Why is poetry important?
I don't mean to be grumpy, but in the USA poetry is NOT important. It is important in the since of giving the reader an outlet, but David Lehman is in charge (and others) and they are never going to highlight queer/disabled/experimental poets in the New Yorker. Actually no disability poet has ever been in the New Yorker. the gate keepers keep the gates. After spending time in Iceland, I always say "in the USA" because we are not the world.
When you require renewal, is there a particular poem or book that you return to? A particular author?
I know it's sad, but Wild Geese by Mary Oliver. Also, Girly man by Charles Bernstien, particularly the 9/11 poem. Also, Covidity by Bernstein.
What other poetry books have you been reading lately?
I feel bad, but I don't read a lot of poetry at this moment. I read Icelandic Mysteries and novels. Just finished Braggi's "the pets." Before that, I read Summer light and then comes the night - my favorite book.
What poets changed the way you thought about writing?
In order: Allen Ginsberg, Jorie Graham, Mei Mei Berssenbrugge, Nathaniel Tarn, Mary Oliver, Lee Bartlett, Charles Bernstein, Charles Olson, Larry Eigner, Lisa Jarnot, Robert Duncan, Kevin Killian, Maryrose Larkin and James Yeary.
What do you find most difficult about writing poetry?
The fact that no one in the USA will read it or cares if you write it. The rest of the world is different.
What do you feel poetry can accomplish that other forms can’t?
Intimacy.
How does your work first enter the world? Do you have a social group or writers group that you work ideas and poems with?
Nope.
Has your consideration of poetry changed since you began?
I think I addressed that before, but as a young woman, I loved Ginsberg, then Graham, now me favorite poet is Charles Olson. My perception has changed in the since that I don't know why I am writing. I'm not going to be "famous" at least not in the USA, and I'm not going to be a professor... so should I write?
How did you first engage with poetry?
My father, Lee Bartlett, is a critic, poet and professor. I grew up with people my father knew, such as Galway Kinnell. and Michael McClure. William Everson was my father's mentor. The first poet I loved, like many people was Allen Ginsberg. The second poet I loved, strangely, was Jorie Graham.
What are you working on?
I actually have not written a poem in about four years. Somehow my experience with the lock down due to Covid in Brooklyn had a huge effect on me. I have learnt that I am a highly social being and this had a huge effect on my mental health. I have been telling people that I have to feel safe to write a poem, and I haven't felt safe in awhile, but I am also beginning to feel like my language, the language of poetry, has been taken from me.
