Diary of a Mad Editor

Archive for May 31st, 2008

I’m Just Another Clown At the Dog ‘N’ Pony Show

I read an interesting essay last year written by poet, Todd Moore in Poesy magazine called, “The Outlaw Poet.” I found myself re-reading it the other day. In it, Moore defines the outlaw poet as one who “opposes the establishment and by standing up against all self-interests of institutions which support academic poetry, the outlaw becomes an authentic writer, an original voice. That and also being a damn good poet to boot?” I find it curious that Moore, a damn fine poet in his own right, would add, as an afterthought, that an outlaw poet have some talent. Taken literally, according to this definition, having talent and a dedication to the art of poetry is a secondary consideration. Taken literally, it is the simple act of being anti-establishment which makes one “an authentic writer, an original voice.”

Of course, I’m taking this definition out of context — if you read the entire essay, it’s clear that Moore doesn’t intend that literal a definition, but it is inartfully expressed nonetheless. The problem is that there are too many wannabe outlaw poets out there these days who do embrace a more literal approach to being an outlaw poet. They have no code, no honor and certainly, little or no talent. I think part of the problem is that the label “outlaw poet” has become fashionable in certain circles. Even academic poets don’t want to be known as “academic poets” anymore — at least not when they submit to non-academic poetry journals. As such, there seems to be this overwhelming need to be a card-carrying outsider, or at least be perceived that way.

I suppose I am an outlaw writer, but I never refer to myself as such. And it’s not because I am ashamed of my status as a marginalized poet. It’s mainly because I believe the moniker of “outlaw” is being overused and I don’t much like being labeled. I prefer to think of myself as just another clown in the dog and pony show that is poetry. In fact, the closest I’ve ever come to celebrating my outlaw status in print was in my poem, “Yet Another Poem About Poetry” — and even then, I never even mentioned the word “outlaw”. But I do have a code, and maybe this code more than anything is what defines me as a writer:

BE THE LONE WOLF, NOT THE SHEEP

It’s not enough to be anti-establishment if all you are doing to fight a particular establishment is merely forming yet another group or establishment. Authentic poets roam alone and wild and free. Also, let me add, don’t go around telling people you’re an “outlaw poet” — especially if you are not so much of one. I’m of the mind that “the first rule of fight club is you don’t talk about fight club.” True outlaw poets recognize their own kind without being told and those who don’t get it, don’t get it. And If your poetry is outlaw, that’s what really matters anyway.

SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER

If you are truly an outlaw poet — especially an American poet, you have a responsibility to stand for something greater than yourself. Remember that dissent is the heart and soul of true patriotism. So be a patriot and let your own flag fly in the face of absurdities and injustices wherever you may find them.

BE INTELLIGENT AND EVER CURIOUS

Read widely and voraciously. Not just poetry either. Read everything. Watch films, expose yourself to all kinds of music and people. Read newspapers. Be engaged in the world around you. A poet’s job isn’t to write about the world as it ought to be but about the world that is.

EXPLORE YOUR OWN VOICE AND PERFECT YOUR CRAFT

Don’t try to be the “next Bukowski.” Instead, become the next, best “You.” Which brings us to . . .

BE TRUE TO YOUR ART

While I’m all for trying new kinds of writing and pushing the envelope — you should never write something just to get it published. If you write free verse and you decide you want to try your hand at a sonnet — do it for the challenge and because you genuinely like sonnets and not because Editor X is doing an anthology and you crave yet another byline.

DON’T FEAR TECHNOLOGY

If you are still writing on an old manual typerwriter in 2008, the 21st century, you are an idiot. Beating the “typer” doesn’t make you a more authentic writer, it just makes you a more inefficient writer.

DON’T FEAR REVISION

First thought may be best thought, but first thoughts aren’t always best expressed the first time around. Being a sloppy, careless writer doesn’t make you a more authentic, original writer either — just makes you a sloppy, careless writer.

STAY AWAY FROM JARGON AND THREE DOLLAR WORDS

Whenever possible use common accessible language. Even if you only have an audience of three people, write as if you are writing for millions. Realize that most people of average intelligence, educated in a public school system and reading in English, read at about a 5th or 6th grade level. While it would be nice if most people brought a dictionary with them and took it upon themselves to learn new words — they won’t and besides, they are reading poetry, not taking an SAT test so always be mindful that the audience you write for is the audience you will get.

BE CONFIDENT, NOT COCKY

It’s a truely brave thing to put your all into all into a singular act of language and it requires a certain amount of faith in oneself to pull it off. But, it’s a fine line between confidence and bravado fueled by delusions of grandeur. Remember, always, that truly good writing sells itself. In other words, if you go around boasting to people that you are the greatest thing since the discovery of fire, you’d better have the talent to back it up.

BE HONEST AND HAVE INTEGRITY

Your word is your bond. Never misrepresent yourself. Always honor your commitments to your fellow poets and to the editors and readers who honor your work.

Given that the poetry world, like every other institution is powered by bullshit, living by this code won’t necessarily lead to success, and may even further marginalize you. But if you aren’t an outsider, you aren’t an outlaw, are you?