An Interview with Adriana Rocha:

Verseve: What was the very first idea or feeling that made you want to write ‘Time is Running and Distance is Shortening’?

Adriana: I had many good poems that were waiting for this moment in digital pages. I read them twice and told myself, “It’s now.”

Verseve: When you’re writing, what’s one thing you always need around you, or one little ritual you do?

Adriana: I need good light and a cup of green tea, warm or hot with brown sugar and some cold milk. I do write after 5 pm when my work activities and duties are over. I love writing at night. It’s fresh; I am an active night thinker.

Verseve: Your book’s title, ‘Time is Running and Distance is Shortening,’ is so powerful. What does that title mean to you in your own words?

Adriana: When I chose the title, I was reading my old poems, and I looked at this beautiful process of becoming a writer. Time goes by, and if I don’t write, I misuse my thoughts. The distance between me and my experiences and deep feelings is the fuel of my ink.

Verseve: From your new collection, can you share just one line or a very short phrase that you personally love, and tell us why?

Adriana: “Flower” is one of my poems that best describes my love for words, brief but powerful:

My eyes are searching for you, my black petals caress your body, my perfume impregnates your senses…

Verseve: If you had to pick one poem from “Time is Running and Distance is Shortening” that you feel best captures the essence of the entire collection, which one would it be and why?

Adriana: My poem “I write.” I’ve been developing these two lines during the production of this book: I am a black hair witch, art is my spell, and poetry my language. I learned to express and communicate better when producing poetry.

Verseve: What message or feeling do you most hope readers will take away after closing the final page of your book?

Adriana: This book has one message: live, enjoy the process of being alive, accepting the good and bad, enjoy the distance between your now and what you wish to achieve or become.

Verseve: What has your experience been like working with Verseve on publishing this debut?

Adriana: I am thankful for the support, immediate replies, and commitment to my project. The beauty of writing is when projects are in good hands; the whole process is delightful and pleasant. This was my case, and I could not be happier.