Poetry lecture addresses contemporary themes

October 19, 2009 by Danielle Decuir 

Harvard and UNLV professors present readings, insight

Poets gathered for a discussion on the nature of abstract poetry last week.

“Close Calls With Nonsense: Reading New Poetry,” a Barrick Museum University Forum lecture, allowed Harvard University English professor Stephen Burt and UNLV creative writing program director Donald Revell to analyze the essence of modern poetry.

The reading began with the work of Burt, who read four poems from his collection that were based on some of his life experiences.

Next Revell took the podium to recite four of his poems that reflected his views on things like creationism and death.

The discussion that followed the reading analyzed the concept of time within contemporary poetry.

“Is time that we see in a poem the same time we see in a life from childhood through maturity and everything in between?” Burt asked.

Revell explained his transition between intended audiences.

“There was a point when I stopped writing for other people and started writing for the person who was really going to read it, God,” Revell said. “It seemed to give me an enormous relief because it would go to someone who understands what I am trying to say instead of trying to manipulate a reader into understanding what I am trying to say.”

He went on to explain how he believes poetry has evolved over the years.
“[Poetry] has gone in the direction of being more intimate,” Revell said, “more personal, more welcoming of eccentric and unique ideas and less standard. We have expanded our definition of what a poem is.”

Modern poetry is something that can be defined in many ways, Revell said.
He went on to say that poetry is something people want and need. They turn to it as their form of spirituality to help them deal with the pain in their lives.

Local art dealer and enthusiastic poetry reader Sandie Stern attended the event in hopes of hearing from people who share her interest in poetry.

“I just love poetry and art. I think it’s fascinating,” Stern said. “I like to just take out my literature and read. It’s very calming.”

Stern said that some of her favorite poetry is poetry that arouses emotions and uses unique phrases and metaphors.

“Poetry tells a story and it can tell a story in only two paragraphs,” Stern said. “It can evoke emotions that you can’t get from other literature.”

Her favorite American poet is a man named Charles Bukowski.

“Charles Bukowski was a hard drinker and a big gambler,” Stern said, “but somewhere in his drunkenness, he was able to get to his typewriter and create some of the most beautiful poetry I have ever heard.”

Stern described her endeavors in poetry writing and how they helped her to deal with her troubles.

“[My poetry] is sarcastic about my pain,” Stern said. “It is relaxing to write about my pain and to turn it around at the end.”

Revell described what topics he thinks people want to hear described in poetic verse.

“People want to hear poetry that tells them that their lives are meaningful and their hardships are shared but also unique,” Revell said, “that life is something that can be understood.”