Interviewer:

            It is my pleasure to meet you David. I’d like to congratulate you on publishing your first book in 2004.

David:

            Thanks for having the time to speak with me Brad. I appreciate it greatly.

Interviewer:

            It has been a year since your first book has arrived into book stores and you’ve already been working on a second book. Before we speak of your upcoming work, let us go through your current book, “In the Depths of My Eyes.”

David: 

            Certainly, “In the Depths of My Eyes” is the surface of my art. I chose certain poems to publish and I ended up with two-hundred and one as a result. The majority of my poems from “In the Depths of My Eyes” range from fifth-teen to twenty-five lines. I decided to keep my passages in this book short because it is my first book and I thought it would be more precise to steadily present my artwork as I gradually progress in the years to come.

Interviewer:

            May you speak about the vocabulary you used in your first book? I noticed the words you used were more of the present time than of the past.

David: 

            Well, I read a vast variety of poetry and novels. However, I did not want my poetry to be similar to other poets. The beauty of poetry is to articulate your own form. My poetry comes from myself and not another man or woman’s art. Let’s say you read the work of Robert Frost one afternoon and the next day you read the work of Maya Angelou. The poetry of the two may not be compared. Why? It’s because they are not the same person. If poetry was to be kept into one aspect then I believe poetry would be trapped. The passion and freedom of writing fluently would no longer be agile. I chose to write with the simple tone as most people speak of today because in my perspective I wanted to have my message caught instantly. I know it would be more challenging to make the reader wonder along. Hmm, what is this poet referring to? Is he writing of what I think he is? That’s wonderful, but I decided to write that style in certain poems, not all.

Interviewer:

            That clears up a lot of the criticism you’ve been receiving. I’m sure it’s been rough dealing with all the comments and views from people.

David: 

            I respect everyone’s opinion as I believe they should respect mine also. I’ve received countless comments, both of which are positive and negative. It’s harsh at times, but it keeps me striving forth. What I do dislike most out of all the criticisms is when people say, “I dislike your poetry. It’s not my style. It’s too etc.” I understand what they are saying, but the majority of the time it seems as though they’re attacking me.

Interviewer:

            Attacking you?

David:

            What I mean is that some people force themselves to enjoy one form of writing. They tend to want lines such as, “Superfluous and raffish employment of lexicon resulting in preponderant solecism disguising prosaic anomie.” Poetry is elusive with its words. There is no need to use words with four syllables throughout your poems to accomplish a solid poem. Complex words are great to use, but what is the point of using complex words when the world is already a complex place? I prefer to open up that forgotten layer and slowly build my way.

Interviewer:

            Great idea, I understand what you are saying. “In the Depths of My Eyes” consists of two-hundred and one poems. That’s quite a number for a poetry book. Do you have any favorites?

David: 

            Thank you. I’ve been asked of what my favorite poem is off and on. The truth is that I have several. One of those would be, “A Woman You Are,” which is not a tribute to one woman, but women. Another poem I cherish is my dedication to my Grand Ma. She passed away a few years ago and it has left a scar inside me. The poem I wrote for her is titled, “Lullaby.” I have a few more poems I hold close to myself, but that’s enough of my rambling. I wrote the book to express myself and for the joy that readers will find a peace of mind for themselves.

Interviewer:

            I happen to have finished your book within 3 days or so. I did realize your concern with the poor. May you speak of that?

David:

            Of course. I speak of the poor because they’re practically invisible to mankind. The reality is that they are mankind. They too have a life and suffer from hunger and so many other problems. I’m a man that will take money out of his own pocket and hand it out to a homeless person. I’ve done that continually. I must say I was hurt to see a child being homeless. This young girl must have been about sixteen years of age and there she was, standing at an intersection with a sign for money. It hurt to see society as it is. I’m just another man on this earth. I know I can’t change the world, but I do what I can to help those around me. I’m humble. That’s what I am. Humble.

Interviewer:

            You’re a young man and I do respect your warm heart. That is rare. Would you like to speak of your upcoming book?

David:

            I’m joyful to do so. As everyone knows my upcoming book is named, “The Pinnacle.” Well, that’s the title I dwelled of for the time being. This new book of mine is still being worked on and it will consist a minimum of one-thousand passages.

Interviewer:

            One-thousand poems?

David:

            Yes. The major difference with my new book is that each poem will have an average of thirty lines. When compared to my first book, which has below twenty-five lines each, “The Pinnacle” will be more in tact. It’s a great challenge for me, especially, when I will be quadrupling the amount of my art.

Interviewer:

            That is an astounding number. How is it coming along?

David:

            In the beginning I wrote at ease. The flow was beautiful. I hate to admit it, but like every other human being I received writers block. (laughs)

Interviewer:

            I don’t blame you. You surely write a large amount of material.

David:

            I was frustrated, but it was bound to happen because I do write like a maniac. (laughs)

Interviewer:

            David. That’s a given. Your work shows that.

David:

            Thank you. Well, I do write about nearly everything we face in life. Most importantly, the phases and obstacles we are dealt with.

Interviewer:

            Is there anything you would like to add about your upcoming work?

David:

            I’d like to say that the passages will be four times of what my first book is. However, my pure, humble self, will not change. My writing will be true as it always has been. In my first book I did hold back a lot of things I wanted to say, but I chose not to because it was the start of my adventure into the literary society. “The Pinnacle” will obtain a tremendous variety of poems, stories and so forth.

Interviewer:

            Nicely said. If you don’t mind, David, I’d like to interview you outside your poetic mind state.

David:

            I was actually hoping someone would take the time since people usually see me as nothing more than a poet. (laughs)

Interviewer:

            You are quite the character. My first question is fairly simple. Well, I sure hope so. How would you describe your average day? Apart from working that is.

David:

            (laughs) Brace yourselves. Mr. Chiem is a busy person. The viewers of my web site know I have seven dogs. Yes. Seven. Lets start at the opening of my day. I receive a maximum of 4 hours of sleep each night. I know it’s not healthy at all, but I’m adjusted to this lifestyle. I tend to sleep at 5 o’clock in the morning and wake up at about 9 o’clock. It is then that I wash up and prepare myself for the day. I would head to the backyard and let my dogs out. People always ask me how I am able to handle so many dogs. I’m surprised myself. I treat my dogs as if they were my own children. I named each of them on my own and nourished them since their puppy years. (smiles)

Interviewer:

            Seems to me that you’re a part time mother. (chuckles)

David:

            I sure am. Having seven dogs’ means there’s several chores I repeat to keep them healthy and clean. Cleaning them is a regular basis and exercising them is for their health and for mine. They’re a bunch of trouble makers, but I love them dearly. Taking care of them in the morning usually consumes one and a half hours. Afterwards, I would then have my meal. It’s rare that I do have a bite to eat. During my activities I am caught up. You can see me as a perfectionist. I thrive off of it.

Interviewer:

            So this is just your morning?

David:

            Yes. This is a small part of it. The overview would be that I mow the lawn, which takes around two and a half hours, I wash the cars, vacuum the house, clean the restrooms, clean the yard, shower each dog, clean the kennel, run numerous errands and I must not forget the laundry. This is a weekly routine all together. That’s a man’s job right there. (smiles) I also find time to work out. I have a gym in my garage. It’s equipped with the weights of all sorts and my best friend, the punching bag.

Interviewer:

            Your best friend is a punching bag? (laughs)

David:

            (laughs)It most certainly is. I’ve been in Tae Kwon Do ever since I was about 9 years old. I love the sport.

Interviewer:

            Alright. David, you’re a butler. Your day makes me feel drained.

 David:

            I do feel that though. I can’t sit still. I am constantly moving. If it’s not my paper and pen that’s pacing, it’s my heart.

Interviewer:

            What would be the things you enjoy?

David:

            Great question. I enjoy being outdoors. Getting my adrenaline in a rush is the excitement of it all. Things such as biking, working out and hiking are wonderful. During the night I occasionally go for a walk. It is a peaceful and a perfect time to reflect upon myself. In the past, when I only had two dogs, I went for these midnight walks with the two of them and it was the best feeling ever.

Interviewer:

            Why was it the best feeling?

David:

            Well, I had two friends to share all the nights with me. I know they are my dogs, but to me they are closer than humans. They are loyal and if you treat your dog with respect, in return you will receive that same respect.

Interviewer:

            That is a beautiful aspect you have there. Would you like to speak further of your interests?

David:

            (smiles) I sure do. Music. I love music. Above all I enjoy listening to music in the 90’s. Everyone that has heard of me, most likely knows my utter love for the late, great Tupac Shakur.

Interviewer:

            Tupac Shakur?

David: 

            That is correct. Tupac Shakur has been a mentor to me ever since the early 90’s. I was a young man at the time, yet I grasped this mans voice. The way you reacted when I mentioned his name was that of a surprising one. Let me make this clear. Shakur “must” not be seen as another man. Why? It is a given that he worked unlike any other in the industry. This man suffered from poverty, recorded three to four songs on average per day, was an actor, filmed videos, wrote books, wrote poetry, funded organizations for the less fortunate and so much more. The reason I am speaking of Shakur is because he inspired me to rise up and put my art out for the world to read along. It is without a doubt, Tupac Shakur, strived with pain and accomplished much in his short life. He also has a poetry book that contains around seventy poems. It’s called, “The Rose That Grew from Concrete.” The surprising part of this is that there will be a second volume. It just shows you that he lived each day with no rest. I admire that greatly.

Interviewer:

            What do you fear and what angers you?

David:

            I must say that my fear is to be forgotten.

Interviewer:

            What do you mean by that?

David:

            To me, having to be forgotten is to live your life trapped. I yearn to give my all. Our demise is inevitable. However, you may leave this earth and still be “remembered.” As to my cause of anger I would have to say a chosen few. I despise those that are ignorant. People believing in only what they welcome to themselves may never be human.

Interviewer:

            What is your definition of being human?

David:

            Listen. We all bleed and breathe. Racism is a serious issue and it will forever be. There’s just so much hate circulating each moment. It’s not just racism either. Greed is part of this hideous creature. It angers me that people think one way because of others. “Look at those Asians! They’re a bunch of gooks!” That’s one example. I may say the word gook because I happen to be one. Especially in this generation we hear it more and more each passing day. Words such as the “N word” that was used to suppress Blacks in the past. Let me state this. I am not black. However, it disturbs me that non-black people use the “N word” to substitute the term of friend or brother.

Interviewer:

            Speak further of this.

David:

            As an Asian male I see a lot of people, especially Asians, using the “N word” as if they were Black themselves. Some choose to defend their right to use the “N word” because they were too born in that poor scenario or were raised around the Black community. To me that’s just non-sense. If you’re Caucasian, Asian or any other Ethnicity that is Non-Black you have no right to use it. Case closed. It’s ironic, for example, if an Asian person over heard a Black person use the word “chink” or “gook,” they’d be going haywire. That’s the irony in it. Just because everyone is saying it doesn’t mean it is fine. Open your eyes and listen to see the clearer picture.

Interviewer:

            David. You’re obviously not Black. Why are you offended by this subject?

David:

            It’s because it’s not just the term that is used for Blacks. I have love for everyone and that is why I will speak for everyone when I have the chance. I mean, I see children using these terms and it’s just a continuation of the hate cycle. Another issue that must be brought to mind is hunger. I believe we’ve all said, “I’m starving right now” or “I’m so hungry.” I also believe that most of us don’t know how severe hunger is.

Interviewer:

            I’m not sure of what you are saying. Can you be more specific David?

David:

            Picture this. A man or woman goes into their kitchen and searches the pantry and refrigerator for food. In the end they don’t find anything that is of interest. This is when they complain to themselves or whoever is there, “I’m starving and there’s nothing to eat.” The reality of it is that they have a fridge and cupboards of food. They just don’t want to eat what’s in there because they’re either tired of it or it is not tasteful to them. In other words, the food has been there and we’re just use to it. What I’m trying to explain is that there are millions of people in the world suffering from hunger. I know of a man that struggled to come to America. His first visit to a pet store shocked him.

Interviewer:

            What was so shocking about the pet store to the man?

David: 

            Food. Bags and loads of food. The man thought we worshiped cats and dogs. Do you see what I’m trying to say now? That’s what hunger is. The man thought we’re crazy for having a store just for pet food when in his country there wasn’t even a food store for people. We must be grateful for the things we obtain. Before you speak down on your life you should realize the crowds of people that wish to have the things you don’t cherish.

Interviewer:

            I agree with what you’re stating. I admit I too blurt out that phrase of, “I’m starving.”

David:

            I don’t blame you. I just think people should reconsider the things we tend to say. We all make mistakes. Learning from these mistakes is the challenge.

Interviewer:

            What is your opinion on the homeless situation?

David:

            America. We’re the wealthiest country in the world. Yet we have an endless number of people living in the gutter. It sickens me to see men and women, especially children, roaming the streets and scavenging for food. I write about this matter continually.

Interviewer:

            Why do you write about this topic if you’ve written about it already?

David:

            Do you know why the Viet Nam War ended?

Interviewer:

            There are a lot of views of why it came to and end. What is your perspective?

David:

            The media.

Interviewer:

            The media? How did the media end the war?

David:

            Without the media Americans would not have seen the gruesome slayings. Instead, they would all believe that our soldiers were dying heroically. When we watch movies we see these deaths as being somewhat “beautiful.” The media broadcast is the reason why our troops were pulled out of Viet Nam. If we did not see the suffering and anguish the war would not have ended the way it did.

Interviewer:

            I understand what you are saying, but how does this relate to your writing on homelessness?

David:

            It has a lot to do regarding why I write the things I do, Brad. The way I see it is that if I bring the problems up, perhaps then people will notice it and take action. I’m just one man, but at least I’m trying to spark a change. It’s a try.

Interviewer:

            May you talk about the subjects you write of?

David:

            I most certainly will. I receive the question of where I get my ideas to write off and on. My answer is always, “From life itself.” Yes. I am a poet, but I’m not just a writer. I am too a human being. I live and breathe as any other and I’m dealt with situations that make me strategize. I may write of the simplest topic, such as depression, or I may decide to speak of politics. When I first wrote of women abuse I received admiration from several. Both men and women gave me their gratitude because I am brave enough to write of it.

Interviewer:

            Why would writing about women abuse be considered as being brave?

David:

            This is where sexism is brought into place. I am a man. For a man to write about sensitive, deep topics, he is considered to be weak in the eyes of males.

Interviewer:

            How is it weak to write of these subjects though?

David:

            Bravado. A lot of men choose to maintain their bravado. It’s a disguise of having courage. I believe a man that speaks his mind without having to cease his mouth is an honorable man.

Interviewer:

            Do you see yourself as one?

David:

            I’m not being big-headed. I know I’m true to my word. I write of my fears and faults. If I’m able to show the world my tears and weaknesses then it means I’m brave. It’s a given that the majority of my readers are women. I embrace that love. The men that have congratulated me and given me their comments to my work are men. For a man to say, “I enjoy reading your work. Great job” and so forth is strength to me. Men are raised to be their “own self.”

Interviewer:

            What do you mean by their “own self”?

David:

             Well, I’m referring to the men that appreciate another man’s work. The men that have offered their support to me receive my respect. I am beyond grateful to the women, but the men receive the greater amount of sincerity from me. It’s because he is not afraid to show that side of him. The attacks upon my work usually come from men also. I’m use to it by now though.

Interviewer:

            When you say “attack,” is it physically?

David:

            No. They speak down on my writing. “You’re not a man, you write poetry. Only a woman would do such a thing.” It’s hilarious to me because I defend myself with the same response each time and they vanish.

Interviewer:

            What is your response to their attacks?

David:

            I would say, “Do you listen to music?” You see, music is poetry. Poetry is all around us. It’s a way of life. By mentioning this question they realize they are a hypocrite. The most hardcore, renegade, ruthless music artists are poets. That’s the straight out truth.

Interviewer:

            Nice reply. Is there a specific story you would like to share, regarding your criticism?

David: 

            There is one in particular. It involves the internet. (laughs)

Interviewer:

            Do tell.

David:

            I published my poetry book in 2004. A few weeks before my book was available in stores, I checked to see if my book was displayed on the Amazon and Barnes & Noble web site. Surprisingly, I already had a comment about my book. The comment was filled of hate. It was a bash against my poetry. They said they finished reading the book and that it is not recommended for anyone. Now, how was he or she able to read my book when my book was not in stores yet? Even I did not receive my copy from my publisher at the time. That incident showed me that some people thrive off of brewing lies to increase their self-esteem.

Interviewer:

            How shocking. David, jealousy plays a part in this.

David:

            I don’t understand why anyone would be jealous though. Not once in my poetry do I glamorize myself. Never. I write of the problems in our society. In our world. It hurt me to see people speak down on my writing when they don’t know me. And to add to that they don’t have a legitimate reason to. I’m use to the hate mail and comments by now. It’s nothing but ignorance. Do I speak of flaunting wealth or fame? Do I praise my own work? No. I never have and I never will. Instead, I write of stories that harm us all. I write about rape, abuse, deaths, starvation, segregation and so many more issues. In no way do I bring these subjects to hurt anyone. However, I do bring it to life to remind each of us of the problems we need to solve.

Interviewer:

            Who’d ever thought being a writer may be so rough?

David:

            Deal with it. That’s what I have to do. It was bound to happen.

Interviewer:

            Moving forth. I’ve been a regular visitor of your site. The passage you wrote, “Perspective on Love” caught my attention. I’m disappointed you did not include that in your current book.

David:

            (laughs) That’s because I wrote that after the release of my book. Perhaps I will insert that into my upcoming book.

Interviewer:

            What are your future plans?

David:

            Well Brad, I am looking forward to have a center for people to perform their art. This idea is still being planned out. Art may be expressed in several forms. Art may be dance, music, paintings, drawings, sculpting, poetry, designing and acting. The list goes on.

Interviewer:

            A young entrepreneur. That is what I see in you.

David:

            (smiles) I’m bashful. Thanks.

Interviewer:

            To answer the letters we’ve received about you. This next question is asked by the women. Why have you been on your own? Being single.

David:

            More book sales. (laughs) Alright. I’m kidding.

Interviewer:

            (laughs) You’re hilarious, David.

David:

            Being single should not be unusual. A person may be single and still be joyful. I’ve been single for nearly five years now. My first relationship is my only relationship and it still remains to be.

Interviewer:

            Would you mind speaking of your past?

David:

            Well, out of respect to her I will not say much. She’s a wonderful person. I admire her charisma. Although I’m a writer, even I have a difficult time finding the right words to describe her persona. I never doubt anything she set her mind to. She definitely reached her goals. That’s the beauty I look for. Inner beauty. Thanks a lot Brad. My memories are reoccurring.

Interviewer:

            (laughs) Forgive me. We may move onward if you’d like?

David:

            It’s fine. Well, we eventually parted our paths. My companions say I’m picky now. That is not the reason why I’m single. My past relationship with her was remarkable. I confess. I do become weak when I gaze back to the past, but the past may make us stronger. She knows I admire her presence and her way of life. She also knows I am proud of her accomplishments. This is how a woman should be loved.

Interviewer:

            Love. It seems as though poets are not complete without love.

David:

            That’s true. My first poem was of a love one. I wrote it during my childhood years. I believe I was around eight years of age. It was for my mother.

Interviewer:

            Your parents must be proud of you.

David:

            They are, but I am more proud of them. What I’ve done does not compare to the weight on their shoulders. My parents raised all five of us boys into grown men. To be dirt poor and succeed in raising a family is a struggle.

Interviewer:

             How would you define yourself?

David:

            Clumsy. (laughs) Well, I am at times, but I am submissive to admit my mistakes. I have a soulful heart. I endure classical music, meaningful music that fills the inner-self as if I was sipping on a glass of warm tea. I am charismatic. Somewhat spontaneous. I am sincere and compassionate. A romantic person. Overall I am thoughtful and devoted to my beliefs. I have an appetite for several dishes from different Countries. I love food. (laughs)

Interviewer:

            Must you bring up food now? (laughs)

David:

            (smiles) You asked me to describe myself. I’m a food person. Food is love. From Vietnamese dishes to Italian dishes. I live off of Japanese and also Mexican food. (laughs)

Interviewer:

            David. You have me wondering. I’m hesitant to ask for I assume you already have, but have you written of a poem about food?

David:

            Surprisingly. No. I have not. Yet. (chuckles)

Interviewer:

            I will be anxious to see how that one turns out.

David:

            I’m also a deep thinker because I’m a writer. Writers use a certain portion of their brain to fiddle with the world itself. We are more of a painter than a sculptor.

Interviewer:

            Well, here’s a question I thought of at the moment. Do you plan on getting married? Do you have anyone in mind?

David:

            Marriage. I sure did not expect to speak of this. (chuckles) I do. Well, I hope I find a woman to give my heart to. She will have tears from the laughter we share. She will cry when I ask her to marry her. She will cry when I die. Above all, she will cry knowing I’ve waited for her all my life.

Interviewer:

            Beautifully said, David. When is your 2^nd upcoming book expected to be released?

David:

            I am aiming for sometime in 2006 or early 2007. I’m still young. I have much to learn and a long way to reach my pinnacle.

Interviewer:

            It has been a pleasure speaking with you David. It will be wonderful to have another session with you.

David:

            I am available upon request. Thanks for having the time to speak with me. Perhaps next time I will be the one questioning you. (laughs)