Interview Exclusive!

Exclusive Interview with Jonathon!

Jonathon Fagen is a talented poet and creative par excellence whose style of poetry is just a breath of fresh air. He is also an official member of the Collab Tour and on this exclusive interview, he takes us into his world. Excerpts below:

1.   Tell us about your Background.

I grew up in a small town called Fruitland, ID. My parents pushed my siblings and I into the wilderness at a young age. Academics and athletics came naturally to me from a young age. I felt a deep connection with nature and have always felt dissatisfied with the business of modern life. My family has always been a big part of my life, especially my connection to nature. My favorite memories are spent going on adventures with my parents and 2 siblings.

2.   How did poetry all begin for you

Poetry began for me while competing in college. Traveling around the United States, and even a few countries, shaped my cosmopolitan outlook. I began reading about Miyamoto Musashi, the wandering samurai, and became inspired by this warrior’s affinity with not only poetry, but all of the arts. Wrestling initiated my spiritual path, and poetry became the next step along The Way for me.

3.  What is your writing process like

fast and hard

4.  Do you usually have personal connections with your poems

Some are in closer proximity to my personality than others but they are all my creations, and for that I hold a deep personal connection to my interpretations of my poems.

5.  Tell us about your favorite poets and what you like about their writing style

Charles Bukowski is always the first to come to mind because it is raw, gritty, and real. His poems are there to describe the world he lives in. Rumi is another favorite for me. Rumi transcends time and culture with his poetry. There is no limitations with many of the Sufi poets. For this, I admire many Sufi poets. Edgar Allen Poe is a poet and mentor for me. I admire his dedication to keeping poetry short. I feel like there is always a way to say what you need with less words, and that less is more when conveying an idea.

6.  You have quite the International fanbase online, especially Instagram... How does it feel to know that people all over the world read and resonate with your writing

My poetry is for all who can see beyond borders. This is simply how it should be if my poetry is going to make any sense. My words die in small

minds. And the expanded minds see the truth between my lines. I am blessed to have people who resonate with my poetry.

7.  What would fans be most surprised to learn about you

I’ve competed for Team USA in Zagreb, Croatia and Ufa, Russia at the Cadet and Junior Greco-Roman Wrestling World Championships.

8.  Other hobbies you love outside writing and poetry

Whitewater Kayaking and Snowboarding are two of my favorite hobbies. Any form of chilling with good people is also my priority when I’m not writing and training.

9.  Are any of your poems based on real life experiences or do you just tap into your imagination

Every poem is based on a real life experience. I like to layer myths and my imagination over what I’ve experienced to create poetry.

10.  What was growing up like for you and what has the impact of family been like for you and how have they all perceived your talents as a world class poet

I’m the last child in my family so I’ve always had tons of support for whatever I do. My parents have always been like guides on my journey, never forcing me into a role but always leading me. My siblings are the trailblazers and they truly taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to. Growing up, I was constantly pushed to think broader and fulfill my limitless potential. My parents especially reinforced my role as leader wherever I go. This drive to lead was a huge gateway into my poetry. My path is my own but I convey my struggles honestly. My perfection is the first myth I had to unravel because it is hyper-real. My idea of perfection pails in comparison to the perfection I embody and reflect, naturally, as do all beings I encounter. My family always loved me for being me and quickly called out anything less.

11. Some sources whispered to us that you are currently working on a special project.please go into detail about this

Yes! This a huge deal for me. Writing poetry started out as a way to effectively journal for me. I never intended anyone would see it, but my mentor encouraged me to share my gift. Shortly after I began sharing my poetry I was picked up by Joseph Spencer on the Collab Tour and decided to pursue publication. I worked very hard creating these poems over the last 3 years and now I’m excited because I know the team is working hard to bring my words to life with this book. I’m not sure if I can disclose the title but it’s an easy guess.

12.What  does literary success mean to you

Expression. Success, to me, is sharing my gift with the world. My hope is to inspire readers to be themselves and believe in nothing less. The world is full of fool’s gold, so success is someone else finding the treasure that’s always been buried within them.

13. Would you Consider yourself a person of faith?

Yes, faith is absolutely necessary. My faith is in the divine flowing through all beings. Rumi is a helpful source for understanding this, to me. I cannot say what that means for anyone else, but my faith is essential.

14.    What does Friendship mean to you?

My grandfather has a great quote, so I’ll use him as a reference on this one: “To have a friend, be a friend.” A friend is someone you can count on to count on you.

15.    Do you have any special friendships along the line of your development as a creative that you would love to highlight?

My brother and sister are my best friends. My girlfriend, Sonya, is also someone who encourages me in special ways, she is my best friend in the way that I enjoy her presence in any environment. Sometimes at the dinner table my siblings can be argumentative, but Sonya is a calming presence. I also have to shoutout my friend, Shoaib, because he has introduced me to some of the most beautiful Persian poetry I’ve read, as well as my friend Lucien, who was my training partner my last year of college and began writing inspiring poetry himself. I am super grateful to have made many good friends along the way, all of which inspire me to be better.

16.    What is your take on the state of the poetry community and whats your measage to aspiring creatives that look up to you as a source of inspiration

I have been blessed to meet some of the most inspiring and encouraging poets imaginable since I’ve dipped my toes into the poetry world. For aspiring creatives I have a word and a quote, first of all: create. If you need more explanation, listen to the late, great Terence Mckenna: “Nature loves courage. You make the commitment and nature will respond to that commitment by removing impossible obstacles. Dream the impossible dream and the world will not grind you under, it will lift you up. This is the trick. This is what all these teachers and philosophers who really counted, who really touched the alchemical gold, this is what they understood. This is the shamanic dance in the waterfall. This is how magic is done. By hurling yourself into the abyss and discovering it's a feather bed.” So, take the leap.

17.    How would you describe your personality

A rebel, I despise the norm. The status quo, to me, is another way to describe what’s out of date. I’m not afraid to seek the truth, but maturity has taught me that sometimes it’s better to let the ignorant parade in their stupidity because when your 100% sure of some truth, you’re wrong.

18.    Asides your passion for poetry, what else are you equally as passionate about

Joy! I love experiencing joy. That’s what life is about, finding the joy in the mundane. Finding the pure in the profane. Finding yourself amidst the noise.

19.    Your parting words to your teeming followers and fans worldwide.

Bequeathed unshone the lights of Rome!