Interview with Natalie Marino, Poet and Physician

 Interview with Natalie Marino, Poet and Physician

             -with Arthur Turfa, poet and writer

 

1.          What attracted you first to poetry?

      I have enjoyed reading poetry since I was introduced to Sylvia Plath's poetry in high school. As I entered my 40s, I found that in addition to working as a physician and being a mom to my two daughters, I needed to do something creative, and writing poetry seemed like a good fit for me. 

2.          You are in a long line of physician poets (including William Carlos Williams, Gottfried Benn, and Jenna Le). How does your profession impact your poetry?

      The profession of medicine necessarily involves paying close attention to what patients are saying, to their stories. Often sitting with these stories also involves carrying heavy emotional weight, and writing poetry helps me process this heaviness.

3.          You have a chapbook out now with Finishing Line Press. Tell us about it!

 

          My chapbook Under Memories of Stars is a collection of lyric poems that address love,       

     grief, and acceptance. Each poem involves stars and how they are simultaneously every  

    present and unreachable. You can order my chapbook   here: 

    https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/under-memories-of-stars-by-natalie-marino/

     What poets influence you?

     Sylvia Plath continues to influence my poetry. I also greatly admire the work of Jack Gilbert, Louise Glück, Linda Gregg, and Charles Simic. 

4.          What lies ahead for you poetically?

           I am currently trying to get my next chapbook published. It is a collection of twenty  

     poems  addressing America. The poems work together to show our collective need for a a

     new American Dream.