Poet Shane McCrae discusses his poetry sequence 'Jim Limber in Heaven' and its themes of adoption, loss, and identity intertwined with the mysterious history of Jim Limber. He also explores the unique structure of his book, Sometimes I Never Suffered, delving into theological themes and the influence of poetic persona and gothic sensibility in literature.
McCrae explores Jim Limber's historical context with the Davises, emphasizing the lack of choice in his stay.
Personal parallels between McCrae's life and Limber's history drive emotional depth in the poems.
Deep dives
Shane McCray Introduces the Character and Story of Jim Limber
Shane McCray discusses his poetry series detailing the life of Jim Limber, a mixed-race child taken in by Varina and Jefferson Davis shortly before the Civil War's end. McCray explores the unclear historical record surrounding Limber's status with the Davises, highlighting his not having a choice in staying with them. The discussion delves into Limber's integration into the Davis family, receiving clothing from their deceased child, and his attempts to resist being separated when Union soldiers arrived at the war's end.
McCray's Personal Connection to Jim Limber and His Writing Process
McCray draws parallels between his own life and Jim Limber's history, sharing his experience of being 'kidnapped' from his father by his white supremacist grandparents. This personal connection influences McCray to write from Limber's perspective, emphasizing their shared struggles, though McCray notes that Limber's situation was more extreme. The anger and psychological complex he infuses into the Limber poems reflect his own emotional journey and attempts at finding peace within a challenging narrative.
Exploring Jim Limber's Heaven in McCray's Poetry
McCray delves into Jim Limber's depiction in heaven across his poetry books, describing how Limber's heaven is not a typical paradise but a complex realm influenced by psychological wounds and expressions of whiteness. Limber's interactions with angels in this 'heaven-like' space reveal discomfort and struggle to navigate a paradise still marked by racial control. McCray's portrayal of Limber's journey in heaven reflects a deeper exploration of freedom, captivity, and the psychological impact of his past experiences.
McCray's Multiverse Approach and Sequencing in Poetry
McCray elaborates on his poetry sequences, such as the Jim Limber series, discussing how each poem functions within a broader narrative. He incorporates sonnet forms to provide parameters for creativity and finds sequential poetry helpful in exploring different character perspectives. By linking his poems to create a narrative structure akin to a multiverse, McCray aims to offer readers unique insights into varied characters and thematic explorations across his poetry books.
Shane McCrae joins Kevin Young to to discuss his poetry sequence “Jim Limber in Heaven,” featured on newyorker.com. McCrae is a poet whose whose work has received such honors as a Whiting Award, an Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, and a Lannan Literary Award. He was also a finalist for the National Book Award.