This may not be the question I want to ask the world but in my life the world hasn’t been that big a concern. Which is to say I identify myself more in urban terms than in national or ethnic terms. Enough with the intro, let’s do this poem thing-
I’m Jus Askin
After Huu Thinh’s “Asking”[Poem was here. Can now be found at spindlezine.com]
Three poems by Huu Thinh (including “Asking”) can be found here
“We are what we do, especially what we do to change what we are… A literature born in the process of crisis and change, and deeply immersed in the risks and events of its time, can indeed help to create the symbols of the new reality, and perhaps—if talent and courage are not lacking—throw light on the signs along the road… To claim that literature on its own is going to change reality would be an act of madness or arrogance. It seems to me no less foolish to deny that it can aid in making this change.”
• Eduardo Galeano
Even the most political poem is an act of faith. Because you have no way of quantifying its impact on the world. But the fact is we write these poems and put them into the environment, into the atmosphere and we have no idea where they’re going to land. We have no idea who’s going to breathe them in. We have no idea what affect it’s gonna have on an individual life unless that person materializes and says, “Poetry saved my life.”
-MartÃn Espada
Bill Moyer’s interview with Martin Espada is up and running. Mad props to Mr. Moyers for shining such a spotlight on poetry: how it develops from the master poet, to the teaching poet, to the student poet and its effect on audience.
While Espada’s work and words are the high definition of inspiration, I also want to talk about young poeta Haydil Henriquez and her desire to make poetry such a part of her life. A life that is driven by a practical family brought to this country for practical reasons, envisioning a practical life for their daughter and in the eyes of this family poetry is not a practical thing.
I’ve had this conversation with a lot of writers who come from an immigrant background and few have ever been encouraged to pursue the art of writing as a practical part of their life. Yes, they have been told that poetry is a fine hobby and that the novel they are chipping away at is a fine use of spare time but unless it equals real dollars & cents then it’s equal in value to a good night out drinkin or a quick pick up game of basketball.
I’d be very interested to read Haydil’s poem ‘In Papi’s Shoes’ because I imagine it to be her strategy to not only get her voice in the world but to also demonstrate to her family the practical use of poetry: as a means to acknowledge the sacrifice of the previous generation and let them know this generation will not squander what they have worked so hard for.
Also good to see Rich, Aracelis and the Bruckner Bar & Grill on the Moyers Journal! (For more on Acentos, check out Rich’s interview at labloga.)
Full transcript of MartÃn Espada on Bill Moyers Journal
Video of MartÃn Espada on Bill Moyers Journal
Video of MartÃn introducing Aracelis Girmay at Acentos Bronx Poetry Showcase
Poems from MartÃn Espada
Poems from Aracelis Girmay
Good class this week. A nice shift, which continues from Willie’s classes: How does the poem intuitively informs you?
Word. And that’s the question I’m grapplin with in my work as we speak.
And speakin of questions. That is our writing assignment this week.
Write a poem where you ask the world one question you want answered.
Uhmmm…
