I will second Amit's comments about the diversity of the submissions - they spanned over six centuries, and every approach to the craft from strict rhyme and meter to (as we've seen) only symbols. And, within that broad scope, this entry was one of those that struck me as being both above my pay grade and out of my normal span. I'm good with words and numbers - but not a scholar - I came to poetry very late in life, and I'm afraid that heavy infusions of metaphysics not only confuse and disinterest me, but they sometimes scare me. Poetically, I'm focused far more on my own writing than anybody else's, I tend to read other poets essentially in terms of what I can learn from then, and I live in the now (or at least the twentieth century and beyond) with an emphasis on craft.
Considering that, I'm impressed at how many others are drawn to the poem. I think it's a scholarly (as opposed to writerly) interest, but it makes me realize what a small part of our world I inhabit.
I agree with Maryann regarding the essay - it seems more dutiful (an assignment) than celebration of the poet. But Amit's comments, and Tim's, have encouraged me to take another look at prosimetrum. I've been playing with it sporadically for the past year or so, trying to develop a vehicle for a series of family-history-related poems and anecdotes/vignettes, and always felt uncomfortable - it seemed contrived - but maybe it's time for a deep breath and another look.
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