. As a matter of fact, I'm going to begin graduate school in Architecture in the Spring. Life is a banquet, and I want to taste as many things as possible. I have faith that it will all add up someday.