Observations of a Warrior Poet by T. John Mattson
My early lessons taught me to work hard and fight through the obstacles that would be encountered in my life. My poetic efforts began simply, without much structure, as I wrote about the issues that I was dealing with daily. Surviving homelessness and the culture that pierces through it, such as substance abuse, hostility, personal safety, etc., I was compelled to write about topics in a way that was clear and not overly symbolic. I soon began to feel drawn to issues that in my earlier days I was not active in, such as politics. Throughout this journey, most of my other interests would find their way to my paper as I tried to reexamine those concepts from a different vantage point. And though using “old-school” rhyme may not be the most popular these days, it is within my comfort zone as I continue to be a work in progress.
The author has been involved in many activities and vocations throughout his life, although early on, writing was not one of them. Relatively well-educated, with both undergraduate and graduate degrees in different disciplines, his interest might best be described as diverse and electric.
In his youth he was heavily involved in athletic circles, competing at the collegiate level on both football and baseball. Additionally, as a lifelong pugilist, beginning with boxing training at the age of five, he soon added other martial disciplines, such as wrestling, judo, and various karate styles.
He attained a coveted black-belt ranking and taught and competed in the martial arts arena for several years.
After years of success in business, he began to experience some difficulties, as he became disabled, unable to work, and eventually became homeless, living on the streets of Hollywood for an extended period of time.
It is during this period where writing and poetry became both a diversion and interest in his daily life. Much of his early work was fueled by the homeless experience, as well as his “pen name” evolved and morphed—a well-perceived fit to his identity, perhaps reflecting his many battles and pain felt over the years.
As a novice to the writing and poetry field, the author has preferred using rhyme in the vast majority of his work. If he were to describe a style that he writes to, he has labeled it, somewhat whimsically, as “philo-etry,” as he hopes the material will be thought provoking and memorable for all those hat share it.
Born, raised, and spending most of his life in Southern California, the author continues to reside in Los Angeles.
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