Dara Barrois/Dixon, co-editor of “Hell, I Love Everybody: The Essential James Tate,” discusses the process of selecting and editing the book, her personal connection to Tate’s poetry, and the impact of his work on her own writing.
James Tate, the celebrated American poet, left an indelible mark on the literary world with his unique and imaginative verse. In this exclusive interview, Dara Barrois/Dixon, co-editor of “Hell, I Love Everybody: The Essential James Tate,” shares insights into the process of curating Tate’s oeuvre, her personal connection to his work, and the profound influence he had on her own writing.
Discovering the Depth of Tate’s Poetry
Barrois/Dixon reflects on the experience of going through Tate’s entire body of work, finding it both arresting and satisfying. She notes that his dedication to imagination stood out, and she was particularly struck by the beauty of his own readings of his poems for an audiobook project. Barrois/Dixon emphasizes how Tate’s poems evolve over time while maintaining a keen focus on human experiences.
The Authenticity of the Editing Process
When asked about the editing process and the authenticity of staying true to Tate’s vision, Barrois/Dixon emphasizes the impossibility of second-guessing Tate’s choices. She highlights his ability to be unpredictable and unpin-downable, qualities that made his poems and his persona so captivating. Barrois/Dixon emphasizes the importance of embracing the eclectic nature of the book and including a range of quintessential Tate poems.
A Mysterious and Careful Selection Process
Barrois/Dixon, along with co-editors Emily Pettit and Kate Lindroos, describes the meticulous process of selecting poems for the book. They read Tate’s books chronologically, meeting regularly over Zoom to discuss and share poems. The aim was to create a small book of quintessential Tate poems that others would appreciate and enjoy. Barrois/Dixon acknowledges the difficulty of the task, but through multiple rounds and different approaches, they were able to whittle down the selection to the final fifty-two poems.
The Poem that Spoke Directly to Barrois/Dixon
While Barrois/Dixon finds it challenging to single out just one poem that speaks directly to her, she mentions several that have consistently blown her away. She emphasizes the deep connection she feels with all the poems in the book, as they resonate with her on a personal level. However, she does highlight “Uneasy about the Sounds of Some Night-Wandering Animal” as a poem that particularly moved her when she first read it.
The Influence of Tate’s Work on Barrois/Dixon
Barrois/Dixon acknowledges the profound impact Tate’s body of work has had on her own writing. She considers herself fortunate to have had a close engagement with his poems throughout her partnership with Tate. While she defers to her fellow editors’ perspectives on this matter, she believes that engaging with Tate’s work in such a deep and intimate way has shaped her understanding and appreciation of poetry.
Reading and Sharing Poems with Tate
Barrois/Dixon shares the experience of reading her own poems to Tate and vice versa. She describes the anticipation and excitement of hearing Tate read her work, knowing that he would provide honest feedback and never allow her to be boring or dull. Barrois/Dixon believes that this exchange of poems fostered a deep understanding and connection between them.
The Impulse of Poetry in Tate’s Work
Barrois/Dixon reflects on the prevalence of poems about poetry in Tate’s collection. She agrees that many of his poems explore the nature of poetry itself, from “Read the Great Poets” to “Dream On.” Barrois/Dixon suggests that Tate’s deep love for poetry naturally found its way into his work, alongside themes of love, life, death, beauty, and truth.
Disagreements and the Uncanny Truth of Understanding
When asked about disagreements with Tate, Barrois/Dixon admits that it is difficult to pinpoint specific instances. She believes that their connection was built on a shared understanding and agreement on many things. Barrois/Dixon acknowledges the interruption that occurs when someone cannot be with you all the time, but she also emphasizes the power of poetry to bridge gaps and create mutual understanding.
Conclusion:
Dara Barrois/Dixon’s insights into the life and work of James Tate offer a glimpse into the world of a beloved American poet. Through her role as co-editor of “Hell, I Love Everybody: The Essential James Tate,” Barrois/Dixon has delved deep into Tate’s poetry, experiencing its arresting beauty and witnessing its evolution over time. Her personal connection to Tate and their shared love for poetry have shaped her understanding of the genre and influenced her own writing. Tate’s poems continue to resonate with readers, offering a unique blend of imagination, truth, and a touch of the uncanny.
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