The title quote is from Terrance Hayes, in his Paris Review interview. He’s talking about Yusef Komunyakaa: ‘I got a great deal from his work before I felt like I could explain what I was getting. He was mine before I was taught him’ It set me thinking - who were my poets before I … Continue reading ‘He was mine before I was taught him’
Tag: Sylvia Plath
‘The process by shy courtesy, with a touch of caution’
Richard Church is an almost-forgotten name now; minor poet, critic, novelist, editor of Dylan Thomas at Dent. I came across a book of his essays last weekend - Calm October, from 1961, secondhand, rather faded and worn. I flicked through and a couple of things caught my eye. He writes about his teenage poetry enthusiasms … Continue reading ‘The process by shy courtesy, with a touch of caution’

