Poetry

Poetry
My approach to poetry is a mite old-fashioned. Though, I rarely write rhymed verse, I do believe in the primacy of language over posturing or performance. And I also believe, deeply, in polishing one's work. Most of my poems, like my music, start with an outpouring of what is (hopefully) inspired raw material. But then I work and re-work that raw material, sometimes to the point that the entire meaning of the poem is altered. Almost all of my poems are the result of many drafts.

I am not a slam poet. I rarely gesticulate while reading. I try to fall into the poem, it's language, rhythm, meaning, the emotions it engenders within me, when I read. I am a quiet, non-dramatic reader, and I like it that way - because it's the poem that matters to me, not the show.

After what seemed like a long time lost in a wasteland, my style of poetry -- inspired by people like W.B. Yeats, Adrienne Rich, W.S. Merwin, Ann Sexton and Pablo Neruda -- seems to be making a comeback. Lately my readings have been met with much enthusiasm, and although that is not the reason I write these poems, it is still something that I very much appreciate. It is always lovely to be seen for who you truly are, and affirmed.