A Conversation

Henry Gould: We are in the midst of the Effusive Era. Gusts of hyperbolic rage, or emotional bursts of exaggerated praise, tactical Kabuki dances from the licensed literati. I’m in favor of more diffidence & circumspection, detachment, objectivity & choosiness when discussing poets, poems.

Lisa McCabe: We don't do the poems or the poet any favor when everything is 'stunning'. 'Stunning' is the language of real estate agents trying to sell houses with granite countertops.

Henry Gould: Every reading everyone attends is awesome and overwhelming, heartbreaking and glorious.

Lisa McCabe: Support, promotion, highlighting good work and great work -- it's all good, but we also need to maintain a sense of proportionality. If everyone is shouting, nobody is heard.

Lisa McCabe: That all said, I still love expressions of enthusiasm. ;)

Henry Gould: Yes, it’s encouraging and gratifying. But people should also be aware of something deeper, better, more powerful, more perfect, in mysterious poetry, toward which they can aspire.