Today we’d like to introduce you to Devondra Banks.
Hi Devondra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I remember being nine years old and watching my mother recite poetry for church events. She also wrote poetry to me and my siblings. I was enamored by her gift with words and inspired to write my own poetry. Translating my thoughts and feeling into printed prose became a form of therapy for me as I navigated life as a little black girl. I began to write more in high school after the death of my father. Once I went off to college, I took my notebook with me and continued to write. One day, one of my best friends, Dr. Christopher Harris, came across one of my poems on a sheet of crumpled notebook paper and asked to set it to choral music. He was an aspiring composer and found music in my words. Eventually, I pursued my dreams of being a music educator, but I never lost my desire to write poetry. Over time, Dr. Harris occassionally requested poems, and he would set them to music. One of our collaborations, “Joy Never Leaves” was chosen as a Texas All-State Mixed Choir audition piece and performed at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention. The text for this piece was a poem that I wrote while pregnant with my daughter, Hannah. After years of infertility and pregnancy losses, I felt her kick for the first time, sobbed, and wrote a poem titled, “Tears of Joy”. This poem touched the hearts of so many people and was the spark that ingnited an influx of commissions from composers and choral organizations all over the United States. Since then, I have written two books of poetry and eight children’s books. My most recent book, “Chamomile Clouds: Hope, Peace, & Poetry”, is a book of poems that captures the peaceful resolve that I have discovered during some of the most challenging times in my life. I am currently basking in the joy of seeing the success of my book as well as the poems that I’ve written that have been transformed into vocal and choral music.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey to becoming a poet and lyricist has not been an easy road. During my first marriage, I recall an extended period of time when I couldn’t write. My poetic voice had been stifled by stress, anxiety, and depression. My inability to create wasn’t just about what I was being subjected to, but also what I allowed to consume me. After making the choice to leave, going to countless therapy sessions, and standing strongly in my faith, I was able to find that creative spark again.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional poet and lyricist who writes poetry for composers. I am also a former choir teacher and a current voice and piano teacher. The advantage that I have is that sometimes, I hear music when I write poems. I can determine whether or not a poem will be a good music composition when I write the text. This makes my poetry more accessible to composers. When I write poetry, I write from the lens of a poet, singer, and musician.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love Houston’s diverse performing arts, restaurant, and cultural scene. There is something available for every ethnicity here! As much as I love Houston, I strongly dislike the traffic!
Contact Info:
- Website: devondrabankspoetry.com
- Instagram: @theflybutterfly
