Poetry Unbound BONUS: Truth-seeking and the Symphony of Language with Henri Cole
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Sep 1, 2023 Henri Cole, a poet born in Fukuoka, Japan, discusses the role of animals in his work, the pleasure of aesthetics in poetry, and writing as a form of revenge against forgetting. They explore themes of homosexuality, multilingualism, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the power of voice. They also delve into the imagery and symbolism in his poem 'Dog and Master' and the use of animals as metaphors for humans.
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Kavafi's Influence
- Henri Cole connected with Constantine Kavafi's work because of its exploration of secret desires and taboos.
- The poems resonated with him due to their contemporary feel and element of surprise.
Nature as a Mask
- In earlier works, Cole used nature as a mask to explore themes he couldn't address directly.
- This allowed him to delve deeper than purely autobiographical writing.
Coded Language and Artistry
- Cole was drawn to poets like Hart Crane and Langston Hughes because of their use of coded language.
- He appreciates the artistry of conveying meaning indirectly, even in seemingly simple language.