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Self expression takes many different forms and the inspiration to do so can come from the unlikeliest of places. For Milwaukee poet and author Bryon (pronounced Brian) Cherry, the focus of his poems comes from the little things. He writes about watching his daughter play with toys or being on a boat on a warm summer evening. People often take moments like these for granted but Bryon doesn't. He sees the forest through the trees, sort of speak. He knows that times like these are precious and should be cherished. That's why he writes about them and that makes his poetry deep and personal.
Bryon grew up on the north side of Milwaukee. He never studied art and got his start in poetry in his early 20's. However, Bryon comes from an artistic family. He is the oldest of 8 children. His mother is a poet and writer, his brother is a painter, and his sister is an author. What helped Bryon become a author himself was finding a supportive community. At Woodland Pattern book store in Riverwest, he took lessons and attended readings. That helped him publish his book of short poems, Death Moan. Its through these connections that Bryon came to a realization that everything is connected. Little things like watching a child play or spending time with friends and family or attending a poetry class are bigger than you think and can lead to greater things.

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