What is most distinctive about the American contemporary poetic voice? It may be its democratic vernacular, its elasticity, its plainness of style, its life-giving vulgarity, its pragmatism, its materialism, its self-regard, or its humour.
All of these features are embedded in that mysterious element we call Voice, that rhythmic undulating metabolism which transports and delivers whatever ‘information’ a poem contains.
This talk uses examples to analyze, admire and illustrate some of the specific secrets of the American voice, and will provide a means for considering the craft of any poetic voice.
Sponsored by David and Ann Tombs