Meet Mike: A Local Legendary Poet

In honor of National Poetry Month, we spoke with a local poet, library enthusiast, and a superstar volunteer. 

Meet Mike McGee, a dedicated San José Public Library volunteer at the Willow Glen Branch. He is deeply committed to giving back to his community by sharing his talent for poetry and helping others find their voice through words. His passion for the San José Public Library is evident as he shares,

“I don’t know what I would do without the library. I live so close to MLK and don’t have a bookshelf because I consider MLK my bookshelf. It means the world to me.”

Learn more about his journey through the following interview questions.

About Mike McGee

Mike McGee’s journey through the realms of poetry and performance began to gather significant momentum in the early 2000s, marked by his groundbreaking victories in the competitive poetry slam scene. In 2003, he clinched the National Poetry Slam Individual Grand Championship, a feat he complemented with the Individual World Poetry Slam Grand Championship in 2006, making him the first ever to hold both titles. These victories were not just personal triumphs but milestones that placed him firmly on the global poetry map. Discover more about his journey by following the interview questions.

What inspires you to write poetry?

"I’ve thought about this over the years, and I tend to write about love, loss, loneliness, and, steering away from “L” words, what triggers me the most is injustice and community. I really think a lot about what it takes for people to get along—not just get along, but to work together and learn to love your neighbor."

Do you have a favorite poet?

"I have a few favorite poets. In terms of those no longer alive, I would have to say I love Rumi, Pablo Neruda, and Emily Dickinson, whose story truly blows me away. No one knew she was a poet until after she died. I’m also a big fan of Mary Oliver, who was an incredible poet. As for modern poets, I really enjoy the work of Anis Mojgani, a poet from Portland who is truly great. RC Weslowski and Rachel McKibbens are also great friends of mine, and I deeply appreciate their work. I could go on and on—there are so many!"

Do you have a favorite poem everyone should know?

Wild Geese by Mary Oliver is must read!

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.

Mary Oliver
Wild Geese

What is a common misconception about poetry?

"I think a common misconception is that poetry is supposed to be complicated or only for certain people. In reality, there is a poem out there for everyone. Many people don't like academic poetry, and I grew up not enjoying it either, but I’ve learned to understand what it’s trying to convey. Often, the fun part of poetry is being a detective and investigating it. You get to look at the poem, deconstruct its meaning, and dig deep. The misconception is that poetry should be taken at face value, and that you should immediately understand it. In truth, every good poet wants you to discover its meaning on your own."

How do you ensure your poems resonate with readers?

"I've always thought that I am a good person to watch, listen to, or read if you're new to poetry. I would be a great choice for beginner-level poetry. I'm excited about poetry, and I write it for everyone. I don’t want to bury too many things in my poems, but just enough to spark interest. I always want my poems to be entertaining. I started off as a stand-up comedian before transitioning into poetry, and I really enjoy inserting humor into my work because humor is a language that everyone understands. Not everyone may like it, but everyone can understand it."

Can you share a poem with us?

Yes, it is a love poem called:
UPROOT

When I die
plant a fruit tree in my belly
Then I can still feed you
when I am gone

I implore you to climb me
once I am tall enough
Dangle your feet off
my branches

Let your gray hair tickle
my green and yellow leaves
When I change colors in the fall
know that I am saying “hi”
and that it's time for a sweater

The breeze will move me, then you
I'll stand there, always
holding you
as long as you wish

Then plant a seed from me
next to my roots
and there you can go
when you go
and we will slowly drop
a family
long after our
bodies
are once again
dirt

© 2011 Mighty Mike McGee

Read more of Mike McGee!

Final Notes:

"I’m very lucky to have the opportunity to introduce poetry to students in the San José area. Poetry is an outlet—a way to have fun with words and get serious when needed. Sometimes it will make you cry, and other times it will make you laugh, whether you’re writing it or reading it. Poetry is a way of offering advice to the next generation, providing guidance through words. After all, words are all we have, and what a powerful way to share life with others. I often think about the power of communication."