The Gazette
News Article
(4/6/06)
Title: Reflecting life through the written word
(Young Laurel poets works offer solutions to life struggles)
Thursday, April 6, 2006
Poet Michael Burt often recites his works from memory and says he enjoys performing. But, when relating a poem about a family members battle with drug addiction, he wants to make sure he gets it exactly right. Burt pauses as he pulls his first published collection of poems from his familys living room bookshelf. The 20-year-old Frostburg State student still is struggling to grasp the fact that hes a published author.
Its weird being on that bookshelf, said the 2003 Laurel High School graduate. To see my book on the same shelf as Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, all those amazing writers, it really is amazing.
Burt, scheduled to appear at the Spring Fling Bookfair at the Alexandria, Va., Comfort Inn Saturday, is just under a year removed from the release of Experience is Impossible Without a Chance: A Collection of Poems ($19.95, PublishAmerica). The collection of 97 poems focuses on personal experiences as well as social issues.
The overarching theme, as suggested by the title, Burt said, is that, In life, you cant do anything unless someone gives you a chance.
Burt wrote his first poem in fourth-grade (a Mothers Day gift) but discovered the power of verse as an adolescent.
In seventh grade youre trying to find your identity, he said. For me, writing was one of those things that helped me. ... A lot of people dont say whats exactly on their mind and that was my way of doing it without hurting anybodys feelings.
The cathartic habit blossomed into an obsession. Burt has written around 300 poems since and is now a student of the genre. Reading Giovanni, he said, reminds him of his own style, which he describes as brutally honest.
Shawan Lewis, a fiction writer from Owings Mills who met Burt at a trade show last fall, said she is impressed by the poets literary and business prowess, especially for someone in his 20s. She said she admires his straightforward, uplifting style.
Its not too dark, which I like. Its more about himself, expressing himself and bringing out issues for people to think about, she said. Its focusing on how to deal with a problem in a way that will have a redeeming effect.
One of Burts more personal poems talks about a family members struggle with drug addiction. Burt said he wrote New Life on the family members five-year anniversary of being drug-free.
Burt said he makes a point to read that poem at all his public appearances. I realize that theres other people going through it too and they need to realize that they arent alone, he said.
An earlier poem of Burts, We are Family, was a reaction to those around him, especially in school, whom he felt were being too judgmental of others, making assumptions based on race, religion or class, he said.
Other topics Burt covers in his poetry include the death of his uncle from a brain tumor, a soldiers wife agonizing over her husbands safe return and his parents recollections of the civil rights movement.
Burt said he never forces himself to write. He waits for ideas to come to him, scribbling verses on napkins or gum wrappers if he must.
You dont want to miss the moment because you may never be able to get it back, he said.
The motivation to publish, though prodded by seeing Giovanni at a poetry reading during high school, arrived in an equally abrupt fashion.
I woke up one morning and said, I want to do this. I want to go to the next level, Burt said.
And the toils of a budding author proved ripe for material.
Burts thoughts on one publishers harshly worded rejection letter may find it into his next release, he said.
Burt, currently on tour to promote his book, will appear at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Spring Fling at the Comfort Inn Hotel in Alexandria. For information, visit http://www.mjburtpoetry.com.
E-mail Steve Earley at searley@gazette.net.
(http://gazette.net/stories/040606/laurnew182333_31945.shtml)
Press Release
PRLEAP.com
(1/27/06)
(PRLEAP.COM) 20 year old poet Michael J. Burt fulfilled his dreams by releasing his first volume of poetry entitled "Experience Is Impossible Without a Chance: A Collection of Poems," last year. Inspired by the honesty and truth of poet Nikki Giovanni, Burt set out to chase one of his many dreams and take his poetry to higher level. Burt says "my dream was fulfilled…but that doesn’t mean I have to stop dreaming. It just means I need a bigger dream." Since the book’s release, Burt has performed at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA, Frostburg State University in Frostburg, MD, been invited to perform at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, and has signed books at book stores in the DC area. His poetry has been enjoyed by many readers who have purchased his book and read his pieces online. Michael J. Burt was born in July of 1985 in Washington, DC. However, he grew up in Prince George’s County, MD where he currently resides. Burt studies psychology at Frostburg State University and has the ultimate goal of decreasing the rising number of dysfunctional families in the Washington, DC area. His determination will not allow setbacks to deter him from being heard, he accepts the fact that unknown writers get less attention and uses that as a muse for success. Through poems such as "Gamble," "We Are Family," Freedom Line," "Still Here," "This Love," and "Anniversary," Burt captures the true essence of self-expression and expresses it clearly in his writing. For more info on Michael J. Burt, please visit www.mjburtpoetry.com!
Stacy L. Davidson
Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs
Christopher Newport University
(8/30/05): Testimonial
"Michael J. Burt’s “Intimate Evening of Poetry” at Christopher Newport University was very enjoyable for all who attended. The diverse audience was so involved in listening to the spoken word that they didn’t want to interrupt the atmosphere with applause. With wit and charm, Michael informed the students that he welcomed the positive feedback. I think the best part of Michael’s program was how he got the audience involved in the program, from guessing song lyrics he recited to reading from his book of poems to allowing a student to read his own poetry. Michael’s poetry evoked a variety of responses from the audience, who were enthusiastic participants in his dialogue and readings. I am confident that CNU students would love to have Michael back for another engagement. His program was a great start to our year!"
Marcy Stephens
Courtesy of Amazon.com
(7/13/05): Review
I can agree that Michael J. Burt will be a force to deal with in the poetry world! This book goes deep into life. I am a 46 year old woman from Atlanta, GA and I can relate to this book written by a 20 year old man from DC, what does that tell you? There are a lot of poems that are well written for instance "Freedom Line," "I Must Go On," "Gamble," "In Love with Stress," and others, Burt caught my eye with the poem "What Is A Mother?" This poem justifies what it actually is to be a mother, and distinquishes the difference between a woman taking care of a child, and a woman being a "mother" to that child. You should read this book. I gave it 4 stars because nothing in this world is perfect, but I highly recommend it!
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