In Form Season 4 Episode 1: Show Review
Are you interested in learning more about the histories and diversity of contemporary poetic form? Then make sure to tune into In Form featured on WVCR 88.3 “The Saint,” Thursday’s at 10pm. This show is produced by Dr. James Belflower, an English Professor at Siena College, with segments written by students from his course, “ENGL 259 Linguistic Architecture | Histories of Poetic Forms.” For those who may not have a background in poetry or poetic form, this show provides a deep insight into experimental poetic forms, but also takes it one step further by walking the listener through a poem analysis. This show includes author biographies, author readings, explanations of key components in poetic form, and discussions of a variety of contemporary poetry.
Let’s dive into Season 4 Episode One!
On this week’s episode of In Form, we heard from three speakers who discussed List Poetry, Dub Performance Poetry, and Fractal Amplification. Kristina Jochum writes on List Poetry, describing the form; “like a map, lists get us where we are going.” She allows lists to become a roadmap in our daily lives, speaking about all of the psychological functions and purpose of lists. In general, Jochum asserts, visualization of lists and ordered tasks is known to lessen anxiety. In terms of poetry, it creates security through the repetition of ideas. She dives into “Are We There Yet” by Heidi Roemer, “Sick” by Shel Silversteen and “Scaredy Cat Memories” by Alan J. Wright.
like a map, lists get us where we are going.
All poems focus on how repetition, rhyme, and shifts in tone can be used to convey a deeper meaning. Roemer’s poem uses the idea of a map to not only describe how to get from point A to point B, but uses repeated phrases to remind us to stay on task. Silverstein’s poem focuses on how the use of rhyming and listing can create a sense of irony and humor. Wright’s poem shows us how important lists can be used to convey a shift in tone, ideas, and emotions. Overall, lists hold our attention, allow us to break down large issues into smaller pieces, and understand and cope with overwhelming feelings.
Our next segment, by Katie Mastromarchi, focuses on Dub Performance Poetry, and we have the pleasure of listening to clips from live performances of poems by Linton Kwesi Johnson. The analysis of these poems help us to further understand the connection between poetry and social change, something that many people may not initially think could be true. Mastromarchi goes into the importance of self expression and activism through poetry, specifically through the use of rhyme, rhythm and the reggae beats found in this style of poetry. The reggae backing of the poem provides a deeper meaning and a brand new layer to the poem and what it is trying to convey. If you have not yet listened to this poem, you should definitely check it out! Johnson’s poems presented in this segment are his major outlet for addressing racism, oppression and police brutality, while advocating for social change, something that is very clearly demonstrated in this poetic form. Dub performance poetry, having roots in Jamaican reggae beats, has since evolved into a more widespread form while still holding onto its importance for advocacy, social justice, and social change.
Our final segment, by Sophie Eisenbach, focused on Fractal Amplification, along with an analysis of the poem “Girlfriend” by C.D. Wright. Our speaker dives into how fragments or phrases of words can change the meaning of a poem, specifically how punctuation can contribute to uncomfortable feelings when reading a poem. The fractal form utilizes repeated fragments, lines, or stanzas to create semantic depth and provoke an interrogating relationship to the poem. Eisenbach shows us how the placement of punctuation and the staccato rhythm form an understanding of its fractal qualities that are related to Biochemistry. She poses the question of the importance of punctuation and if it is used to break a sentence or to show the conclusion of a statement? Does punctuation complete thoughts with a comfortable feeling, or break them up leading to remaining questions? Eisenbach shows us how in biochemistry, proper placement of molecules in proteins can lead to a functioning molecule, just like how punctuation can lead to a proper understanding of a phrase or thought. In either scenario, if one piece of the puzzle is not functioning correctly, it would be difficult to understand and interpret. But the fractal form, specifically the punctuation, allows for multiple interpretations due to the unique placement of punctuation. Did you ever think there could be a connection between science and poetry?
Remember, the analysis of poetry is always up for interpretation, that is one of the beauties of the style of writing. Make sure to tune in to In Form on WVCR 88.3 “The Saint” or listen on iHeart Radio next Thursday at 10pm for another episode on the powers of poetic form.
For More on These and Other Forms Check Out These Additional Resources
