D
erek Annis’ book, Neighborhood of Gray Houses, is being
released this spring by Lost Horse Press. Annis’ works have been
included in more than 25 journals and anthologies in the past
year. Annis has a reputation for determination and self-discipline.
Breach
Mother stood
Spokane poet, Laura Read, said, “I have many good things to say
about Derek Annis! I remember watching Derek discover poetry
in the first creative writing class he took with me, and it was so
exciting to witness. He just started to come alive. He brought
something new for us to read almost every day, and his passion for
the poetry we were reading and the exercises we were doing was
so big, it was contagious. Also, Derek worked with me and my
colleague Connie Wasem Scott on SFCC’s creative arts journal,
The Wire Harp. This gave us the chance to watch him grow as an
editor. Over the years since he’s left Spokane Falls Community
College, Connie and I have used his poems as examples in classes
and his current work — including his tenacity as a submitter! —
as a source of inspiration for our students.”
This interview with Derek Annis was conducted via email in
December 2019.
You have a book coming out. Please tell me about it. Please tell
me about the publishing process for you.
When I was two, after a year of severe abuse at the hands of
my stepfather, my mother dropped me off at my grandparents’
house, and never came back to pick me up. My poetry collection,
Neighborhood of Gray Houses, explores the lasting effects
of that abuse and abandonment, which include PTSD and
depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. The poems
are in chronological order, and as the speaker’s world falls apart,
the poems become more surreal — more sure of the world’s
uncertainty. The final section of the book begins with the birth of
my daughters, which provides some structure and solid footing for
the speaker, and the poems show that by reflecting a more solid
and stable version of reality. In this section, the speaker becomes
cautiously optimistic, and acquires more hope for the future.
The publishing process has been wonderful. Christine Holbert,
founder/publisher of Lost Horse Press, has been a joy to work
with. Lost Horse Press publishes some of my favorite poets,
and Christine designs beautiful books. I am also very fortunate
that my friend and mentor, Christopher Howell, took on the role
of principal editor of my collection. Chris has over 45 years of
editorial experience, is familiar with my work and my goals, and
doesn’t pull any punches. The whole publishing process has been
pretty ideal for me, and I couldn’t be happier with how it has
turned out.
on the side of the highway
with a box of teeth
in her left hand, the keys
to the red convertible,
against which she was leaning,
in her right. She asked
which I would like to have,
but being so small, and having
eaten
so much sand, I was ill
prepared to answer.
She held out the box of teeth
and told me to watch
them for her, then she turned,
got into the red convertible,
laid rubber on the road
and revved off
the edge of the earth.
I have been waiting here
by the highway,
and I have tried to care
for the teeth, but now
and again the crows come
steal one
while I sleep.
March | April 2020
29