Spotlight On Writers
Michael Balner
- Where do you originate from?
I come from Czechia. Born in the early 70’s, I grew up in a communist dictatorship. I was 17 when the Berlin wall collapsed, and with it the whole Eastern block, and everything we were supposed to believe in. My childhood was quite simple, conditions were unforgiving and harsh, at home, at school, and generally in society. It was the origin of my complex trauma, with which I started properly dealing only three years ago, partially through my poetry.
- What do you cherish most about the place you call home?
I found a home in Oslo, Norway, where I first arrived some 26 years ago. I came literally with nothing, and I found friendship, openness, people treating each other with respect and honesty. I found beautiful nature, way too long winters, and the sea, which I love so much. What I probably appreciate the most, is the informality with which Norwegians treat each other. They don’t even call each other sir or madam, it’s just first names; Toril, Are, Bjørn, Hanna …
- What ignites your creativity?
My creativity was ignited suddenly, by a personal crisis some two years ago. It was an extremely painful experience, but poems and song lyrics started to appear in my mind. And I started to write them down. It was really strange. The words mirror the state of my soul, heart and mind, and the Self which I’m still seeking. Today, anything can trigger my writing process; a word, feeling, picture, song of a bird, memory, a smile.
- Do you have a favorite word and could you incorporate it into a poetic phrase?
I don’t have a favourite word, but my poems are often about inner pain.
Our inner pain is a door into the dark night of the soul;
don’t be afraid to open it, don’t be afraid to walk through it,
with your heart opened and with hope,
you’ll be rewarded by finding nothing less
than your Self.
- What is your pet peeve?
Norwegians would not always greet you, even if they know you. Sometimes it seems like it’s completely random who and when will greet you or not. But it’s a little thing, there is so much more here to outweigh it.
- How would you describe the essence of Michael Balner?
Hmm… For most of my life, I was running and avoiding what was the most important. Now I’m searching for it even though it hurts. The essence would be something like honesty, insecurity, growing, love, vulnerability, courage, searching, healing, and, the Self.
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