Congratulations to nicjumi for having their following poem chosen for publication on Blank Canvas Post. The poem that follows is a truly wonderful exploration of the complexities of vulnerability and hesitation throughout the experience of love. Please read the follow conversation between us at Blank Canvas Post and nicjumi to understand more about the writer and the context for this brilliant poem.
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Writer Spotlight: Nicjumi.
A Colombian-American writer, nicjumi has been writing since they were only eleven years old.
What was it that made you start writing?
Nothing in specific, I’ve always loved to write since I was small.
What experiences have you had that have shaped the writer you are today?
Personal relationships, emotional experiences, and the process of understanding myself have shaped my writing the most.
What genres are you writing at the moment? What genres do you enjoy writing?
I write poetry, but lately I’ve been focusing on personal essays and developing a book project, which I also enjoy exploring.
What inspires you to write? Where do you take your inspiration from?
I’m mostly inspired by my own experiences, relationships, and the small moments in everyday life that make me feel something strongly.
What does your writing process look like (e.g., environment, tools, setting)?
If I go out, I usually take it as an opportunity to observe and write. I’ll jot down things like interactions between strangers, a beautiful sunset, or even something strange like a smell in my journal or notes app. Later I go home, sit on my bed, and type everything out on my laptop, turning those small moments into poems or pieces of writing.
What do you envisage when you are writing something new? Are you writing with the intention of sharing your work, or are you simply writing to write, for example?
I write mainly because I genuinely love the act of writing and the process of putting thoughts, emotions, and observations into words. A lot of the time I’m simply writing because something moved me or made me curious, and writing helps me understand those moments better. At the same time, I do hope to share my work with others. I like the idea that something personal can still resonate with someone else, and that a small moment or feeling I’ve written about might connect with a reader in their own way.
Why do you think community is important for writers and creative people?
I think community is important for writers and creative people because it gives us a space to share ideas, encouragement, and inspiration. Writing can feel pretty solitary sometimes, so having a community helps you stay motivated and reminds you that other people are creating and going through the same process too.
Where do you currently share you work?
I share my work on Substack, but looking to share it other magazines as well.
Why did you submit your work to Blank Canvas Post? What drew you to our publication?
I liked the idea of a space that highlights different voices and creative work. My writing is often very reflective and a tad bit emotional, so it felt like a natural place to share it!
About the Poem: When You Asked.
Regarding When You Asked, what inspired you to write this piece?
This piece was inspired by a small, real moment in a conversation. I was thinking about how vulnerable it can feel to answer a question like “do you love me?” honestly, and the quiet hesitation that can come from wondering if your feelings might be “too much.” I wanted to capture that moment of vulnerability and the choice to be open anyway.
What is the context for this piece? What is the main feeling or message behind it?
At its core, it’s about accepting that loving someone deeply also means accepting the possibility of being hurt.
What was the process of writing this piece like for you? What did this process look like?
This piece started when I was thinking about my boyfriend and the feeling that comes with being asked something as direct as “do you love me?” I started writing down the moment and the emotions around it, and the poem kind of formed from there. I mostly just tried to capture the hesitation and vulnerability that can come with answering a question like that honestly.
Why did you choose to submit this piece specifically to Blank Canvas Post?
I submitted this piece because it felt like the kind of space that appreciates personal and honest writing.
So, without further ado, here is When You Asked, a poem by nicjumi.
When You Asked, by Nicjumi.
“Do you love me?” Judging by the look on your face, I don’t think you meant to ask it so abruptly. And yet, the question slipped from your lips. I pulled my eyes from my laptop and sat up. It took me a moment to respond — not because I didn’t have an answer, but because I was deciding whether it was okay to be too much. “Yes.” It wasn’t quite what you were looking for. “I love you instinctively, naturally, purposefully.” The words spilled from my mouth — one of the many things we have in common. If loving you the way I do means risking pain, then I am prepared to feel.
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I love the cadence
Beautiful poem, and very relatable. Thank you for sharing.