Stephen Burt has been writing further thoughts on sestinas, particularly on the question of why there are so many. I've attempted a response there off the top of my head.
I find it an interesting question, partly because I feel implicated (I like reading sestinas and enjoy writing them) and partly because the answers might say something about the nature of contemporary poetry that goes beyond the simple sestina-question.
3 comments:
Rob,
Thanks for linking to that discussion. I've been looming over there hoping someone else would join in.
Told you I was a rabble rouser!
Julie
Yes, I saw your contribution and I particularly liked this paragraph:
I think it’s also worth noting that sestinas look easy. I thought they were, until I tried (and failed!) at one. That sneakiness probably lures the naive into giving them a try and once tried, no matter how bad the result, it’s hard to throw the bastard away.
Too true! Except I don't think your one was a failure.
I like their blog. Steve and Jessie seem like such good people, and I love his "John Ashbery" sestina. I've found a few other poems by him now and have really enjoyed reading them.
I figured you'd get a kick out of that comment. I definitely have more respect for sestinas now, though I still haven't developed a taste for them.
You're contagious, man. Keep away!
Julie
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