Before I forget, folks. Recommendations for those interested in learning more about the regions we've been discussing this week and last.
Balkan Ghosts, by Robert D. Kaplan
Black Lamb and Grey Falcon, by Rebecca West
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Also, a wonderful book on the situation of poetry in the Balkans:
ReplyDeleteChristopher Merrill's ONLY THE NAILS REMAINS: SCENES FROM THE BALKAN WARS
I'd note that the "scenes" seen by Merrill in that book typically involve the poets from each country. Very smart and informative and at times harrowing.
Thanks, Chris. Merrill's title must come from Tomaz Salamun's poem:
ReplyDeleteEclipse II
I will take nails,
long nails
and hammer them into my body.
Very very gently,
very very slowly,
so it will last longer.
I will draw up a precise plan.
I will upholster myself every day
say two square inches for instance.
Then I will set fire to everything.
It will burn for a long time,
it will burn for seven days.
Only the nails will remain,
all welded together and rusty.
So I will remain.
So I will survive everything.
I love that poem so much, (and was so proud of myself for recognizing the line), I just had to post.
It does...and it's one of my favorite poems also. That early Salamun is the bomb!
ReplyDelete