Post by tommymc112 on May 31, 2013 16:12:25 GMT -5
Like many other great writers, Matthew Dickman was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth; he had to overcome adversity to achieve success. Growing up in the impoverished district of Lents in Portland, Oregon, his childhood was surrounded by rampant gang violence and drug use. To detail how unreal the struggles were, he described it as the setting of “a musical some rich kid from New York wrote”. With the unwavering support of his strong single mother, Dickman was able to grind his way through school and get a reputable college education at The University of Oregon.
Dickman’s absorption in the opposite sex did not quell when he grew into adulthood; his poetry continues to reflect an unquenchable interest in the physicality of women. His critics are quick to call Dickman perverted because they are unable to see the brilliance behind his work. Proclaimed by Tony Hoagland to be “the epitome of the pleasure principal” Dickman’s poetry captures the sensuality felt by a boy caught in adolescence. From “breasts roaring like two lions” to wanting to “kneel down and pray before the altar of the mouth” Dickman certainly uses his words to paint a provocative image.
Using techniques like this, Dickman makes poetry readable to blue-collar workers of neighborhoods like Lents. After all, Dickman said himself that his audience is not the elite literary scholars, but “people from the community that I come from”. Without a doubt his poetry appeals to a diverse audience, including “the baker who scores his wife’s name into the think skin of the pumpernickel” and the “man who loves tanks so much he wishes he had one to pick op the groceries”. Dickman is so humble with his success and is able to pay respect to the harsh conditions that forced him to put forth his best effort.
More than simply writing erotic poetry, Dickman’s writing speaks to an unlikely audience with their ears perked up and ready to listen. He continues to cast a hook baited with references to “Biggie Smalls” “Tupac” and “Jay Z” into youthful waters, inspiring interest in poetry among the youth. Dickman wants others to share in his love of poetry, the way “Peter Parker…loves saving the world in red and blue tights”. This unfathomable love; the way “AM loves FM,” or the love of a dog “who obviously loves himself with an intensity no human being could sustain”.
Though he is known for his wit and knowledge of pop culture, Dickman as also been blessed with an uncanny ability to make his readers feel. When reading his poetry, it feels as though a “purple gorilla” is beating down your door, leaving you saying “there is no one to save us”. He makes me feel as if it is I who is “holding my brothers ashes,” looking up at the sky, and thinking “about how all the stars in the sky are dead”.
It is only right that such a poet receives accolades to show for his work. Dickman won the 2008 American Poetry Review/Honickman First Book Prize and the following year was awarded the Kate Tufts Discovery Award. His creativity and wit are keeping the art alive and it is truly a blessing that we have him hear today. Please join me in welcoming our 2013 visiting poet Matthew Dickman.
Word Count: 553
Dickman’s absorption in the opposite sex did not quell when he grew into adulthood; his poetry continues to reflect an unquenchable interest in the physicality of women. His critics are quick to call Dickman perverted because they are unable to see the brilliance behind his work. Proclaimed by Tony Hoagland to be “the epitome of the pleasure principal” Dickman’s poetry captures the sensuality felt by a boy caught in adolescence. From “breasts roaring like two lions” to wanting to “kneel down and pray before the altar of the mouth” Dickman certainly uses his words to paint a provocative image.
Using techniques like this, Dickman makes poetry readable to blue-collar workers of neighborhoods like Lents. After all, Dickman said himself that his audience is not the elite literary scholars, but “people from the community that I come from”. Without a doubt his poetry appeals to a diverse audience, including “the baker who scores his wife’s name into the think skin of the pumpernickel” and the “man who loves tanks so much he wishes he had one to pick op the groceries”. Dickman is so humble with his success and is able to pay respect to the harsh conditions that forced him to put forth his best effort.
More than simply writing erotic poetry, Dickman’s writing speaks to an unlikely audience with their ears perked up and ready to listen. He continues to cast a hook baited with references to “Biggie Smalls” “Tupac” and “Jay Z” into youthful waters, inspiring interest in poetry among the youth. Dickman wants others to share in his love of poetry, the way “Peter Parker…loves saving the world in red and blue tights”. This unfathomable love; the way “AM loves FM,” or the love of a dog “who obviously loves himself with an intensity no human being could sustain”.
Though he is known for his wit and knowledge of pop culture, Dickman as also been blessed with an uncanny ability to make his readers feel. When reading his poetry, it feels as though a “purple gorilla” is beating down your door, leaving you saying “there is no one to save us”. He makes me feel as if it is I who is “holding my brothers ashes,” looking up at the sky, and thinking “about how all the stars in the sky are dead”.
It is only right that such a poet receives accolades to show for his work. Dickman won the 2008 American Poetry Review/Honickman First Book Prize and the following year was awarded the Kate Tufts Discovery Award. His creativity and wit are keeping the art alive and it is truly a blessing that we have him hear today. Please join me in welcoming our 2013 visiting poet Matthew Dickman.
Word Count: 553