So, about a year ago I said I'd follow up with a post reflecting on what I learned from the third official "test of poetry") (ATOP III). I meant to do it in a week or so, but obviously that didn't happen. A lot has happened since then though--we moved and bought a house, for one. I don't really remember what I was going to say, though I mentioned something about making a list. In writing up these notes, a two list structure fell out.
First up, I noticed a few things in rereading my notes:
- An extended argument about poetry and society thread throughout. Basically, the world that values poetry so much that writing poem makes you famous or changes minds is nigh unimaginable to me. This might be linked to the very idea of memory.
- I liked to talk about the "sonics" of a poem a lot. I used to say "sound patterns" but I guess that felt worn out. But I'm not as into 'sound reflecting sense' as I used to be (or maybe I've grown too obtuse for that).
- "When in doubt, count it out." I see that if I don't know what to say, I describe the structure. And sometimes find something to say.
- There's this idea of "deep structure" which means something like elemental plot as reflected in the poem's unfolding.
- Looking for new forms, new constructions, new insights.
- Imagery, sound, meaning.
- A "spell" (in the magical sense) is a "patterned totality" (in the Hugh Kenner sense).
- A poem is an occasion for noticing (or "simple noticing.")
- Complicated surfaces. Noted in "A spell is a patterned totality" and "When in doubt, count it out."
- Luminous detail. "A poem is an occasion for noticing" might apply here.
- Competing systems. Part of an argument about poetry. Poetries beget arguments?
- Slight shifts. Noticing. Counting.
- Sonic design. Still there.
- Reserved mystery. I kind of think this doesn't mean much at all.
