Keston: thanks for dignifying my doodling with a reply. Lyn is working
on a magnum opus clinical report so my computer time will be limited
this week: however, at first I was simply going to lament that your
reply had brought a meeting of two densities - my brain & your prose -
but I gave both a second chance. The thought I'd had was rather simple:
that P was working in compressed fragments & this indeed (you read me
right) alleviated the need to worry about its meaning. I think rather I
will need to immerse myself in this poem, as an experience, & seek its
own terms, if any, from within it. What training I've had in reading is
exegesis of ancient religious texts. Some of that methodology may
apply, but I think I'd best shed the moralising instinct damn quick.
Exegesis, as applied in preaching, is bringing out of the text what is
in it & applying its essential message to our present lives: eisegesis
is reading into the text from outside, to shape it to a dogmatic
conclusion.
P is a teacher: is his writing an extension of that? an undermining?
"Nearly Too Much" arrived today at the local bookstore: but I must read
the work first - hope the Poems 1998 is still on target for August.
Will send questions yet from your 17 pager.
That's all for now: Lyn needs machine back,
Pete.
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