I've always loved poetry, started writing when I was 14. I Guess you could say my life has been my major influence. Its been bizare from start to...

 There isn't a famous poet who influenced me. Most of the poetry I've read, was written by people I've never heard of, but I enjoyed reading them anyway. 

Actually, I started writing poetry, many years before I received my first poetry book, as a gift. A small hardcover by "Helen Lowrie Marshall".
I believe I was in my fourties.
I love that little hardcover book... I read it over and over again.

 I like to use my imagination and make up stories, then turn them into poetry.
Everything inspires me, nature, people, animals, the universe, etc. I never run out of subjects to write about. If anything, I don't have enough time to write all the poetry floating around in my mind.

I especially like to write about, true life situations. The kind most people don't think about, unless it's brought to their attention.
I guess you could say, to write about things that really matter, gives me the most satisfaction. I feel things deeply, for everyone.
I'm blessed (or cursed) with the ability to emotionally place myself in their shoes. Sometimes I cry while I'm writing. The words and feelings touch me so deeply, it makes me cry

When I'm writing, I can feel the pain or joy I'm writing about, even though it's not mine, although sometimes it is, but I won't tell you which is which! If the poem is a story about a person, I imagine myself to be that person. Hence, I can get into their mind and feel what they are feeling.

Everything about poetry and writing is magic. The magic of the imagination!

I'm a very spiritual person, so many of my poems are of the like. I'm also a little on the goofy side. Odd combination, some might say, but for me, it's just right!

Bonnie Torrente