SOURCE: "Thoughts about Poetry," in Romanian Review, No. 6, 1986, pp. 72-6.

In the following interview, Senghor discusses his creative process, stylistic aspects of his poetry, and the role of politics in his life.

Léopold Sédar Senghor. Before writing them, I live my poems. This lasts for a couple of days or weeks and sometimes even for whole years. There are poems I have lived for a long time now but which I have not written yet. When I experience a strong emotion, I am sure I'll write something …

Marin Sorescu: And you begin courting that emotion, that experience.

Yes, that's right. I seek to preserve it carefully, to capture its vibration … I am rather a musical than visual person.

We have arrived at the thorny question of inspiration. All your poems are characterized by musicality, by a particular rhythm. Your pen relies on a generous resonator: Africa...