Local poet shares story of rising from the ashes

by Norah Vawter

Shaquetta Nelson began writing and performing poetry when she was 15 and soon was participating in poetry slams–sharing her raw, powerful poems with large audiences. She took on the pen and stage name R.E.I.L., which stands for “Reborn Early in Life.” A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, the poet sees herself as a phoenix rising from the flames. She’s not looking for pity: she’s sharing her story of surviving, overcoming, and channeling her pain into art. Poetry has become her life’s purpose, and she hopes her words can transform others’ lives. 

A lifelong resident of D.C. and Maryland, R.E.I.L. found her life’s purpose early, in the written and spoken word. “Everything that I went through, it made me so angry. It placed me in a box. I felt like no one could relate to what I was going through. I started with a journal, just to get it out. I didn't really know what poetry was. I was just writing for me. [But then I started to] see my work as a gift. Once you start seeing people's reactions … the changes that you're making [in others]. And you see how many people share your same story. … I didn't always have this voice. But there's other people that don't have that voice. They don't have the encouragement and motivation. … Even if [the subject matter of the poem I’m sharing] is something that someone in the audience didn't go through, they know someone who went through it. It helps them change their perception. So I really feel like this is my purpose.” 

At 16, R.E.I.L. was part of a poetry slam team that competed in the Brave New Voices Poetry Slam. She was a finalist for the 2018 D.C. Poet Project, organized by D.C. arts nonprofit Day Eight and was a featured poet in the reading series for the next three years. Now 32, the poet has published her first book of poetry, Ashes to Justice. Published by Day Eight’s small press, the poetry collection went on sale February 13, 2022. 

Shaquetta Nelson was kind enough to sit down and talk with me about poetry, survival, and everything in between. Having read her book, I’m now an enormous fan of her work. These poems are beautiful, intense, sometimes deeply upsetting (because she doesn’t shy away from her painful subject matter), but always full of heart, resilience, and swagger. It could have been a depressing read, but it’s not. Not at all. Ashes to Justice is ultimately a story of survival. It’s a story about how words save us, define us, uplift us, and help us rise from the ashes. No matter your own personal story, I think any reader can find a way into this gorgeous collection of poems.

What role did books and reading play in your early life? Do you have favorite writers? What about favorite storytellers in other media (movies, TV, music, etc.)?

Growing up I loved to read. I loved the idea of getting lost in the characters that I identified with most. One of the first books I got lost in was The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah. Who happens to be one of my favorite writers, alongside Teri Woods, Maya Angelou, and many others. I also used music as a way to escape life. Listening to Erykah Badu, and Outkast I developed a different perspective on life and my emotions.

Your writing is raw and autobiographical. Tell us your story. Whatever you want to share. 

When faced with life's trials, sometimes we can only ask ourselves “why me?” Overcoming child sex abuse, and abandonment issues, as an adult I’m finally able to answer that question. My experiences have allowed me to form words to heal other souls asking “why me?” I believe nothing is placed upon us that we can't bear. I was angry as a child because I felt no one loved me. I felt alone. I rebelled against my parents and isolated myself from others. It wasn't until I began to tell my story that I realized how many people shared my same testimony but never had the courage to speak up. It was then that I found my place and purpose in society. 

How did you come to write poetry?

Poetry found me. One day I wrote my first poem, “These Four Walls,” where I talked about how caged in I felt, and explained if walls could talk about what they would reveal. It wasn't until I entered a poetry competition in high school that I fully gained interest in poetry. I always was a writer, but only wrote my thoughts. Poetry was a coping mechanism for me. It helped me express myself without judgment. I had a lot of mentors coming up from my church who inspired and encouraged me to keep writing and telling my story. I also had a lot of help from different workshops I attended throughout the years.

Why did you choose to publish as R.E.I.L.? 

R.E.I.L (real) standing for Reborn Early In Life was the poetry name I gave myself at 15. I felt it fully described me. My poetry is raw, ripe and real, as is my story. I chose to publish as R.E.I.L rather than as Shaquetta Nelson because I feel they’re two totally different people. Shaquetta Nelson is that kind, soft-spoken sweet, hardworking, and a lost little girl blooming into a wonderful woman. R.E.I.L is the full package. One with a voice, who doesn't hold back. I want the world to know who R.E.I.L is because R.E.I.L represents us all in so many different ways.

How did you learn about Day Eight? Tell us about the process of writing and publishing a book. Do you have advice for aspiring writers?

I was introduced to Day Eight through the D.C. Poet Project competition that I had entered in 2018. Since then the connection was undeniable. I continued to work with Day Eight performing in theaters, schools, and so many more events. Through working with Day Eight I was able to see how important it is to help kids. Through publishing my book “Ashes to Justice,” I was given free space to tell my story. For that I will forever be grateful. I wouldn’t have wished to publish my first book with any other publisher.

At DCTRENDING our focus is the way that arts and culture intersect with social change. In other words, why art matters. Why does poetry matter, not just to you personally, but to our larger society?

Poetry matters because YOU matter. Poetry is voice, a gift, an art, a platform. Poetry saved me, and is allowing me to save lives. Poetry is power. 

Is there anything I missed? Something more you’d like to share?

I want people to know that they matter. Never let anyone allow you not to feel capable of being heard. Your emotions, your truth are yours and no one can take that from you. Believe in your purpose, and never ever stop chasing your passion.

Buy your copy of Ashes to Justice directly from the publisher, Day Eight.

Learn more about Day Eight here.

Learn more about the DC Poet Project here.

R.E.I.L. started her poetry career at open mics in the D.C. area and at 16 competed in the Brave New Voices slam in New York City. A poetic performer, visual artist, and arts educator teaching in D.C. schools, R.E.I.L. seeks inspiration from past and present life experiences to help the lives of other unsung souls.

Norah Vawter is DCTRENDING’s local authors editor. She has an M.F.A. in fiction from George Mason and has published in The Washington Post, Memoir Magazine, andThe Nassau Review, among others. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and son. Follow her on Twitter @norahvawter, where she shares words and works of D.C. area writers every Friday.