The Story Behind Poetrees: Rochay Culley’s Platform for Poetry, Growth and Connection

“Poetry has the power to empower, to heal, and to connect.” This belief lies at the heart of Poetrees, the brainchild of Rochay Culley, an artist whose journey into poetry stems from a life shaped by resilience, creativity, and the urge to foster genuine human connections, that desire birthed Poetrees, a platform for poets to express, explore, and grow together.

For Rochay, the inspiration for Poetrees was rooted in his deeply personal relationship with poetry. Growing up in Jamaica, he learned to find joy in unconventional circumstances and to make the most of what he had. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I’ve seen the impact of negative choices, and I want poetry to be a tool for spreading messages of love, healing, and resilience.”

A pivotal moment that sparked his passion for poetry was reading Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”. Its themes of choosing a path and embracing its uniqueness struck a chord with him, fueling a love for poetry that eventually paved the way for his transition into rapping. Among his influences, Langston Hughes also holds a special place for his combination of rhythm, emotion, and social commentary.

Launching Poetrees wasn’t easy. Rochay wrestled with fear and hesitation but ultimately recognised that creativity’s power lies in its authenticity, not its perfection. He encourages others to embrace this mindset, reminding aspiring poets,

“Your unique voice and perspective matter, and sharing them could inspire or comfort someone in ways you can’t imagine.”

To support this, Poetrees allows poets to submit their work anonymously, providing a safe space for unfiltered expression and vulnerability.

Rochay sees poetry as a deeply emotional and cultural outlet, yet one that is often undervalued compared to other art forms like music and visual arts. However, he believes poetry’s role is evolving, with spoken word, social media, and music, making it more accessible and inclusive by celebrating diverse forms of expression, from the classic to the experimental, and empowering poets to step outside the pressure to conform.

Themes like infidelity, mistrust, and the complexities of modern life resonate deeply with today’s poets, reflecting the different challenges of contemporary society and Rochay has designed Poetrees to provide a supportive environment where individuals can explore and share these experiences openly.

Mental health is another part of Culley’s mission. By creating a space where poets can express their innermost thoughts and feelings, Poetrees aims to normalise conversations around mental health, serving as a unique therapeutic art form. For both the writer and the audience, it fosters empathy, understanding, and a sense of connection.

Looking ahead, Rochay envisions Poetrees as a thriving global community. His dream includes open mic nights where poets can share their work in a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere. These events would provide opportunities for reflection, connection, and healing, building a society that celebrates beauty of self-expression and the power of storytelling to unite, heal, and inspire.

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Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo