Redefining Beauty by Karla K. Morton
I am thrilled to present an interview with Karla K. Morton, Poet Laureate of Texas, author of Redefining Beauty, and a self-described breast cancer warrior. This collection of more than forty poems explores Karla’s journey through breast cancer and is accompanied by striking, black-and-white photographs of a beautifully bald Karla.
When did you start writing the poems for this book?
Well, it took me several weeks to get over my shock.
In our amazing health-care system, I was able to go from diagnosis to lumpectomy surgery to port surgery to my first chemotherapy in three weeks.
It wasn’t until chemotherapy when I could breath again. My friend, Margaret Chalfant, then told me there was no way fear and faith could exist in the same moment, and I began thinking about this, which led to my decision that I don’t have to be afraid, which unleashed my mind into fighting mode.
I began all sorts of armament, from cowboy boots, to cussing to writing. And, it is in writing that I was able to get through this awful time. I think it was that second chemo when I began this book — not realizing I was creating a manuscript, just writing to get myself beyond the fear.
It’s fear, I think, that is your worst enemy.
And my friend, photographer Walter Eagleton, who did the pictures for my first book, “Wee Cowrin’ Timorous Beastie”, wanted me to come into his studio for pictures when I was bald. He wanted to document this time in my life. Again, we had no idea we were creating a book, this was his gift to me — and what a beautiful gift! (hey, and I was lucky enough to have a great head — you never know what kind of head you have until you have no hair!!!)
In one of my favorite poems, “The Other Side of the Storm,” you write that “my wounds have begun to heal” and that “the seas have finished thrashing.” I love the imagery in those lines, and I can certainly relate to those deep feelings. And yet, as breast cancer survivors, we have to deal with fears of recurrence. Has your writing helped you process and contain those fears?
Thank you for that! I love to hear which poems touch people!
Well, I think living as a warrior is very much like living on the beach — a beautiful, magnificent beach.
Ah, what a glorious glorious life we lead, and we can drive ourselves crazy by wondering if another hurricane is going to strike tomorrow.
I believe God has my best interest in mind — He has given us all a life of beauty.
We have to live in the moment and believe, truly believe that all is well.
Next Up: Part 2 of the interview. Find out what it is like to travel around the state of Texas as the Poet Laureate who is also known as the Poet Warrior.
To learn more about Karla K. Morton, visit her website. Redefining Beauty is available from the publisher, major online booksellers, and it is in Texas bookstores.
A note of disclosure and thanks to the publisher , Dos Gatos Press, for providing me with a copy of the book.
