Adrian Bourgeois, a Raceland native and a 2012 accounting graduate, has recently published his fourth poetry book titled Poetry is Not the Issue.
His first three books were all published within the past year.
“My latest book is beautiful. I’m not just saying that because it’s mine,” Bourgeois said.
According to the book’s description, this book is “the direct result of pure frustration. It’s frustrating to see ‘the greats’ thrusted into the limelight for what reasons? I am the first to give kudos, but what about us little people?”
Bourgeois described the book as his “attempt to say ‘hey, look I am here. You can’t deny me when it comes to poetry.'”
Many people wonder how an accountant can also be a published poet, according to Bourgeois.
“[These stereotypes are] a barrier you have to break down and prove people wrong,” he said. “I don’t like to be limited, and I don’t like to get casted as one thing. I’m not a poet. I’m not just an accountant. I’m just everything wrapped into one. I’m funny and I’m cool, but I’m also a poet. You can’t take that away from me.”
Even close friends did not know what to expect when it came to Bourgeois’ poetry.
“This is a great guy. When I first met Adrian three-and-a-half years ago, it was all jokes and clowning. I was not expecting it when I saw books being published,” Tyler Lewis, general studies junior from Edgard, said.
According to Bourgeois, a big motivation was the influence that speech instructor Farren Clark played in his life.
“I was at that point where I didn’t even want to finish school because I wanted to write,” Bourgeois said. “He gave me the inspiration to write and to not be afraid of my voice.”
Clark saw something special in Bourgeois. “He was like a walking book of poetry. Most of what he does is poetic,” Clark said.
Clark encouraged Bourgeois to find his voice through writing and public speaking events such as RELATE, an open-mic event that features spoken poetry, singing, dance and storytelling.
“I started out in RELATE,” Bourgeois said. “I always had a voice. I just needed a platform. RELATE was my platform. The reason I write is because I don’t tell you how I feel. RELATE has been a platform to open up and tell you how I feel,” he said.
After graduation, Bourgeois was inspired to start his own non-profit organization similar to RELATE.
“You have to take what you’ve been through and turn it into something that’s productive, not only for yourself, but for others,” he said. “I have a non-profit organization I’m starting called Verbiage. It is similar to RELATE but it will have English and Grammar workshops. It’s just to do something, to better people and to give some kids a creative outlet to put their attention and focus on something positive.”
Bourgeois’ goal is to give young kids an opportunity to share their stories. “Once you share one poem, it’s addictive,” Bourgeois said. “You want to keep coming back, and you want to keep letting people hear your story.”
Lewis supports his friend’s efforts. “I appreciate what he’s doing for the community and trying to get the youth together while they are young,” Lewis said. “It’s all about the community efforts. You want to better people at a young age.”
Bourgeois gives credit to his family and friends for his accomplishments.
 “I have the strongest support system out of anybody, and I’ve just started taking advantage of that. I love Farren Clark. Everything he has done has inspired me,” Bourgeois said. “Since day one, it has been the weirdest connection. He is like the big brother I’ve never had.”
Bourgeois also thanks his mother, who passed away earlier this year. “Everything I’ve ever done is because of my mother,” he said.
Bourgeois even dedicated his first book to Clark. “If it wasn’t for this dude, I would have never written a book,” he said.
Clark was touched by Bourgeois’ dedication. “That is very humbling. It’s a good feeling,” Clark said. “It reminds me that we all as individuals. We all have influence.”
Clark even took the photographs that are included in Bourgeois’ latest book.
“Every step of the way, he has been there,” Bourgeois said.
Nicholls played a big role in Bourgeois’ life. He proudly wears Nicholls shirts to work. “I’m proud of this university, and I’m proud of what it’s grown into,” he said.
Bourgeois plans to continue working with his nonprofit organization along with his writing projects, musical projects and producing the audio version of his poetry.
“I just make music that I want to hear. I write things that I want to read,” Bourgeois said.