"I started Poetry very young...because I didn't really have kids to play with" _ Adewoye Raphael, Poet

*   Can we meet you?

I am Raphael Oluwakayode Adewoye, a graduate of the Department of Mass Communication, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. I am basically an 'artist(e) '. So i am into anything that has to do with arts. I can act, play quite a number of musical instruments, and I write too. Particularly, i write poems and evangelical pieces and so on.

*   For you, is Poetry inbuilt or something you developed?

Hmmmm... Well, I would say it is both a 'built-in' and a developed talent. This is because since I was young i love to express myself and create new meanings through writing and while I grew up, this drive continued to develop till the point of poetry and it is still developing even now.

*   How and When did you start as a Poet?

I started very young, say like while I was 9 years old. Then, i would write short stories and give them to my Mom to read and see what meaning it made to her. I think this happened then because I didn't really have kids to play with and to share the things i thought about with, so I was more introverted and the best way i felt i could express my instant and interesting thoughts was to write them down in my 'scrap jotter'

*   How has Poetry been so far and do just write poems during your leisure hours for pleasure or you intend becoming a full-time poet now or in the nearest future?

Wow, Poetry has been wonderful. I write poems mostly when I am moved to write, when I get a 'compelling urge' in me  to write. This push can come from my experience or my deepest thoughts, a situation around me or even my environment. Yes, i don't mind becoming a full-time poet in the nearest future.

*   What else do you do apart from writing poems?

I write inspirational pieces, evangelical pieces and quotes. I already mentioned other things I do previously.

*   What perception about Poetry do you want to change in this modern day society that we live in? And what innovations are you planning to bring into Poetry?

I would like to change the notion people have about poetry that is just a thing for people who aren't serious about life or a thing for people who don't have what to do with their time and that poems are things to read just for fun or just because one has the time. Poetry is deep, it is serious business, it is soul pouring, soul purging and soul touching. Also i would want more poets as myself to expand their writing horizons to accommodate a genre of Gospel poetry. It would really be beautiful.

*   What are the challenges you face as a Poet that you think other Poets might also be facing and what is your advice for fellow Poets?

Well,i can say the problem may be in stages. The first stage is while writing. We poets hate (with passion) to be distracted while being inspired and writing. It is like a stab to the heart. Another stage of challenge comes also while writing. Like you have to find the best way possible to present and fine tune your thoughts such that your readers won't totally miss the 'thread' and get lost while reading. Another stage is facing criticisms, poetry acceptance and getting a platform to show your works to the world. An advice would be - Stick to what you know how to do best, there is no hard and fast track to this. Just hang in there.

*   What kind of Poems do you write? Is it about love, Liberation/Slavery, Oldies, Words of Wisdom...I mean, what is the major theme for your poems or do you just write about anything in general?

Like I said previously, I write as i am inspired and moved in me. But mostly, I write about Life's experiences.

*   From your works, it is obvious that you are vast in the use of the numerous poetic devices,,so where do you see yourself in the next five to ten years?

Honestly, I usually let God decide that part and so, I envision a poet touching lives, imparting souls, and creating progressive change in the modus operandi of systems in the world through poetry.

*   How does anyone who would like to read more of your poems read them or better still contact you? What are your Social Media handles like your facebook page and Instagram ID, Twitter Handle?

I am available on Facebook as Raphael Oluwakayode Adewoye, On Instagram: @ its_kaydex, and you reach me anytime via WhatsApp or a call 08132414810. You can also send me a Mail: Kaydex69@yahoo.com

Olagbende Rebecca's Blog: Thank you very much for granting us an interview with you...May God give u more inspiration to write more Poems...

Thanks so much for having me, it's been a pleasure speaking with you, plus you are doing a great job! Keep on keeping it on. The sky is where you start.