Michael Robinson: Ren's One Year Poem, Poem and Interview

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POET HIGHLIGHT: Michael Robinson

Interview by Katherine Preza Leonor

Michael Robinson, also known as ‘PoetonStandby’ is a Los Angeles-based poet whose work explores vulnerability, healing, and the complicated beauty of being human. His debut collection, Twilight Generation Poetry, captures the disillusionment and hope of a generation coming of age in a fractured world. With themes of recovery, identity, and emotional honesty, the collection marked his arrival as a powerful, reflective voice in contemporary poetry. Michael continued his poetic journey with The Stories: For Innocence and Everything After (Love Her Arms)—a project based on a personal friendship made early in his life. Known on social media as ArtistInRepair and within the recovery community as Michael Grateful, he embraces every facet of his identity to reflect a life rebuilt through art, love, and spiritual growth. You can find him on Instagram as [@artistinrepair].

Currently, Michael Robinson is in the MFT program at USC. I met Michael at the Beach Writers Conference at USC by the Community Literature Initiative, where he pitched his upcoming book to Los Angeles Poet Society. Right off the bat, he was super down to Earth and I found myself genuinely fascinated by every poem he shared. One in particular, which we will be focusing on today, is called Ren's One Year Poem. This piece is powerful! It made me super happy to have the opportunity to interview Michael for this piece. So before we start, I would love to extend my gratitude. Thank you for bringing this piece to the world, Michael!

PREZA LEONOR: Why does Ren's One Year Poem stand out to you?

ROBINSON: "Ren's One Year Poem" stands out from my other work for a few reasons. First, it wasn’t originally meant to be shared publicly—it was part of a personal letter I wrote to someone I care deeply about when she reached one year sober. There’s an intimacy and authenticity that comes through in something created without an audience in mind. This piece also marks a turning point for me. Not just as a poet, but as a person. Much of my earlier writing is rooted in navigating my own emotions, thoughts, and struggles: pain, relationships, recovery, and self-discovery in particular. Ren's One Year Poem is a little different. It’s not about me. It reflects a moment of emotional stability, where I was able to serve as a grounding force for someone else. That shift—to show up for someone else’s story—was significant.

PREZA LEONOR: What emotions were you feeling in this moment? Outside of it just being 'significant', how do you think your emotions translated onto the page?

ROBINSON: I felt proud of Ren. I also felt reflective and grateful—grateful to be part of her journey, and to be in a place where I could support someone else meaningfully. At that time, I was really beginning to truly participate in the recovery of others, not just my own. In writing the piece, I wanted it to feel grounded, real. At the same time, I also wanted to a poetic way of capturing what she had accomplished. The challenge was to keep it simple and sincere.

PREZA LEONOR: It certainly is an extremely beautiful piece, and the simplicity of it made me feel more attached to each word. Many people struggle with addictions, it's sadly an epidemic in our world. Having dealt with it yourself, seeing this nurture toward Ren super sweet. How do you expect this piece to impact the world around you since it is beyond the eyes of the person this piece was originally intended for?

ROBINSON: I wanted Ren to feel seen and celebrated for achieving a massive milestone. It had been an incredibly difficult year for her, and while she might say I was a supportive presence, the truth is her journey inspired me deeply. I hope the piece communicates something universal—a sense of hope, healing, and the quiet power of showing up for someone else. Too often, healing is portrayed as a solitary process. But in my experience, healing is communal. It’s something we do together, through presence, care, and witness.

PREZA LEONOR: Amazing message! Now, a question I expect many have been asking themselves, do you have any published work?

ROBINSON: Twilight Generation Poetry (Kindle Version only at the moment), The Stories: Innocence and Everything After (Love Her Arms). Both are on Amazon!

Michael Robinson also added that his influences come in a mixture of poets and musicians. Some that he named are Allen Ginsberg, Andrea Gibson, Bright Eyes, and Phoebe Bridgers. Certainly, a phenomenal group of people to get influence from!

PREZA LEONOR: Thank you so much for this interview Michael, as we close off, would you like to include an author recommendation or a book recommendation?

ROBINSON: The Center Cannot Hold (Elyn Saks) is a book I read recently and would definitely recommend.

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Ren's One Year Poem

At the edge of December 

We drove through a flood with our friends

To the YPAA event in Orange County.

It was lame, 

But we were doing our best 

To participate in life

And that was enough.

We took pictures and talked 

And awkwardly stood around.

When I drove us back the streets were rivers.

The rainstorm was a constant downpour 

Of ‘what the fuck am I doings?”

You were still navigating 

Your own rainstorm though.

Maybe even then,

You were still the little girl 

Climbing orange trees

And searching for lemons.

In January, we drove out to Lancaster

To decorate cookies and burn some resentments.

You were still uncovering and discovering 

The aftermath of ‘A Burning Night.’

Shaking, we put on sweaters

And lit a fire.

Maybe we are always learning 

That life can go on without the Sun.

The darkness is better on the eyes

So many stars can be seen.

You reminded me of so many things,

Like how good it feels 

When i’ve spent a day reading

And end it with intimacy and laughter.

Take a moment to look back on this year

And just be present to the miracle 

Of what you have accomplished.

There is so much good in your life:

“Enjoy it. Because it’s happening.”