Poetry & Poets in Rags
The spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime Jack Kerouac phenomenon blazes exponentially this week. Writers from all over the world are taking a look at On the Road and the Beat poets, but especially Kerouac. There can be no question at this point, that On the Road is the most impactful piece of American literature ever, and that Kerouac's supernova outshines all other literary stars of America. Just as we today look at the Ancient Greeks, those many centuries from now, if the earth is still around, Kerouac will be so studied, for his mind, his merit, and his influence.
But, was On the Road Kerouac's best novel? Was it not very well-written, or is it literature's answer to Mozart's music? Was it poetry? Should it have been a memoir? Should it, rather, be considered travel writing? Is it fiction? Or is it non-fiction with the names changed? Doesn't anybody know Jack? But, doesn't anyone know the Road? Maybe not, but cases for each of these questions are made, and made very well, in the articles we have this week.
Our first four stories in News at Eleven address either Kerouac or the Beats. Indeed, our Back Page has poetry by Philomene Long. In Great Regulars, Sarah Crown gives us a poem by Lew Welch. Long and Welch: Beat poets. Also in Great Regulars, Jeffrey Brown has an excellent interview on Kerouac, while Meghan O'Rourke has current input from people who knew him personally. We'll find out from her, if Jack was the perfect gentleman. But, we begin with the answer to the question: Did Jack Kerouac find God?
Speaking of travel writers, be sure to check out the article on poet David Kirby in News at Eleven. And speaking of identity crises, we have two poems in Great Regulars that are titled as essays. And what about the coincidence that both David Biespiel and Robert Pinsky give us poems by Stanley Plumly with comment. Take advantage of this.
Also, I want to note for all you IBPC members, that as of yesterday, Maurya Simon cannot judge this month as well, and Deb Bogen will repeat for us. (Thank you, Maurya. Thank you, Deb.)
Yours,
Rus
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2 comments :
Kack Kerouac was cool and a fine writer. He was my first literary icon. People (generally academics) who used to denigrate his work now love it . Isn't life wonderful??
TYPO-of course I meant "Jack" Kerouac. :-)
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