By Christopher Luna
Is it possible to find a poetic soulmate? A trusted friend
who knows your work so well that he or she can give you solid advice that takes
your overarching concerns and aesthetic into account? I’m here to tell you that,
though it may be as elusive as the ideal of a romantic soulmate, it is possible.
In order for a person to be your poetic soulmate, he or she
must first read enough of your work to understand What It Is You’re Trying To
Do. If we think of a poet’s work as a kind of autobiography, or at least a
narrative that takes an entire life to complete, then it can be helpful to
receive critique from someone who understands the big picture of who you are.
Often people join critique groups looking for such a partner.
These groups can be useful if they are constructed carefully. Groups that
consist of random people who are not familiar with each other’s work do not
always gel. I am fortunate enough to be part of a small group of five people
who are not only friends but who respect one another’s work. When you go over
your poetry line by line with people on a regular basis, they begin to get a
sense of your aesthetic.
But in my case, my poetic soulmate turned out to be a fellow
alumnus from Naropa. While we were friends when we were classmates, it was not
until after we graduated that we realized that we had this affinity. My friend
David Madgalene is an excellent writer who also happens to be a prolific
correspondent. When I send him one letter, he responds with three. He sends me
huge envelopes filled with books, zines, and clippings to inspire and amuse me.
He also sends me his stories, novels, and poems, although not always for
critique. We are very clear with one another about when feedback is sought.
The mutual respect that David and I have for one another has
led us to collaborate on several poems, a chapbook, and a forthcoming book art
project. We have performed together on several occasions, many of which
occurred during my yearly visit to California to visit him and his family.
David knows more about what I am trying to do than anyone.
Therefore, when he makes a comment or a suggestion, I am sure to take it
seriously. Similarly, he knows that he can trust me to be honest with him.
While both of us publish or perform our work regularly enough to have had the
experience of being praised, even sincere compliments do not tell a writer what
he needs to do to improve his work. When I have a tough question about a poem,
or just need someone to give it to me straight, I can count on David.
Have you found your poetic soulmate? If not, what kind of person might be a fit for you? What are you doing to find him or her?
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Christopher Luna is a poet, editor, artist, teacher, and graduate of
the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics. Publications include Cadillac Cicatrix, eye-rhyme, Exquisite Corpse, and the @tached document. Chapbooks include tributes and ruminations, On the Beam (with David Madgalene), and Sketches for a Paranoid Picture Book on Memory. GHOST TOWN, USA, which features poems and observations of Vancouver, WA, is available through Cover to Cover Books and Angst Gallery, or from the author.
POETRY AVAILABLE ONLINE
Poem in Exquisite Corpse
Poem in For Immediate Release
Profile for Here Comes Everybody: Writers on Writing
Email: christopherjluna@gmail.com
Blog: www.christopherluna-poetry.blogspot.com
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