Dannie Lee Baldwin used to bind his poetry at Staples, and give the booklets away as gifts. But those days are history now that his book is being sold on Amazon.com.
Baldwin, a Vietnam veteran, has been writing poetry since his days in the Marine Corps. His first book, Love, Life, and Songs, features over 100 pieces of his original poetry. He is hopeful that a volume two will follow.
“Life is my inspiration,” Baldwin said in an interview with Street Sense. “I try to see the good in people.”
Life and God deeply influence his work.
Baldwin’s zeal is palpable. He reads some of the newer poems, and recites the rest from memory.
“My favorite poem? I’ve written so many … I guess it’s ‘Why?’” Baldwin said.
‘Why?’ is a poem that questions the discrimination that many living in poverty face.
“Take to heart these poems of few, the good I learned in the ghetto,” reads the promotional description. “This book is dedicated to my two sons and to all my grandchildren. Hoping that they will find knowledge, understanding and inner peace with God and themselves. To all those who enjoy reading poetry and finding understanding.”
The cover illustration is designed to reflect Baldwin’s devotion to God. It and the illustrations throughout were drawn by Baldwin’s son’s brother (his first wife’s child from a different marriage).
“I just like writing poetry,” Baldwin said. “Sometimes they’re hard to understand.”
Baldwin believes poetry will stay involved in his future.
“I always wanted to write poetry and I ended up doing it,” he said.
Even with his book’s success, Baldwin is humble, and thanks God every day he wakes; even when he ‘wakes up grouchy.’
Baldwin has experienced homelessness many times in D.C. He now lives in Virginia with his cat.
