Creating a phenomenal concoction throughout most of his life, Jordan Gaither, president of the Delta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and executive board member of the Student Government Association is anticipating the debut of his first book; Poet’s Elixir.
A senior marketing major, Gaither, who also goes by “Metaphor,” traveled from Indianapolis on a mission to influence others and become a well known leader, scholar and artist. He’s done that by looking past countless doubters and pursuing his love for expressing himself through poetry.
In less than a month, Gaither’s book will become reality when it is released. It will be available in the campus bookstore and online (www.xlibris.com/bookstore) on Thursday, Oct. 6.
What inspired you to start writing?
Langston Hughes was definitely the most influential person who inspired me to start writing. I always knew who he was, but never really understood the importance of his work until I did a research project on him my sophomore year in high school. His first poem My People was written for his high school newspaper in response to a contest ad placed in the school paper. After I read it I realized that this is what I wanted to do as well. I am going to inspire the world through literature from my point of view.
How did you come up with the name “Metaphor”?
I chose the name “Metaphor,” because it is a rhetorical device that I use to convey symbolic meanings for what I express through my poems. I wanted the name to have an alluring and mysterious affect.
What inspired you to start writing your book?
What inspired me to start writing my book was the fact that it was long overdue and I should have been working on it a long time ago. I have always wanted to write a book but I was just lazy and I never followed through. Fast forward to the present. This summer I was a part of the SROP/McNair’s Scholars Program at the University of Iowa. At the close of the program everyone had to produce research or a composition of literature to show what work was accomplished throughout the program. I initially had the idea of doing a small book then with another intern in the program, but the intern backed out. I then decided I would then self-publish by myself.
How did you come up with the name Poet’s Elixir?
Well my definition of elixir is an external or internal remedy that can be used to help somebody out in a time of need. The poems are to act as a guide and aid to the daily struggles and experiences that we as a people face daily.
What does it mean to you to finally publish your book before you graduate?
First and foremost I would like to thank God for the opportunity that he has granted me. I am grateful for the opportunity to make my parents, friends and family proud. There are hundreds of people who have helped me to be where I am today. This book is dedicated to those individuals who have done so. I definitely am proud to represent Grambling in a positive way. But this is only the beginning of what I plan on doing. I have plans to fulfill and this is something that I can check off the list.