babbit1131 Aug 2002

Actually, I find this amusing and I think we have spoken before. But here is my take since you have lumped me into the conservative group of poets, which maybe I am. I'm not sure considering stylistically I challenge certain conventions and I am always experimenting with sound. To me sound is extremely pertinent to the poem. I do admit my subjects are quite simple, but I try to subtlety reveal the complexities faced in certain phases of experience. So I guess I write what I know when it comes to poetry. It is what I feel comfortable with and how I can figure out things I am dealing with in my own life. Plus I am old school in believe the poet cares only for "love and death." As far as theater, I feel much more comfortable experimenting with the language and I feel like if you read something in that field you might get a more well rounded opinion of how I use the language. But enough of that. As far as you work, and I assume you are also horus I find it quite good. I am all for writers that not only challenge the reader but challenge convention, explore new styles, put words together the are out of the ordinary and make people double take. I also think improvisation is a great way to experiment with sound and words and flow. Poetry in many ways is like jazz and should be treated as such. So, I compliment you for your stretching the limits, for not being afraid to take risks. Language needs that and we need to find more ways to make poetry accessible to more people. I believe I mentioned a poet I know that employs a similar style: aggressive, fast, confrontational; using the power of the voice as much as the poem. Please do not feel like you have to continue to justify you actions. Let the poems speak, don't feel insecure, and screw what others think because I think you are on to something.