The RoZone: What even is a poem?
It's National Poetry Month!
Hi!
Happy National Poetry month! As a poet, I think a near-constant conversation in my brain revolves around the idea of what “counts” as a poem. If you read the RoZone, you know I’ve spent the past three years working on a lyric novel about gay guidos that’s out now with Bullshit Lit1. Writing that book gave me a really delicious identity crisis. I have considered myself a poet for a decade now, but then I spent three years drawing plot diagrams and trying to hone in on characterization, but all of that FELT like writing a poem.
I’ve been thinking about form and container because I’m teaching a workshop at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) next Thursday and I had to draw up a worksheet. That was the first time in my life I really thought, “How would I break writing a poem down into steps?”
Unfortunately for me, my approach to poetry is mostly vibes-based. I take a color or a memory or a texture and then I gnaw on that in my brain like a crusty dog with a Greenie.
For the workshop, I broke it down like this:
Topic → Image → Texture2
And looking back, I did the same thing for the eventual chapters of “Supernormal Stimuli.” So much of that book started with honing in on a singular image: a sand-crusted fried oreo, the feeling of hair gel on your palms, the smell of a hotel pool. And then, it just crystalized. But even the crystalized form went through, *checks notes* three rounds of edits.
There are still parts of “Supernormal Stimuli” that read like poems because poetry taught me about the economy of language, the idea that every word, every mark/ utterance counts. I think that’s my favorite part about poetry, so much of that practice calls upon the idea of attention and care.
So, this month for the RoZone, I thought I would present some unexpected poems for you, via this Spotify playlist.
I’ve been digging into “Madness, Rack and Honey” by Mary Reufle and “The Lover’s Discourse” by Roland Barthes. Both of these books are breaking my brain in a good way. There are some poems hidden in there, I can feel it.
Poetry Month Gig Announcements
On Thursday April 10 from 6 to 7:30 I’ll be hosting an open mic/ workshop at the Grand Rapids Art Museum for National Poetry month.
On April 17 I’ll be hosting an open mic at Black Dog Books and Records at seven until … however long you all want to read poems.
Also, be on the lookout for Supernormal Stimuli readings around GR at the end of this month/ in May!
And last but not least, some prompts!
Collage Prompt: Make a collage outside! Stack some rocks on the sidewalk! Make some land art!
Journaling Prompt: Spring is the astrological new year, what are you trying to call in as the ground thaws?
Poetry Prompt: Write a poem about the most mundane pleasure you can think of.
More soon!
xo,
Rosie
If you preordered a copy, the book(s) are on their way to you! If you prefer to shop for books IRL, keep an eye out for an updated list of book stores that will be stocking “Supernormal Stimuli.”
Let me know if you want access to this worksheet. Maybe I can upload it on here as a PDF?