The Young Poet Teaya Tells Her Backstory And More In Philadelphia

While poet Teaya Downing obviously comes from a deeply personal place when writing her poetry, the twenty five year-old mother of one richly rewards readers with joy while coping with life and relationships. For Teaya writing unspoken word results in helping the emergence from times of old days to times of new days. Downing realizes that using individual poetry to touch on universally shared pursuit of self-identity and belonging is an excellent way to share her own story about a Philadelphia experience and more. The Philadelphia Front Page News had a recent interview with Teaya. 

Philadelphia Front Page News: Q. What inspires you to write poetry?

Teaya Downing: A. I'm inspired by listening to music, observing all types of relationships, and walking though different neighborhoods. Inspiration is naturally everywhere, all places. I find myself dissecting the unspoken communication in life and that keeps me going.

PFPN: Q. Can you tell your fans your backstory?

Teaya: A. I was born and raised in Philly from a family that bond for, holidays, weekends, and worship God together. My mom and dad split, and it was time for me to stand up and fight for love. I was abused. It traumatized me as a younger child. I still remember. Even through the struggle, my uncle, cousins, aunts, and friends, teachers, played an intrigue part in my success with their up lifting spirits.

PFPN: Q. What are you trying to communicate with your art?

Teaya: A. In my style of writing, I'm trying to communicate the way I move, the way I think, feel and see in life.

PFPN: Q. Would you say that you are fighting for love when writing your spoken word?

Teaya: A. I would say I am fighting for love through my spoken word.  I want you to empathize and connect with me on a deeper level.

PFPN: Q. What is a measure of success as a poet?

Teaya A. The moment I step out of my comfort zone of writing that's when I knew and felt what a great accomplishment I have achieved, and when I say comfort I'm talking about the unspoken words left in my mind. That's how I measure a poet’s success.

PFPN: Q. Who are some of your favorite poets?

Teaya: A. William Shakespeare, Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes... some of the best writers who work I read many many times.

PFPN: Q. What about this poem (the one published) was special to you or led you to write it?

Teaya: A. My poem was special to me because it stems from a memory I didn't forget, I could remember what place I was in when… I took the time out to write in my words in complete sentences.

PFPN: Q. What makes a poem “good?

Teaya: A. A poem is good when the correct words are used to reflect on the character. A good poem has it going on when the reader can say "yesss that's it”.

PFPN: Q. What advice do you have for aspiring poets?

Teaya: A. The advice I have to give to aspiring poets is, don't give up no matter what.