Abdul Ali Q&A on the genesis of ‘On Passing (or Notes Towards a Manifesto)’

“On Passing (or Notes Towards a Manifesto)” was the last poem I finalized for my collection Trouble Sleeping  (New Issues Poetry & Prose, 2015). It was difficult because it’s probably one of the most vulnerable poems I had written until that one. I had to address what it felt like to feel like an outsider both to my father and the poetry community, both of which I love dearly. I had to be naked on the page with the knowledge that others will read it. And, I had to be totally okay with that. It was my moment of writing a difficult and brave poem. I recommend every writer to not shy away from those difficult pieces. On the other side of it, is wisdom, peace, and dare I say, clarity.