For starters
As a part of the general context, I am enclosing some visuals with introductory information concerning the poetry of David Shapiro: Introduction to the Poetry of DJS
For your convenience, you will find it as well in the form of video under one of the hyperlinks in the menu (>category: recordings).
This is an introduction to the poet's biography and poetry. It defines the three main themes that I am now considering in my research:
- the prevalence of similes: comparisons featuring words "like" or "as," juxtaposing divergent ideas;
- the I-you relation, which breeds dialogs or little dramas, and
- the not-so-obvious musicality arising from anaphora, rhyme patterns, sound flows, or rhythm.
You will find poetic texts related to these themes in the three tabs that I have set up here:
- The orgy of similes,
- Moving towards you, and
- Music written to order.
My aim and intention is to read and (at least partly) translate with you one poem from each category. First of all, I am very eager to hear your impressions from the encounter with this poetry; and secondly, I'd love to discover with you new and potential meanings that this poetry holds.
I consider open discussion a very efficient tool that makes profound communication possible. And I am convinced that literary texts help their readers to grow by offering them a different perspective. And this is why I truly want to talk with you about this poetry and to hear your take on this.
Interested? You will find more here