Poetry Unbound BONUS: Truth-seeking and the Symphony of Language with Henri Cole
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Sep 1, 2023 Henri Cole, a poet born in Fukuoka, Japan, discusses the role of animals in his work, the pleasure of aesthetics in poetry, and writing as a form of revenge against forgetting. They explore themes of homosexuality, multilingualism, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the power of voice. They also delve into the imagery and symbolism in his poem 'Dog and Master' and the use of animals as metaphors for humans.
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Sentimentality and Aesthetic Pleasure
- Cole acknowledges the risk of sentimentality in writing, particularly for men.
- However, the aesthetic pleasure of crafting language outweighs any potential embarrassment.
Solitude and Nature
- Cole expresses gratitude for residencies that provide solitude, which is essential for his writing.
- He finds that solitude is a cure for loneliness, and he feels most religious when he's in nature.
Lockdown and Poetry
- Cole felt prepared for lockdown because of his accustomed solitude.
- He found poetry to be a source of nourishment during the pandemic.