Editor’s Note: In last Friday’s edition of the Henryetta Free-Lance, Koby Watford’s name was incorrectly spelled in the following story. We apologize for the error.
-Koby Watford, a junior at Schulter High School, has published his debut poetry collection, “That Little Voice,” which is now available on Amazon. The book dives into the complex themes of selfdoubt, mental health and anxiety, offering an intimate look into the personal experiences that have shaped Koby’s journey as a writer.
In a recent interview, Koby shared his unexpected path to poetry.
“I didn’t really have a reason to do it at first, but I guess I’ve been good at poetry because I’ve been submitting stuff,” Watford said. “My mom encouraged me to write a book of poetry, so I did.”
While initially reluctant, Koby’s personal challenges, especially those involving his best friends, became the driving force behind many of the poems featured in “That Little Voice.”
Reflecting on his experiences, Koby explained, “Some of the poems I’ve written were because of my friends. I had a period where I stopped talking to them, and I wondered, ‘Was it something I did? Was it my fault?’ A lot of it’s about self-doubt, that feeling of being disconnected from others.”
Writing since the ninth grade, Koby always carries a notepad to capture his thoughts and inspirations. “Just yesterday, I was in a Walmart parking lot,” he recalled. “It was raining, and the lighting felt so dramatic – the neon signs, the car lights, the rain. It was empty but full of life, and I had to write it down.” Koby’s poetry, often sparked by his observations of the world around him, varies in length. “Sometimes I have to adjust the formatting, but it’s always about capturing the emotion and meaning of the moment.”
“That Little Voice”explores these feelings of vulnerability, with themes of self-doubt and mental health woven throughout the collection. Each poem reflects Koby’s personal battles with anxiety, offering a glimpse into how he processes and expresses these emotions.
Photography is another passion for Koby, who enjoys taking reflective shots of nature, particularly sunsets, birds and trees. “I love editing my photos. I just use my phone, but the quality is surprisingly good. It’s about capturing a moment that feels right, then making it better with a little editing,” he shared.
Though Koby is passionate about writing, his interests are not limited to poetry. He also has a deep love for science, especially space. “I love space, but it also requires a lot of math,” he said with a laugh. “I just don’t know if I’m ready to fully dive into it yet. Writing feels more like something I can explore on my own.” Despite his love for science, Koby isn’t sure if he wants to pursue a full-time career in writing, considering it more of a hobby for now. He mentioned that, next year, he may consider virtual learning to focus on his core credits and further explore his academic interests.
In addition to his creative endeavors, Koby is involved in the academic team at school and looks forward to upcoming competitions. “It’s a small group, just seven of us, but we’re all working hard to prepare,” he said.
While he doesn’t currently participate in sports photography, Koby is an enthusiast of baseball, basketball, and football, and would consider taking up photography at sporting events if the opportunity arises. “If I ever decide to do it, I think I could really enjoy capturing the action. But for now, I’m focused on my writing and photography.”
The process of publishing “That Little Voice” has taught Koby valuable lessons about the writing world. “I didn’t really want to sell the book at first, but I had to price it fairly. It’s $14, which is kind of high, but after comparing with other books on Amazon, I met in the middle,” he said. “If I could, I’d give it away for free, but printing costs are real. Still, if I believe in it, I think it’s worth the price.”
The book is dedicated to Koby’s friend Hannah and his teacher, Vanessa, who have both played significant roles in his life. “This book is for them,” Koby said, “because they were always there for me when I needed someone to talk to.”
As Koby continues to explore his creative side, he remains uncertain about his future career path. “I might want to go virtual next year to focus on my English credits,” he explained. “But if I ever take electives, I’d consider something like yearbook. It’s creative and would let me work with photos and writing.”
Koby Watford’s debut poetry collection, “That Little Voice,” is available on Amazon for $14.
Through his writing, photography and academic pursuits, Koby continues to explore who he is and how he can use his talents to connect with others. “I want people to read my poetry and feel like they’re not alone,” he said. “We all go through tough times, and if my work can help someone feel understood, then it’s worth it.”
