Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts in Writing

Department

Creative Writing

First Advisor

Beth Mead

Second Advisor

Eve Jones

Abstract

The essay that follows is an overview of some of the writers and schools of poetics that have influenced my poetry and writing process. A writer's voice echoes their philosophy about the art and the voices of those whose work they most appreciate. I have tried to credit those influences and describe, in brief, my approach to poetry.

My belief is that all art should be exercises in experimentation. Stretching strengthens a poet's work and the art. Poetry is a living thing and it must move and breathe and grow or it will simply cease to be a viable force. The poems presented here represent attempts to personally push into new and untried areas. There is a form presented here that I am experimenting with that uses haiku linked together in groupings of three. These triptychs can be thought of as Shoji. They form three-paneled screens that present a themed image.

The subject matter addressed reflects a similar attempt to explore new and different areas. As has been pointed out by one of my mentors, my themes encompass: love, death, the natural world, what it means to be a son, what it means to be a human being in a world of wildness. I present these and hope that they resonate with those who are kind enough to read them.

Download

Share

COinS