Reflecting on a Geriatric Poetry Debut

My journey into poetry began in my youth, but it was only while pursuing a Master of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary that I embraced it seriously. I studied under Pulitzer Prize winner Yusef Komunyakaa, whose rigorous critiques shaped my early writing. I often felt unworthy of his attention, recalling an early meeting where I presented twelve poems. He went through each line meticulously, providing guidance that felt overwhelming yet hopeful.

Later, while completing a PhD in contemporary poetry at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, I faced similar challenges with my work. My strategy for publication then consisted mainly of submitting pieces to prestigious literary journals like The New Yorker and The Paris Review, which, unsurprisingly, did not yield results. Over the years, I accumulated rejections rather than acceptances, treating them as part of my poetic journey.

After years of attempts and setbacks, including my poem “Sightings,” which faced over 120 rejections before being published, my determination finally bore fruit. In 2024, Texas Review Press offered to publish my manuscript, a moment that filled me with unexpected joy without any schemes necessary.

The publication process proved to be both exhausting and joyful. I engaged in marketing efforts and planned events to celebrate my work, reflecting on how the journey has transformed my perception of my place as a poet. Previously, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy; I often questioned my right to claim the title of poet. Growing up in a financially constrained environment, I felt discouraged from pursuing creative writing as a legitimate vocation.

In recent years, however, I have come to embrace the value of literature and my role within it. This newfound confidence has added depth to my experience of sharing my book with the world. Now, as I face turning fifty with this debut collection, I find solace in my growth as a writer, understanding that each phase of life shapes our creative expressions.

While I still sometimes wish I had published earlier, I also recognize that my experiences have equipped me to appreciate this moment fully. I look forward to sharing my work and engaging readers, celebrating this unique path as my "geriatric debut."

Holy the Body by Donovan McAbee is available via TRP: The University Press of SHSU.