John Himmelman, Reginald Dwayne Betts take a populist approach to poetry in new books
In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day podcast, poets Reginald Dwayne Betts and John Himmelman take a populist approach to making poetry accessible and inclusive. Betts embraces "Doggerel" to strip poetry of its elitist connotations, while Himmelman crafts whimsical "Snippets for Wandering Minds" to engage readers with short attention spans.
Betts found inspiration in dog ownership during the pandemic, reading his pet-themed poems to strangers and fostering connections through shared experiences. The poets discuss their creative processes, with Betts drawing from his experiences in the justice system and an incident of racial bias. Both aim to make poetry relatable by capturing universal emotions and offering new perspectives.
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1-Page Summary
Populist Approaches to Poetry
Reginald Dwayne Betts' "Doggerel"
Betts embraces "Doggerel" as poetry for all, aiming to change the negative connotation and make poetry accessible and inclusive. According to Betts, his poems offer relatable experiences like laughter, love, and new perspectives.
John Himmelman and Reginald Dwayne Betts: Creative Processes and Techniques
Himmelman's "The Boy Who Lived In a Shell"
Himmelman crafts "Snippets for Wandering Minds" that synthesize words and images to engage readers with short attention spans. His character Evo, a seashell-dwelling boy, links the whimsical poems together. Himmelman draws inspiration from his own emotions and memories.
Betts Finds Inspiration in Dog Ownership
For Betts, dog ownership during the pandemic became a creative wellspring. He read his dog-themed poems to strangers while walking his dog, like "Grief" for someone grieving a pet's loss, fostering intimate connections through shared experiences.
Betts' Experiences and Their Influence
Prison and Justice System Experiences
Betts discovered poetry in prison after a conviction for armed carjacking at 16. His over 8-year incarceration anchored his poetry, shaping themes around the justice system and rebuilding post-incarceration.
Racial Bias Incident at Bike Shop
After being wrongfully reported to police at a bike shop he frequented, Betts chose to return and purchase there. This reflects his approach of seeking change through empathy rather than negativity.
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Counterarguments
- While Betts aims to make poetry accessible with "Doggerel," some critics might argue that the simplicity of doggerel could undermine the depth and complexity that poetry can offer.
- The idea that Betts' poems offer universally relatable experiences could be contested on the grounds that not all readers may find their experiences reflected in his work, due to differing cultural or personal backgrounds.
- Himmelman's "Snippets for Wandering Minds" may not appeal to those who prefer more traditional, long-form poetry and might be seen as catering to diminishing attention spans rather than challenging readers to engage more deeply.
- The use of a central character like Evo in Himmelman's work could be criticized for potentially limiting the thematic diversity of the poems, as they all relate back to this singular character.
- The notion that drawing inspiration from personal emotions and memories can lead to engaging poetry might be countered by the argument that such an approach can sometimes result in work that is too introspective or inaccessible to a wider audience.
- Betts' use of dog ownership as a source of inspiration and connection could be seen as a narrow thematic focus that may not resonate with individuals who do not share an affinity for pets or dogs specifically.
- While Betts' experiences in the justice system provide a unique perspective, some might argue that his poetry could risk being pigeonholed or typecast, potentially overshadowing the broader scope of his work.
- Betts' decision to return to the bike shop after a racial bias incident, seeking change through empathy, might be criticized by those who believe that more direct or confrontational approaches are necessary to combat systemic issues like racial bias.
Actionables
- You can create a "Poetry for Everyone" notebook where you jot down daily observations in verse, focusing on common experiences like a shared joke or a moment of kindness. This practice helps demystify poetry and makes it a part of everyday life, much like Betts' approach. For example, after enjoying a meal with friends, write a short poem about the flavors and laughter shared, emphasizing the communal aspect of the experience.
- Start a "Snippet Journal" where you combine doodles with short poetic captions to capture fleeting thoughts and feelings throughout your day. This method caters to those with short attention spans and encourages creative expression, similar to Himmelman's technique. If you feel a burst of happiness from a warm breeze, draw a simple sun and write a two-line poem about the sensation.
- Engage in "Empathy Actions" by returning kindness in situations where you've felt slighted, aiming to transform negative experiences into positive outcomes. This mirrors Betts' response to racial bias, fostering understanding and change. For instance, if you receive poor service at a cafe, instead of reacting negatively, leave a positive note or tip to encourage better interactions in the future.
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Populist Approaches to Poetry
Reginald Duane Betts embraces a populist approach to poetry with his collection "Doggerel," aiming to connect with a wide audience through an accessible and inclusive style.
Betts' "Doggerel" Embraces Accessible, Inclusive Style to Connect Widely
Betts Embraces "Doggerel" as Poetry for the People, Not Just the Elite
Betts discusses his new collection titled "Dog Roll," which some might consider mediocre poetry. However, Betts proudly wears this label, aiming to change the traditionally negative perception associated with "Doggerel." His goal is to demonstrate that poetry should not be exclusive to a certain educational or cultural elite but should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. He believes that poetry should serve the people, transcending barriers and embracing inclusiveness.
Betts Aimed to Write Poems That Are Enjoyable, Relatable, and Offer Laughter, Love, or New Perspectives
With "Doggerel," Betts has ...
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Populist Approaches to Poetry
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Betts aims for inclusivity, some critics might argue that the term "Doggerel" traditionally denotes low-quality verse, which could unintentionally reinforce a stigma around accessible poetry.
- Accessibility in poetry is subjective, and what is accessible to one audience may not be to another; some readers might find Betts' work less relatable due to personal taste or cultural differences.
- The idea that poetry should not be exclusive to an educational or cultural elite might overlook the value of complex, challenging poetry that pushes the boundaries of language and thought, which can also be important and enriching.
- There is a risk that by labeling his work as "for the people," Betts could inadvertently create a dichotomy between so-called populist poetry and other forms of poetry, which might be seen as divisive rather than unifying.
- Some literary critics might argu ...
Actionables
- Start a poetry exchange with friends where everyone shares their favorite accessible poems. This encourages the appreciation of poetry that's relatable and enjoyable. You could create a simple email chain or social media group where each person posts a poem they've found or written that speaks to everyday experiences, aiming to elicit emotions like laughter or love.
- Incorporate poetry into your daily routine by reading a poem during a common activity, like breakfast. Choose poems that are straightforward and speak to common life experiences, making it a point to reflect on how the poem relates to your own life or offers a new perspective.
- Write your own simple, four-line poems about daily occurrences and sh ...
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John Himmelman and Reginald Dwayne Betts: Creative Processes and Techniques
An exploration into the creative minds of John Himmelman and Reginald Dwayne Betts uncovers unique strategies for engaging audiences and drawing inspiration from daily life, particularly through the whimsy of a seashell-dwelling boy and the unexpected muse found in the companionship of a dog.
John Himmelman's "The Boy Who Lived In a Shell" Features a Concise, Whimsical Style to Engage Wandering Minds
Himmelman, influenced by his time working in the children's book section of a library, has developed a style that synthesizes words and imagery to engage readers. His book "The Boy Who Lived In a Shell" is tailored for those with short attention spans, offering "Snippets for Wandering Minds" that allow readers to engage with the material in brief moments.
Himmelman's Evo: A Seashell-Dwelling Boy Linking Snippet Poems
The character Evo, presented as the nicest creature in the sea, forms a central thread through the snippet poems in Himmelman's work, providing continuity in Himmelman's whimsical universe.
Himmelman Writes For Himself, Using Emotions and Memories to Create Resonant Stories and Characters
In a deeply personal approach to storytelling, Himmelman uses his own emotions and memories to create stories and characters that resonate with readers. Scott Simon's observation that Himmelman's character continues to tell stories encapsulates the timeless and engaging quality of his work.
Reginald Dwayne Betts Finds Poetic Inspiration Through Dog and Unexpected Connections
For Reginald Dwayne Betts, the experience of dog ownership and the walks that came with it during the pandemic became a wellspring of creativity and joy, influencing his poetry.
Dog Ownership Inspires Betts' Creativity and Connections
Owning a dog provided Betts with a new sense of self and a unique perspective on his relationships and interacti ...
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John Himmelman and Reginald Dwayne Betts: Creative Processes and Techniques
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Actionables
- You can create a personal anthology of short, themed writings to capture fleeting thoughts. Start by carrying a small notebook with you and jot down poems, thoughts, or observations that come to you throughout the day. These can be inspired by your surroundings, emotions, or interactions. Over time, you'll have a collection of snippets that reflect your own wandering mind, which you can then bind into a small booklet or share online as a blog series.
- Develop a narrative thread in your daily journaling by introducing a recurring character or motif. Choose a character, real or imagined, and weave this entity into your daily entries, whether you're reflecting on your day, exploring your feelings, or simply capturing a moment. This will add continuity and a whimsical touch to your journal, much like a character that links poems in a book.
- Engage with your community by sharing personal ...
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Betts' Experiences and Their Influence on His Writing
As Betts navigates through life's complex situations, his profound experiences shape not only his creative endeavors but also his perspective on healing and justice.
Prison Profoundly Impacted Betts, Shaping His Life and Creative Path As a Writer and Advocate
After 8 Years in Prison for Armed Carjacking, Betts Began Writing Poetry Central To His Journey
Betts discovered his passion for poetry during his time in prison, following a conviction for armed carjacking at just 16 years old. This period of incarceration, lasting over eight years, anchored his poetry, which would later permeate his entire narrative and the collection of works including his latest, "Doggerel."
Betts' Experiences With the Justice System and His Efforts to Rebuild After Incarceration Inform His Poetry Themes and Perspectives
The themes and perspectives in Betts' poetry are informed deeply by his inextricable experiences with the justice system and his strenuous journey of rebuilding his life post-incarceration.
Betts' Essay on an Incident at a Bike Shop, Where Police Were Called On Him Despite His Regular Patronage, Illustrates how Racial Bias and Preconceptions Can Profoundly Wound and Shape One's Worldview
Betts Chose to Move Forward After Negative Incident By Returning To Shop
After a piercing incident at a bike shop where the police were called on him despite his regular customer status, Betts made a conscious decisio ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Betts' Experiences and Their Influence on His Writing
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore your own transformative experiences by journaling about a challenging time in your life and how it has shaped your perspective. Reflect on how this event has influenced your values and actions, much like how Betts' time in prison shaped his poetry. For example, if you faced adversity in your education, write about how it has impacted your approach to learning and growth.
- Challenge your own biases by intentionally visiting a place where you might feel out of place, similar to Betts' bike shop experience. Observe your feelings and thoughts, then write them down. Later, analyze why you felt that way and how your preconceptions may have colored your experience. This could be as simple as dining at a restaurant that serves cuisine from a culture unfamiliar to you.
- Practice empath ...
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