Eniola Ajao is a writer and teacher. She lives with two German Shepherds and two neurotic cats. She moonlights as a copy editor and loves spending time with her family and friends. Her work has been published in The Queens Quarterly and elsewhere.

"A poem about when I found out I was trans," by Eniola Ajao was a runner-up in MoonLit Getaway's Grand Opening Contest.

INTERVIEW

MG: What got you into poetry?

EA: Honestly, poetry feels like it's always been a part of me. It was my way of dealing with all the emotions and thoughts swirling around in my head. Growing up, I felt a lot and didn't always know how to express it. Poetry became this cool, raw outlet where I could lay it all out without holding back. It was like therapy, but with words. Discovering poets like Bob Hicok and Peter Köhler was a game-changer. They made me realize that I could turn all my chaos into something beautiful.

MG: Tell us more about “A poem about when I found out I was trans”—what inspired it? What makes it unique?

EA: This poem came from a really personal place. It's about that moment when everything clicked, and I realized who I truly was. The imagery of the moon's attraction to the earth symbolizes the inherent, natural pull of one's true identity. There's this raw honesty in it because it’s straight from the heart. The unique thing about this poem is its vulnerability. It’s like standing in front of a mirror and finally seeing yourself clearly, flaws and all, and just owning it. It’s my way of saying, “This is me, unapologetically.”

MG: Are you currently working on anything else?

EA: Oh yeah, I'm always working on something. Right now, I'm putting together a collection of poems that dive into themes like love and identity. I'm also playing around with incorporating visual art into my poetry, making it a full-on sensory experience that hits you on different levels.

MG: What’s your favorite piece you've ever made? Why is it your favorite?

EA: If I had to pick one, it'd be Cappuccino. This poem is about my experience being African Korean in Korea. I use the metaphor of a rich, dark cappuccino to talk about my skin color and how people always point it out. It's kinda like my way of owning it, you know? It’s special to me because it’s all about finding your voice and being heard, even when the world tries to drown you out. Writing it felt like a huge release, and it reminds me of how far I've come every time I read it.

MG: Are there any poets that inspire the way you make your pieces?

EA: Absolutely. Besides the greats like Bob Hicok and Peter Köhler, I’m super inspired by contemporary poets like Timi Sanni and Erinola Daranijo. They have this incredible way of capturing deep, complex emotions with so much clarity and beauty. Their work reminds me that poetry is a powerful connector, bringing people together through shared experiences.

MG: Do you have any social media you'd like to share?

EA: I don’t have social media at the moment, but I love connecting with readers and fellow poets at workshops and fellowships. I’m always down for long conversations about poetry and life.

MG: Do you have any advice for other poets?

EA: My advice? Be real. It’s great to learn from others, but your voice is what makes your poetry special. Never stop learning. Go to readings, take workshops, and keep exploring. There’s always something new to discover in the world of poetry. Remember, poetry is about expressing yourself and connecting with others. You've got this!