The name given to me by my family is Oniqa Elina Small Moonsammy. My pen name is Empress Phoenix. I choose this combination cause I have been through a lot in my life and I have risen out of each occasion a better me, a stronger me. Also, it was a name that my fellow poets around me decided fit me as well and so I went from Small Moon to Empress Phoenix. Taking notice of the royalty in me and the every growing never fading fire inside of me. For many in my life they see me as the light in the dark. My writing is like that for me as well. In the first grade I created my first piece of poetry and from then pen and paper would become my best friend. In time when I felt there was no one to talk to and I had to show a strong face I turned to poetry and music. In my life these two artistic talents have kept me alive and sane.
My first publication came in the African Burial Ground Newsletter when I was in the 8th grade. I remember being so excited. Later on that year I would be the one chosen to deliver the Graduation Speech. In between I found myself at a poetry workshop at the public library, though I was the youngest the teacher thought of me as one of his greatest students. I would be one of two chosen students to read original works and my first appearance on public television. When I got to high school I began entering Haiku contests that did not work out in my best interest in prizes but opened me to a new style. I would join the choir and for the rest of my high school career at John Dewey would be a music major who dabbled in photography. Now that I am in college, I find myself opening up to more and more performances breaking out of my shy shell and embracing my influences more and more.
The influences of my Trinidadian and Guyanese background plays a major role in whom I really am and in turn play a major part in my work. The fact that I am mixed with African, Indian, Amerindian, and Spanish helps to give my soul a delicious mix. The everyday things I feel I know others do as well, but are not sure on how they should voice it and so I give those voices. I hear the cries of my people whose story must be told. I also use my talents as a bridge of communication within the generations to help the older and younger generation find common ground.
I am a Love Poet. To me being a Love Poet means that you must write from you heart and your love must go beyond man and woman, but the family and the love of a person ancestors. When I write my poetry I find a part of myself that shows who I really am. When I get in front of people because my words are so true and so full of passion, they feel something as well. I have had my mother approach me and ask me how my young heart knows what I know. The truth is a spirit hits me and my emotions ring out in ways some wish they could. The question of who do I write for arises. I write to quench fantasy and desire. My writing fills the voids of uncertainty and gives hope. I write for those who have lost their word and I have not yet begun to break the silence.
