O at the Edges

Musings on poetry, language, perception, numbers, food, and anything else that slips through the cracks.

Tell it Slant: How to Write a Wise Poem, essay by Camille Dungy

Posted on September 29, 2018 by robert okaji

Few essays on writing poetry grab me by the collar, slam me against the wall, and say “Listen, dammit!” But this one did.

Camille Dungy’s words sear through the fog. She tells it slant. She tells it true. She explains how some masters have done it. If you’ve not read her poetry, seek it out. You’re in for a treat. If you have the good fortune to attend a lecture or reading by her, do so. She’s energetic, wise and kind. She knows.

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/article/247926

Last posted in April 2017.

12 thoughts on “Tell it Slant: How to Write a Wise Poem, essay by Camille Dungy”

Jilanne Hoffmann on September 28, 2018 at 5:18 pm said:

I think the Atwood poem dazzles us suddenly. So I don’t follow the logic there.

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- robert okaji on September 28, 2018 at 5:25 pm said:
  
  Oh, I think the space within the poem – that slight break – does the trick.
  
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  - Jilanne Hoffmann on September 28, 2018 at 5:27 pm said:
    
    Ah, the breath. I see.
    
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    - robert okaji on September 28, 2018 at 5:29 pm said:
      
      At least that’s how it works for me.
      
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TEGD on September 28, 2018 at 7:51 pm said:

wow

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- robert okaji on September 28, 2018 at 8:59 pm said:
  
  It’s a fantastic article, offering great insight.
  
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C on September 28, 2018 at 11:17 pm said:

YES

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- robert okaji on September 29, 2018 at 8:20 am said:
  
  Camille KNOWS!
  
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Cate on September 30, 2018 at 2:59 pm said:

A thought-provoking and illuminating essay, Bob. Thanks!

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- robert okaji on October 1, 2018 at 5:56 am said:
  
  Thanks, Cate. She’s one of my favorites, and I love this essay.
  
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Jojo Evans on September 30, 2018 at 9:49 pm said:

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- robert okaji on October 1, 2018 at 5:56 am said:
  
  Thanks very much. I’ll be sure to visit.
  
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