Thursday, March 22, 2018

Morri Creech

Morri Creech is the author of three collections of poetry, Paper Cathedrals (Kent State U P, 2001), Field Knowledge (Waywiser, 2006), which received the Anthony Hecht Poetry prize and was nominated for both the Los Angeles Times Book Award and the Poet’s Prize, and The Sleep of Reason (Waywiser, March 2013), a finalist for the 2014 Pulitzer Prize. His fourth collection, Blue Rooms, will be published by Waywiser in Fall of 2018. A recipient of NEA and Ruth Lilly Fellowships, as well as grants from the North Carolina and Louisiana Arts councils, he is the Writer in Residence at Queens University of Charlotte, where he teaches courses in both the undergraduate creative writing program and in the low-residency M.F.A. program. He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with the novelist Sarah Creech and their two children.



AGE OF WONDERS
     January 2011       
          Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita
        —Dante
Old decade done, the morning throws off its shawl
of frost and the hedges drip with thaw water.
Like some postmodern Narcissus I stare at the pool
in my bathroom sink and pat my cheeks with lather
to scrape the aging face brisk, smooth, and pale;
beyond my window a persistent clamor
of horns and engines—as early commuters rush
toward the shrines of commerce—drowns out Hardy’s thrush

with the hope of goods and fortunes. Past forty now,
I lace my shoes and hit the Nordic track,
munch spoonfuls of bran and diced fruit, watch the Dow
streak past a flat screen rich with bric-a-brac
and sleek, tanned prophets who proclaim the Tao
of global markets, who’s in, who’s out, who’s back
from jail, rehab or chemo, while the snows
recede on Everest and the deficit grows.

What good is my pessimism? The soul completes
its journey in the dark and out of sight
or sulks the days in its tent of sinew, greets
the last hour happier than the first; but night
finds poor body cold on the chartered streets—
no point refusing him some warmth and light.
In T-shirt and shorts I sniff the heated air;
my Reeboks shuffle down a winding stair.

Still, something in me bristles. Is it age
merely, a dunderheaded sense the past
was better somehow—that glimmering mirage
glimpsed from a rearview mirror as the mist
ahead parts to reveal the yawning ledge
where the road should be, all distance closing fast?
Is it like that grumble before the gray
dandruff of history smothered out Pompeii?

Behind the bleach white sepulchers and smiles,
the lifted tits, twelve second abs, celebs
and pop stars tricked out in outlandish styles,
it flashes like a model’s picket ribs
showing beneath her nightie where the aisles
crowd toward the check out and the bounty ebbs:
the sublime is out of joint, the ship has wrecked,
huge mounds of kitsch bury the intellect.

Not that one has much time to notice it,
fixed in some grimace of acceleration
(texting, say, on a highway late at night)
or savoring the popular elation
of Living in the Now—while skill and wit
go the old way of income, jobs, vacation,
savings accounts or the environment;
and nobody thinks to wonder where they went.

The shower steams up while the kettle shrieks.
When did the promise sour? I think of all
that didn’t happen: the poems, books, and bucks,
freedom from the tyranny of dull
offices, projects, and bosses, and whole weeks
in cerebrotonic thought of the Ideal.
The present’s proof (as has been said already)
that the future isn’t what it used to be.

Mid-journey, though one of history’s darlings still,
I pour my tea dregs down the drain and tie
the silk around my neck, mustering the will
to head for work. Trawling the squares of sky
trapped in my window frame, inevitable
for all their seeming randomness, clouds go by
like traffic, brushed and freaked with pewter flaws,
obeying—as all things do—time’s hidden laws.


When was this poem composed? How did it start?

I started it in the middle of January, 2011, as the epigraph suggests. I have always wanted to write an “occasional” poem, and this one was inspired in many ways by Hardy’s “The Darkling Thrush,” a New Year’s poem and a pessimistic meditation on the turn of the previous century. I was closing in on the end of my third book, The Sleep of Reason, and the last several poems of that collection came to me more or less in a white heat—I wrote two other, shorter poems and began this one all in the same week. As soon as I sat down, the first stanza tumbled out.

How many revisions did this poem undergo? How much time elapsed between the first and final drafts?

Like most of my poems, the first draft came rather quickly—I wrote all but the final stanza in a single sitting. But the final stanza was exceptionally difficult for some reason. It took me over a week to get that right. Once I got the final stanza nailed down, the poem probably went through twenty or thirty drafts—mostly small changes in phrasing. Generally speaking, my drafts appear pretty close to final form, and the revision process is more a tinkering with words and rhythms than a series of major overhauls.

Do you believe in inspiration? How much of this poem was “received” and how much was the result of sweat and tears?

I do believe in inspiration, definitely. For me, poems are a complicated pas de deux between surrender and will. Poems generally arise out of surrender—I stare off into space and try not to “think” too hard, until an image or a phrase surfaces—and then I consciously push it forward in an effort to contextualize it, to discover its narrative or meditative trajectory. But then at some point I get stuck, and I have to surrender to the poem again, submit to what it wants to do: so I just stare off into space until something reveals itself. I refer to those moments when I get stuck as the “seams” of the poem; when I re-read this piece, I can spot the junctures or seams where I hesitated and had to surrender my will in order to advance to the next line. Hopefully the seams are invisible to other readers, though.

How did this poem arrive at its final form? Did you consciously employ any principles of technique?

I am a formal poet, and in this piece I employ ottava rima, an Italian stanza used by Byron in the nineteenth century as a vehicle for narration and wit, and then used by Yeats in the twentieth for the purposes of “serious” meditation. Though I have usually explored the form in the Yeatsian sense—I’ve been playing with ottava rima since my first book—here I’m decidedly more Byronic. The stanza is composed of eight lines of iambic pentameter, rhyming abababcc. I don’t know how I decided to use it for this poem—it just sort of happened that way. It’s a go-to stanza form, one that I enjoy due to both the difficulty of the triple-rhyming and the delight of the resolving couplet. It seemed to suit the witty pessimism I was striving for.    

Was there anything unusual about the way in which you wrote this poem?

When I completed the penultimate stanza, the poem just stalled. For several days I entertained the possibility that the poem didn’t need an additional stanza at all, but for some reason I just didn’t feel satisfied. I tried tacking on another eight lines, but when I shared it with a friend it became clear that the lines were terrible. I was pretty perplexed, but nothing spurs me on like discouragement and adversity. I rewrote and rewrote until things clicked into place. Now, the final stanza may be my favorite part of the poem.

How long after you finished this poem did it first appear in print?

It was published later in 2011, by The Southwest Review. So it was a matter of several months.

How long do you let a poem “sit” before you send it off into the world? Do you have any rules about this or does your practice vary with every poem?

I tend to jump the gun on submitting. Though I should definitely be more principled about things, I have a childish need for instant gratification. Sometimes it leads to embarrassment, of course, but in this case things turned out all right. I think I let the poem sit around for about three weeks before sending it out.

Could you talk about fact and fiction and how this poem negotiates the two?

For me, poetry is a fictive art, and there’s definitely a distance between the speaker and the poet here: for example, I don’t have a Nordic track and I don’t wear neckties. Having said that, the poem explores the difficulties and disappointments of middle age, and the spirit of that is true despite the questionable veracity of the details. 

Is this a narrative poem?

It’s a meditative poem framed around a narrative, but there is definitely an element of story. It begins with breakfast and exercise and ends with the speaker leaving for work. It covers narrative ground.

Do you remember who you were reading when you wrote this poem? Any influences you’d care to disclose?

I was reading Lord Byron, James Merrill, William Butler Yeats, Robert Lowell, and Claude McKay at the time. They’re all in there somewhere, quarreling with each other and calling me out, at times, on my comparative incompetence.

Do you have any particular audience in mind when you write, an ideal reader?

I try to please a handful of dead writers I admire, who cannot read my poems and would likely disapprove if they could. For this reason, my poetry career is a kind of ongoing existential disappointment.

Did you let anyone see drafts of this poem before you finished it? Is there an individual or a group of individuals with whom you regularly share work?

My wife, the novelist Sarah Creech, looks at everything I do, usually at the precise moment I am finished with the first draft. A smile or a wrinkle of the lip tells me most of what I need to know initially. I have two additional readers who are unsparing in their appraisals, but also generous in telling me when things are working. One is a former student, a friend, and a fellow poet; he looks at all my early drafts. Sometimes he tells me to put things away, and other times he encourages me to keep going, offering thoughtful suggestions and tactful objections. The other friend—also a fellow poet—reads things once they’re more polished and “finished.” If I didn’t have these three critics, my poems would be much worse.

How does this poem differ from other poems of yours?

There’s a grim, even bitter, sense of humor to it that I think sets it apart.

What is American about this poem?

Everything. It’s a critique of contemporary American culture—its obsession with appearance and material success, its pop-culture narcissism, its nihilism and decadence. There’s nothing more American than complaining bitterly in the midst of staggering abundance.

Was this poem finished or abandoned?

Old poems always strike me as alien and unfamiliar when I reread them. I finished this one years ago, but it has since abandoned me.

38 comments:

  1. Your poem affected life?! Yes, you can share your lovely poem and its great "after story" with the world... Submit now on LifePoemsProject.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. The “Stop” dilemma. Good afternoon Mr. Creech. I so enjoyed your lecture today at the Atlanta Writer’s Club.
    It’s not often we get poetry speakers as guests. You were very relevant for me and finally helped me resolve an ongoing dilemma pertaining to the word “Stop” from one of my favorite poems titled “You are exquisite”.
    I have published a book of inspirational poetry “Her Wilde Heart” layered partly as an ode to classic poets like Mr. Oscar Wilde, “collaborating” with him melding old and new, as well as to the readers inspiring the inner creative in everyone, inviting them to “collaborate” with me through margins and blank pages in my book. I am working on a series repeating this in different (and clever) ways with other writers of old.
    I look forward to purchasing Blue Rooms and was hoping that I could somehow get it signed. Any suggestions?
    My email is Poetryflowsthrough@comcast.net
    I was also curious to know if you are on social media.
    Thank you again for your time at our meeting today. Much appreciated. Artemis

    ReplyDelete
  3. as long as you are happy and trust the staff, my little boy is 2 and unless i knew the place really well i wouldnt leave him. trust your instincts and ask questions if you are happy that they will be well looked after then yes, go ahead, thats what creches are there for, but personally i wouldnt esp the 3 month old.

    childcare

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. High Level Movers is hiring! We are looking for strong, dependable, energetic Movers & Drivers individuals who have an excellent work ethic and are able to work well with others in order to expand our teams, for more details click - CURRENT VACANCIES LIST

      Delete
  4. You got an extremely insightful poem. I am impressed! I really love literature and work with Academic Book Review. I often have to read new poems and books, and I immediately understand where talent lives.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It is one of the best site that I have visited. Hope you will share more quality blog posts thank you.
    If while using your system any virus problem occurs like hacking then easily contact McAfee activates to install a perfect antivirus into the system visit our website mcafee.com/activate to know everything in detail.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nice blog. I would like to share it with my friends. I hope you will continue your works like this. Keep up the excellent work. You have a magical talent of holding readers mind. It is something special which cant be given to everyone.
    Quickbooks online support helps you with everything regarding QuickBooks software. If you are stuck in some general issues related to QuickBooks like installation error or payroll issues then we are here to help you anytime you want.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AT&T gives remote administrations and offices to its clients in United States. AT&T has now given a proficient client administration to its client to take care of the issues looked by the clients right away. For the comfort of the clients, is utilizing email bolster administrations which are utilized by the clients to report their issues.
    ATT Customer Service Number
    ATT Email Support Number

    ReplyDelete
  8. i am ERIC BRUNT by name. Greetings to every one that is reading this testimony. I have been rejected by my wife after three(3) years of marriage just because another Man had a spell on her and she left me and the kid to suffer. one day when i was reading through the web, i saw a post on how this spell caster on this address AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com have help a woman to get back her husband and i gave him a reply to his address and he told me that a man had a spell on my wife and he told me that he will help me and after 3 days that i will have my wife back. i believed him and today i am glad to let you all know that this spell caster have the power to bring lovers back. because i am now happy with my wife. Thanks for helping me Dr Akhere contact him on email: AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com
    or
    call/whatsapp:+2349057261346










    i am ERIC BRUNT by name. Greetings to every one that is reading this testimony. I have been rejected by my wife after three(3) years of marriage just because another Man had a spell on her and she left me and the kid to suffer. one day when i was reading through the web, i saw a post on how this spell caster on this address AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com have help a woman to get back her husband and i gave him a reply to his address and he told me that a man had a spell on my wife and he told me that he will help me and after 3 days that i will have my wife back. i believed him and today i am glad to let you all know that this spell caster have the power to bring lovers back. because i am now happy with my wife. Thanks for helping me Dr Akhere contact him on email: AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com
    or
    call/whatsapp:+2349057261346










    ReplyDelete
  9. At assignment help, we are proud to announce its success in writing industry in Australia. If you are wondering for my management assignment help, we became one of the most popular assignment writing services in Australia. We always provide customized high-quality assignments written by our experienced assignment experts. So if you have any academic problem with assignment writing, our 500+ experts at your disposal to help you in the best possible manner. We also provided free samples for more detailed knowledge. Know more about our PhD experts and their completed assignments online. Hire top business assignment help services now.

    ReplyDelete
  10. On the off chance that you have stuck some place with the installation, or unfit to set up the printer then you are at the perfect spot,Wireless Printer Setup Canon

    ReplyDelete
  11. HP Print And Scan Doctor Tool is outstanding amongst other free cost offered by HP to their user to oversee HP device. You can investigate basic issues with HP device with the help of print and sweep specialist instrument. On the off chance that you are confronting any specialized issue identified with this apparatus, at that point straightforwardly contact a specialist.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Nice to be visiting your blog again. it has been months for me. Well this article that i've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college. and it has same topic with your article. what is sushi

    ReplyDelete

  13. Thank you for sharing excellent informations. Your website is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you've on this web site.sushi

    ReplyDelete
  14. To be honest I found very helpful information your blog thanks for providing us such blog yuzvendra chahal net worth

    ReplyDelete
  15. A well written Content provided by you. Your writing skills are perfect Spirit Airlines Last Minute Flights. i hope so you will write more content like this but if you are searching for flights then contact us or visit our website.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Check our site to discover some information about the best Online Casino and Bookmaker. We have a great choice of Online Casino. Here you may find even Paypal Casino and much more on Stakers.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I always turn to Vampire any time I want to. I become a Vampire because of how people treat me, this world is a wicked world and not fair to any body. at the snack of my finger things are made happened. am now a Powerful Man and no one step on me without an apology goes free. i turn to Human being also at any time i want to. and am one of the most dreaded Man in my Town. i become a Vampire through the help of my friend who introduce me into a Vampire Kingdom by given me their email. if you want to become a Powerful Vampire kindly contact the Vampire Kingdom on their Email: Vampirelord7878@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Finer Jewelry is a place where you can buy lab grown diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, diamond rings and custom jewelry at wholesale prices in Scottsdale, Houston, Dallas USA.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Today is a marvelous day, so I have to come publicly to let those who cares to listen and willing to bring back their lost heart desires to know about a legitimate spell caster, Dr Ozigidon. I am here today to testify about Dr Ozigidon. My name is Willie Trunk from Georgia, USA. I came here to testify about a legitimate spell caster Dr Ozigidon, who helped me to reunite with my ex husband after 3 years of divorce. I contacted him on Whats-App (+2349054750112) after reading so many testimonies of his powerful spell and within 48 hours my husband and I were reunited. Today our marriage is full of much love like we never had a divorce. I appreciate the good work of Dr Ozigidon and I am recommending him with trust to everyone who wants their heart desires back or have fertility challenges. Contact his email (drozigidonhenz.spell.net@gmail.com) With all confidence, you shall give a great testimony. Thanks to Dr Ozigidon for everything he did for me.  

    ReplyDelete
  20. This poem was amazing and made me think of the life as well best washing machine under 20000

    ReplyDelete
  21. How do I turn off Outlook notifications on Desktop?

    If you have no idea about how to turn off Outlook notifications on Desktop, then for that, open Outlook and click the File tab. Click Options, and in the Outlook Options window, click Mail. On the right side, in the Message Arrival section, select the options that match your preferences and click OK to turn off the notifications.

    Take The Expert Help to Troubleshoot Technical Issues:

    how can i talk to a live person at spectrum
    how do i talk to a person at verizon customer service
    how can i speak to a live person at google
    how can i speak to a live person at firefox
    how can i speak to a live person at yahoo
    how do i speak to a live person at turbotax







    ReplyDelete
  22. My ex-boyfriend dumped me one week ago after I accused him of seeing someone else and insulting him. I want him back in my life but he refuse to have any contact with me. I was so confuse and don’t know what to do, so I reach to the Internet for help and I saw a testimony of how a spell caster help them to get their ex back so I contact the spell caster and explain my problem to him and he cast a spell for me and assure me of 2 days that my ex will return to me and to my greatest surprise the third day my ex came knocking on my door and beg for forgiveness. I am so happy that my love is back again and not only that, we are about to get married. Once again thank you Dr Believe. You are truly talented and gifted.He is the only answer. He can be of great help and I will not stop talking about him because he is a wonderful man. Contact this great love spell caster for your relationship or marriage problem to be solved today via email: believelovespelltemple@gmail.com or WhatsApp: +19713839183

    ReplyDelete

  23. Teknobuilt serves the world with professional construction approaches from planning to execution of the project. Our solutions are based on your needs and this is why we keep our focus on ensuring productivity, quality, and excellence in our services. We also provide Digital Construction work services for better development. For more information, contact @ +91-11-41072395, or you can mail us at info@teknobuilt.com.

    ReplyDelete
  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  25. the article investigates the question of who has the most followers on Instagram in Sri Lanka. It looks at how some people are making their social media accounts more personal and private with separate accounts, but others are making every post public. Finally, it discusses some of the benefits of having a public account while pointing out some of the disadvantages that include losing privacy, feeling like you're always on display, and being subject to trolls.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Using Incognito mode in Chrome on iPhone is separate from using Chrome as usual on your iPhone. To open Incognito mode in Chrome on iPhone, launch the Chrome browser. Next to this, you can tap on three horizontal dots to view more options. Here, you will find incognito mode and then tap on it to open it.To disable incognito Chrome iPhone

    ReplyDelete
  27. The best carpet cleaners are those that are effective in removing dirt and stains while being gentle on the carpets. They should also be affordable and easy to use.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Carpet dry cleaners Werribee are the perfect option for those looking for a quick, convenient, and affordable cleaning service. With years of experience in the industry, these professionals know how to get your carpets looking and smelling fresh in no time. So don't wait any longer - call them today!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Canberra web developer are some of the most skilled and innovative in the country. If you are looking for a web developer to help with your project, be sure to consider those from Canberra. They will not disappoint!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Delite Cleaning Services is Australia’s fastest growing Commercial cleaning Company that provides steady work for thousands of people throughout Australia. The work is what you do in your own home every day. The only difference is you get paid for it!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Words to die for....
    https://softhound.net/virtualdj-2021-pro-infinity/

    ReplyDelete