REEL TIME: On the Astonishment Tapes | Woodberry Poetry Room

TL;DR

Robin Blaser's tapes from 1974 provide an in-depth exploration of his poetry and poetics, touching on topics such as astonishment, the space of appearance, and the operational language.

Transcript

in a recent meeting with a doctor I recounted a workplace injury I sustained here once and he paused for a moment and replied library sound like dangerous places at the very least they do put it put us at risk for a rather precarious state of being that Robin blades are called astonishment a word which emerges etymologically from the antithesis of ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😫 Blaser's view of astonishment as an active engagement with the unknown and the incomprehensible sets the foundation for his poetry.
• 👻 The space of appearance in poetry allows for the visibility of what is real and provides a means to measure and judge various perspectives.
• 🫤 Operational language is a mode of language use for Blaser that goes beyond literal experience, allowing for a deeper articulation of the real.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Blaser's definition of astonishment in relation to poetry?

Blaser describes astonishment as an active engagement with the unknown and the incomprehensible. It is not a passive reaction, but a way to initiate oneself into the darkness and the working with the unknown.

Q: How does Blaser view the space of appearance in poetry?

Blaser sees the space of appearance as a means to bring what is real to visibility in a poetic context. It is a way to hold open a space where various perspectives can be measured and judged, allowing for a deeper understanding of the world.

Q: What is the significance of operational language in Blaser's poetry?

Operational language is a mode of language use for Blaser that goes beyond literal experience. It is a language that is performative, not transparent to the nature of the real. Blaser sees it as a way to articulate experience and make it visible to others.

Q: How do the tapes provide insights into Blaser's exploration of poetry and poetics?

The tapes offer a unique glimpse into Blaser's thought process and his discussions on topics such as astonishment, the space of appearance, and the use of operational language. They provide a deeper understanding of Blaser's approach to poetry and the ideas that shaped his work.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The tapes were recorded in 1974 during 10 evening sessions, where Robin Blaser discussed his life and work in poetry with fellow poets.

• Blaser viewed astonishment not as a passive reaction, but as an active engagement with the unknown and the incomprehensible.

• The tapes provide insights into Blaser's exploration of the space of appearance in poetry and the use of operational language as a means to articulate the real.