Black Lightning
Poetry in Progress
Published on 7. May 1998
Book
Paperback/Softback
374 pages
978-1-889876-03-0 (ISBN)
Description
This book features Eileen Tabios (editor of The Asian Pacific American Journal) discussing the development of a particular poem(s) (featuring early drafts leading to the final draft of a poem) with some of the countkry's leading poets: Meena Alexander, Indran Amirthanayagam, Mei-mei Berssenbrugge, Luis Cabalquinto, Marilyn Chin, Sesshu Foster, Jessica Hagedorn, Kimiko Hahn, Garrett Hongo, Li-Young Lee, Timothy Liu, David Mura, Arthur Sze (who also provides an introductory essay), and John Yau. Black Lightning is the first ever publication of poetry-in-progress articles showcasing Asian American poets. Though the focus of the book is on Asian American poets, Black Lightning is also believed to be the first collection ever of poetry-in-progress articles that actually feature the drafting stages of the subject poems. Thus, is an invaluable addition to creative writing and poetry literature in general.
Reviews / Votes
"Critical discussion of Asian American poetry lags behind artistic accomplishment. The discourse tends to center on race and identity, and it is just beginning to address theory and practice and the polysemous nature of the work. In considering the poets included in this collection, I would like to stress the depth, diversity and range of concern... By illuminating the creative process of fourteen poets, Black Lightning widens and deepens our understanding of what it means to be an Asian American writer today. In doing so, Black Lightning makes an important contribution to contemporary American poetry and poetics." Arthur Sze, from the IntroductionMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Philadelphia PA
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
Illustrations, ports.
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-889876-03-0 (9781889876030)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Eileen Tabios is editor of The Asian Pacific American Journal and author of a poetry collection entitled Beyond Life Sentences. Her poetry, fiction, and essays have been published in numerous publications in the United States. She is currently editing a book on the Philippine poet Jose Garcia Villa.
Content
CONTENTS Introduction "Illustrating The Polysemous Nature of Poetry" By Arthur Sze Poetry-In-Progress Essays Arthur Sze: Mixing Memory and Desire Kimiko Hahn: Expressing Self and Desire, Even If One Must Writhe Timothy Liu: Towards Redemption Li Young Lee's Universe-Mind -- A Search for the Soul Mei-mei Berssenbrugge Bleeds a Poem That (Transforms) Transcends Heartbreak Indran Amirthanayagam Reckons With History and Sings for Elephants Meena Alexander's "GOLD HORIZON" -- The "Unquiet Borders" of Memory Sesshu Foster's Coming Of Age: CITY TERRACE Field Manual Luis Cabalquinto Finds A Home In Poetry Jessica Hagedorn Sings: Listen to "PICTURE THIS" Marilyn Chin's Feminist Muse Addresses Women, "The Grand Victims of History" Garrett Hongo: Feeling Knowing, Knowing Feeling David Mura: How History Stains The Colors Of Desire Approximating Midnight: A Conversation With John Yau And About the Cover A Review of Theresa Chong's Paintings By John Yau Afterword "BLACK LIGHTNING As Performance Poetry" By Eileen Tabios Poems' Acknowledgments