Geoffrey Clay
Filed under: Authors
I only started writing poetry a few years ago, less as a serious foray into creative writing and more as a means by which to put on paper a number of things I wanted to forget (all of it rather pedestrian in hindsight). I was bolstered by what F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote: "Fine dives have been made from flimsier spring-boards."
I am 26 years old and was born, raised, and now reside in suburban picket fence New Jersey, not far from Manhattan. I've had the great privilege to have traveled to many out-of-the-way places across the great girdled earth. I've been lucky enough to study at Oxford for a spell and for 4 brilliant years at "The College on The Hill". As for those 4 glorious years, I'll let one of dear old Dartmouth's more illustrious presidents speak for me (paraphrased, of course): "Before a man can be expected to live upright and respectably, he must be afforded the opportunity to be completely irresponsible." I am presently writing advertising copy at a leading specialty chemicals company and enjoying it very much. I use my time outside of work to write - both poetry and fiction - and often times I find myself writing about war and other unpleasant topics. It turns out I have a rather low opinion of my writing when the subject is a happy and cheerful one. It just doesn't have that extra little something that things bleak and desolate have springing forth from my hands. As for the future, I am hoping to find the time to pursue an MFA in poetry or fiction, while being tempted all the while to pursue a "more practical" MBA instead. For now, I'll remain immersed in the written word.
Winning Entry: To Home, Winter 1943
Contest Won: War Poetry Contest 2002, Honorable Mention
