Author Q&A with Lasha D. Goodwin

Lasha D. Goodwin is a poet whose work explores lineage, memory, and the quiet inheritances that shape who we become. Poetry has drawn on her heart since age eight, when she first recognized that language can paint intricate images. That early instinct matured into a practice rooted in reflection and storytelling. Her writing often centers on themes of home, ancestry, and continuity, and she’s particularly interested in the ways Black identity, womanhood, and generational resilience intersect to create both burden and possibility.

Her poem, Whine & Die, appears in Issue #25.

Tell us a bit about yourself, something more than just what’s in your bio. Perhaps something not a lot of people know. 

I’m an open book, so there’s little that people don’t know about me. In my 9-to-5, I work as an affordable housing developer. People are often surprised to learn that I’m also a poet!

What unique or surprising detail can you tell us about the poem, revision process, and/or the final version of it?

I’m blessed to come from a family of writers and performers. I typically perform my early drafts for my parents, grandmother, partner, and sister to glean feedback on how the themes and concepts come through in my writing.

What did you learn (about yourself, craft, or life in general) through writing and revising it?

I’ve learned that nothing is permanent, even when it is good. At times in my writing, I’ve become attached to words, lines, or stanzas even when they detracted from the poem. Growth as a writer looks like having the courage to let go of something I love and believe I need in service of a greater purpose. Similarly, life is always evolving. It is best that we learn to change alongside it, even if that means letting go of things we once thought we needed.

What do you hope readers take from the piece?

I hope people take away a spirit of resilience and gain a new perspective from reading this poem. This piece is extraordinarily vulnerable, as I share the discomfort of feeling like I don’t belong. Despite that discomfort, I continue to show up as my best self.

At what point in your life did you begin writing and working on this poem?

I began writing poetry at age eight. One of my earliest memories is winning my school’s poetry contest with a poem about a kite. Poetry became a constant medium for understanding complex feelings around love, mental health, and heritage. I’ve almost always carried a notebook with me to “catch” emotions, ideas, and feelings and translate them into poems.

What inspired you to try and get some of your poetry published?

Two years ago, I made a personal commitment to honor my art. Although I’ve written poems for many years, fear held me back from sharing much of my work. This year, I challenged myself to push beyond self-doubt and anxiety and pursue opportunities that would help me grow.

Do you write in other genres, and if so, what?

In addition to poetry, I also write jazz songs.

What fuels your desire to write?

As I mentioned, I made a commitment to myself to actively pursue my writing and other creative outlets, such as crocheting. Creativity also offers a welcome break from the demands of my job, where I spend much of my time crunching numbers.

What have been the biggest influences in your writing?

I draw my greatest inspiration from ordinary experiences and the revelations they can bring. For example, I wrote a poem about a blister on my thumb as a way to communicate that injury and hard times don’t have to permanently alter our identity. No observation is insignificant. Life is a muse.

How do you balance writing with everyday life?

It is essential that I make time to write every day. I carry a poetry notebook with me and set aside intentional time to think and write. I also make time to read poetry by others, as I consider that part of my writing process.

Are there any special projects, other pieces, or books you’d like to promote?

I’ll be attending a residency in France next September. Folks can follow my journey on Instagram at @life_is_goodwin.

What do you think when you hear, “the good life”?

When I hear “the good life,” I think of a life sustained by simple moments: coffee with a friend, cuddling with a pet, or writing poetry in front of a rain-streaked window. It isn’t flashy or hyped, but quietly and constantly blessed.

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Thank you, Lasha, for sharing your poetry with us and for participating in this Q&A. We are grateful to you for being a part of our growing literary community and wish you the best with writing, the residency in France, and all of life’s endeavors!