Today, I am cautiously introducing to you, Nora M. Parker, my night time poet pseudonym or perhaps my muse, and alter ego.

Although I have only published one of her poems here—something she reminds me often—I plan to include more of her night poems here in the near future.

I will warn you that she has a bit of an attitude. Without further ado, welcome Nora M. Parker to the blog…

Portrait of Nora M. Parker Night Poet Alterego by Lisa Thomson (charcoal on paper)

Interview With Nora M. Parker

L: “Thanks for joining us today, Nora. Before we get into it, can you tell everyone what the M. stands for?”

N: “It’s Millicent. Hey, is that supposed to be me?”

L: “Yes, in fact.”

N: “It does resemble me slightly.”

L: “So, your middle name is Millicent. People are either curious or suspicious about initials, it seems. So that’s out of the way.”

N: “Whatever.”

L: “Nora, could you lose the attitude. We’re live, with my readers, many of whom are writers, too. Like us.”

N: “Yeah, well I’d write a lot more if you’d loosen up a bit.”

L: “We’ve talked about this. You know how it works. You create the stuff —”

N: “—you’re afraid to say.”

L: “That’s a bit harsh. We’re here to talk about you, so let’s begin with your poetry. What have you written lately?”

N: “The first poem of mine that you published was “The Aging of the Shrew” and I think it was fairly well received. It may have scared a few people but that’s poetry. It can scare a person.”

L: “I agree. Usually when it hits home.”

N: “Well I don’t have a home per se.”

L: “Yes, you do, Nora. You are always welcome here.”

N: “You’re just saying that for this interview. You hate it when I wake you up in the middle of the night to come here.”

L: “Like you’re doing right now? I don’t mind! I want to introduce you to everyone so what better time than 3 am? Let’s begin with some basic questions to help everyone get to know you a bit better.”

“What is your favourite colour?”

N: “Black.”

L: “And mine is pink. But this isn’t about me. Favourite word to use in a poem?”

N: “Quixotic”

L: “Interesting. I don’t think I’ve seen your poem with that word in it. Never mind, I believe you. When’s your favourite time to write?”

N: “3 am”

L: “Tea or coffee?”

N: “Coffee. Black. Brown sugar.”

L: “Red or white wine?”

N: “Red. Sometimes I’ll put up with rose.”

L: “Favourite shoes?”

N: “Frye ass-kickers.”

L: “University or college?”

N: “Neither.”

L: “Day job?”

N: “Bartender.”

L: “Favourite band/singer?”

N: “Metallica and James Taylor”

L: “I like the contrast! Mine’s Dave Matthews Band and Joni Mitchell. Don’t look at me like that. But this isn’t about me. What’s your favourite hobby?”

N: “Driving my boss crazy. Getting her out of her comfort zone and her bed at night.”

L: “Indeed. You are very skilled at your hobby, although I’m not sure you aren’t the boss of me, Nora.”

N: “Yeah and you’re kind of annoying not publishing my work, worried about my language. You should loosen up a bit.”

L: “You already said that about me loosening up. We’re interviewing you, Nora not me. So let’s stay on track. How did you begin writing poetry?”

N: “I began writing poetry to channel a lot of shitty life experiences. It’s cathartic to put that into poetry.”

L: “Absolutely true!”

N: “I’m not surprised you agree, Lisa, since you’ve actually plagiarized a few of my poems.”

L: “That’s another harsh accusation, Nora! ‘She Dressed In Black‘ was all mine. Well, except for some suggestions you made at the bar that night. Now, tell us what is the most recent poem you’ve penned?”

N: “’When the Twilight Won’t Go’”

L: “Sounds familiar.”

N: “Yes, you agreed to publish it, remember?”

L: “Of course. I promise I will.”

N: “You always say that.”

L: “I will! Now, tell us, what’s next for Nora M. Parker?”

N: “I’ll be featured in your very first poetry book. So you said last night.”

L: “I said that yes. Your poetry will make an appearance in the book. I promise.”

N: “More promises.”

L: “Yup. Between Midnight and the Moon; Poems for the Soul by Lisa Thomson and Nora M. Parker.”

N: “I like the title.”

L: “So, there’s something we agree on. Any last words you want to share with my readers, Nora?”

N: “Well, they’re actually ‘our’ readers, not just yours.”

L: “Right. Don’t get too cocky though. I’ve only promised to publish your latest poem as a way to coerce you into this interview.”

N: “Well, this wasn’t so bad but I’m certainly not cut out for the spotlight. It’s been nice to meet you all and in case you didn’t know, your visits here mean the world to my boss. She just loves your comments. I guess she needs the validation.”

L: “Nora!”

N: “What?”

Thanks for tuning in everyone! See you between midnight and the moon.

Ask Nora anything, we’ll see if she answers.