So we found ourselves at a large collective dinner friday evening, devoted to another theme. By an act of fate, we happened to be sitting next to the evening's speaker. She asked me about Poetry, the journal. "Blah blah blah, more interesting stuff going on elsewhere, etc." She asks me about the former editor. I answered, "I've heard he's been ill, hope things work out for him, etc." Turns out they're working on a new venture together. Always be careful what you say, people have a way of showing up, and questions are never unmotivated.
Then she asks "what's the most interesting thing going on in poetry right now?" Oh, boy. We talked until she had to stand up and address the gathered throng. It was fascinating watching her switch gears, although I'm guessing she speaks on the topic frequently. But I do wonder if I said the right things, if such things exist.
So picture this: an interested, intelligent non-practitioner asks you "what's going on in poetry right now?" You've got two minutes before the conversation at the table turns. What would you say?
Yours, in curiousity,
Bill
|