Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Poetry

I’m editing a collection of poems for BEAT to a PULP.

Now, poetry and I have always had a sparse relationship. As a kid I liked Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson, both introduced to me in school. Then along the way, in my twenties, I bumped into Sylvia and Ted plus a Lizard King who had also opened up some other doors to me. Lately, it's been Charles Bukowski.

When it comes to poetry, either it speaks to me or it doesn't, and most of the time I prefer the raw not-yet-pigeonholed style. The collection I’m working on has all this. It will be ready soon along with an interview to introduce you this new and superb writer.

I’m curious to hear from you ... how does poetry speak to you and who are some of your favorite poets?

16 comments:

Ron Scheer said...

Raymond Carver is a favorite. He can really wring your heart...Good luck with the project, David. Should open your doors of perception a good bit wider.

David Cranmer said...

Carver is another favorite of mine, Ron.

Cloudia said...

Frost - the road less traveled.
Emily of course.
Li Po, Tu Fu, Gary Snynder


Rilke. . . .


I like your approach to poetry


Warm Aloha to you from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
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Charles Gramlich said...

Dylan Thomas is my poet of choice. he's definitely got a high level of language, though

Dan_Luft said...

I was really into poetry when poetry was big in the 90s. I did the local scene in Boston with a lot of other 20-something longhairs. I can recommend the Paul Hoover edited "The Norton Anthology of Postmodern American Poetry." just full of writing styles to try out.

I ended up really loving the New York poets from the 50s through the 70s: Frank O'Hara, Kenneth Koch, Jim Carroll's first collection and most of all Ted Berrigan. If you like Bukowski but are looking for something not so bleak, give Berrigan a try.

AC said...

e.e.

kristine byrne said...

Don't forget two giants..Anne Sexton and Elizabeth Bishop ! And then there is Yeats of course.

Sarah McCanless said...

After my 1st son was born, I connected with another new mother who was also a poetry therapist. (Yes that's a real thing, apparently.) I joined her writing group, and she introduced me to Jane Kenyon, Billy Collins, Mary Oliver, Sharon Olds... so many wonderful poets writing nothing like what I'd studied in high school. My latest love is the collected poems of Richard Jones.

I do believe anyone can love poetry if they read widely enough - even if it might be true that "poetry readings have to be some of the saddest damn things ever." :)

G. B. Miller said...

Unfortunately, poetry doesn't do it for me.

I can read a poem, but to me all it is, is a story that may or may not rhyme.

I tip my hat to people who can write poetry, but no matter what kind of magic can flow from your proverbial pen, it simply doesn't affect me.

David Cranmer said...

Cloudia, You introduced me to a couple names I didn't know. Gracias.

AC, I don't hear a lot about ee anymore. I know some of his subject matter was quite controversial.

Charles, I like some Dylan.

Sarah, Many names hear I have never heard before and will look up. Thanks. And poetry therapist is a new one to me.

G, I wonder what you would think of this Bukowski collection I'm reading. He's all kinds of different.

Dave King said...

Interesting. I'm fresh into Bukowski, who I had not come across until spotting a Collected in our local bookshop. Good luck with the publishing project.

Dave King said...

123Interesting. I'm fresh into Bukowski, who I had not come across until spotting a Collected in our local bookshop. Good luck with the publishing project.

pattinase (abbott) said...

I started out writing poetry and have a large collection of poetry books. I like Anne Sexton, Sharon Olds, Bob Hicok, Phil Levine, Rilke, Roethke, e.e. cummings, and so many more.

Nigel Bird said...

hard to pick favourites. i'm going to mention the best i've seen - Linton Kwesi Johnson (i always mention him), Brian Patten, Ginsberg, Zephaniah, Roger McGough, Simon Armitage, Bob Dylan, Seamus Heaney...in fact i realise i chatted about these at http://nigelpbird.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/poetry-events.html if you're interested. most of those are British based and might be things you'd like to check out.

Kieran Shea said...

Poetry:

This kind of knocked me back on my heels. This months's ATLANTIC MAGAZINE. Thinking of framing it. Onward, David....KS

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/america/9014/

David Cranmer said...

I'm interested in your take on Hank, Dave.

A great list, Patti. My interest in e.e. is returning. Been awhile.

Bob is a favorite, Nigel. Own most of his output.

Kieran, I read that three times back to back. Superb.